All about reading the tape measure

In my teens I dreaded the tape measure – It represented all the guilt at eating those extra chocolates after the second helping or was it the third. When I gained weight in my 20s I threw away the tape measure. Then I discovered sewing.

Tape measure has been a constant companion since then. Actually tape measures in the plural; because I have atleast 4 of them in different rooms. One of them tucked away in  a deep drawer ready for the contingency situation when all other 3 are missing.

When I started to sew and for a long time afterwards I just knew the main marks in the tape measure. A sewing friend then taught me the rest. Something as basic as this should be taught in the school rather than some other nonsense that I learned in school, which I never found a use afterwards. In this age of laser measuring tapes , electronic tape measures and measuring tape apps , and easy paper patterns one (the husband) may wonder at the  use of the ordinary tape measures. But for me it is one of the most useful and necessary sewing tool.

As I understand it there are two types of tape measurements – metric measurements and imperial measurements
Metric measurement markings represent measurements in centimeters and millimeters and meters. 
Imperial measurement markings represent measurements in inches and feet and fractions of inches.

The numbers given represent the whole centimeters and the small lines in between the centimeter lines are the millimeters. 10 millimeters make up one centimeter and 100 centimeters equals one meter.

Scientists use the metric system but when measuring the body most people use the imperial system ie inches. 36-24-26 is not in centimeter as you know; they are in inches and the anathema of millions of differently endowed girls.

Different types of measuring tapes used in sewing

1 The regular measuring tape

Typically a measuring tape for measuring the body is 60 inches long which is about 1.5 meters (152 cms). You get 120 inch long measuring tapes in shops as well, which is useful for measuring those curtains and quilts and other home decor stuff.

My measuring tape comes with a right and wrong end ( with one end stiff with a metal plate)  but there are simple ones available with both ends ready to measure. 

My measuring tape has metric and imperial measures placed on top and bottom. On the other side of the tape only imperial system is given.

The measurements are given as 1/8th of an inch ie one inch is divided into 8 parts. Sometimes measurement markings representing  1/16th of an inch are also given. Tape measures and rulers used in construction and design works usually have markings with 1/32 of an inch.

The main middle marking inside the inch represent 1/2 inch ( Half inch)

The next small markings represent 1/4 of an inch ( Quarter inch) & 3/4  of an inch ( three fourth inch)

The next small markings represent 1/8, 3/8, 5/8 and 7/8 of an inch ( eighth’s of an inch)

Inch to millimeter conversion Reference List.

12 inches make a foot. One inch is equal to 2.5 cms or 25 mms.

You use simple maths which you studied (did you ? or slept like me) in school to add the fraction when you have to ; to put it simply 1/4 + 1/4 is 1/2 (ha). To add unequal fractions you have to make the denominator equal and then add. Let me run before I start teaching gibberish.

When you are using the tape with the metric system or the imperial system just ensure you are measuring from the zero line

Have you realized that the tape measure that you have been using for years may not be accurate – it may have stretched out of  correct measures. You can replace it for a new one every now and then or choose a fiberglass one which is guaranteed to be non-stretchy. 

Measuring is very important when making a dress. There is a very often said adage about measuring – measure twice and cut once – very forgettable I would think remembering all the occasions when I have forgotten this one saying – when that expensive fabric was cut a little too short because I didn’t measure twice

2. Cutter practical guide tape

This is a kind of measuring tape with elastic tape and other tapes attached to a piece of plastic. 

3. Trouser Tape

This is a tape measure with a curved thing on top which is helpful in measuring inseam length when measuring for making pants. This ruler measures 45 inches in length (114 cms)

4 Drawing rulers

The big meter scale available in wood, plastic or metal can be very useful in drawing the long seam line etc. A smaller Foot rule (scale) measures 12 inches in length and is usually made of plastic wood or steel. This is useful when you have to measure seams, small tucks, pleats etc

L square is a scale which is made like the capital letter L. This is great for measuring corners as it gives an accurate 90 degree marking. One side ( the long side) will be 24 inches long and the other side 12 inches.