Using a Tape Measure and other measuring tools to help you in your sewing projects

You will need a flexible tape measure for many things. The number one reason to have one is to take your measurements so as to buy the right size pattern.

A tape measure is also necessary to measure the pattern on the fabric to make sure it is on the straight of the grain. This is a very important step in laying a pattern onto fabric because, if the pattern isn't exactly straight on the grain, the garment will not hang straight and it won't fit properly.

On most of the pattern pieces, there is a line with arrows on each end. This line is the guide line to make sure the pattern is straight on the fabric..."on the straight of the grain" in the fabric.

You can see in the picture that I measured the line with the arrow on the pattern to the edge of the fabric. Make sure you pin the pattern down at that end of the arrow so the pattern won't move. Now, you do the same thing at the other end of the line. Make sure the measurement at both ends of the line measure exactly the same. Pin that end in place. You now have the pattern on the straight of the grain.

  One of my favorie tools is a slide guage.  This is a ruler that has a slide mechanism in the middle that keeps the measurement the same until you're finished with your project.  Unlike using a ruler where you have to remember the measurement, once the slide guage is preset, you just use it until you're done with what ever you're doing.  It's very convenient.