Following the previous post on sewing tools for beginners, let's chat about measuring tools.
Measuring tools in sewing are very important for the perfect fit and shape of any garment and even home furnishing. Even as a beginner, you will need to measure seam allowances, hems and other markings. Some instructions of patterns or projects might only give you the measurements for a rectangular piece so you will need to be able to measure that out.
The list of measuring tools in sewing isn't too long but you don't need all these tools in your sewing kit right away. So I have broken into beginner and intermediate tools to make it easier for you to set up your sewing kit.
So what are these measuring tools and how do they help?
THE TOP 9 MEASURING TOOLS IN SEWING ARE:
Measuring Tape
Clear ruler
Quilting ruler
Sewing gauge
Yardstick
French curve
Flexible curved ruler
Tailors L square
Curved runner
TOOLS FOR BEGINNERS
If you are a beginner setting up your sewing room, these are the 3 essentials that I use most sewing days.
Measuring Tape
Clear ruler
Quilting ruler – Just get one smaller one around 14 inches (35.5cm)
The rest you can purchase as you expand your sewing skills and start sewing more regularly.
INTERMEDIATE SEWING MEASURING TOOLS INCLUDE:
Yardstick
Sewing gauge
French curve
Curved ruler
L square
Curve runner
MEASURING TOOLS IN SEWING – BEGINNER
THE MEASURING TAPE
The tape measure is a standard measuring tool that every sewist should have in their sewing kit. You will find that you will use it not just for sewing, but for all kinds of home measuring projects.
When measuring your body for sewing clothes, a tape measure is essential for taking your bust, waist, hips and many other measurements that allow you to create the perfect fit.
Invest in a good flexible tape measure with standard measurements in both inches and centimetres. Having both imperial and metric measurements helps broaden your sewing horizon by allowing you to purchase sewing patterns from various countries.
Keep in mind that tape measures can stretch out of shape over time meaning your measurements won't be accurate, be sure to check this and replace if necessary.
A good length for a tape measure is 60 inches (150cm) and the numerals need to be clearly marked and easy to read. I like the retractable sewing tape measures as the case prevents it from getting tangled.
A CLEAR RULER
Measuring tools in sewing must include a ruler made of clear plastic. The length can vary, but 12 inches (30cm) or 18 inches (45cm) is a good length for dressmaking and pattern measuring. You can find these in the stationery section (or steal it from your kids pencil case).
The clear ruler is used for
measuring straight lines