How to Choose Measuring Gauges for Sewing Projects

Having the correct tool makes any hobby more enjoyable. There are several types of measuring tapes and gauges that can make your sewing project much easier. Here are some tips to help you choose the correct tool to help you accomplish your sewing task.

It is important to be able to measure accurately when you are sewing. The garment will not fit right if the measurements are not correct. Or, if you are sewing a craft project, you still need to be able to measure correctly to finish the project successfully.

If you have wooden or plastic ruler that have nicks or the markings are fading, you should get rid of them. You should do the same with metal gauges that are bent and cloth tapes that have frayed or stretched. It is advisable to avoid cloth measuring tapes completely. It is so easy for them to stretch and give you inaccurate measurements.

It is advisable to use plastic tape measures. They will not stretch like cloth tapes will. You can use the plastic tape measures to take body measurements and also for craft sewing project.

If you plan to alter patterns or need to draw straight lines, the most recommended measuring tool is an acrylic ruler. It will work better because you are able to see through it. This will help you measure more quickly and accurately. An acrylic ruler can also be used for using a rotary cutter when a straight edge is needed.

A measuring gauge is so useful that once you start using it you will wonder how you ever got along with it. These are especially useful when pressing under seam allowances or hems. The gauge is a 6 inch metal ruler with a sliding tab. There is variation of this measuring device that has a shorter sliding ruler, instead of a tab. These are for spacing and marking buttonholes. Both of these gauges are very useful.

There are several other types of measuring devices you may find useful. These usually have more specific purposes. There are standard and complex French curves, flexible curves, and set squares. They are used mostly for drawing sewing patterns. These measuring devices are also very handy if you need to alter patterns. It is doubtful that you will need these, however, unless you are creating or alter sewing patterns.

Sewing can be a wonderfully fulfilling hobby. Having the correct tools handy makes any hobby much more fun. Hopefully, this information will make it easier for you to decide what type of measuring tape or gauge you need to complete your sewing project.

SOURCE

Detrixhe, Sandra. "The Everything Sewing Book". 2004. F&W Publications, Inc. Avon, MA, USA.