Measuring Tools
Different rulers have different functions. Some are obviously used for measuring, but some are used for cutting with a rotary cutter. Some have grids and some are for marking hems. These are the rulers I use most and the situations in which I use them:
1. Seam Gauge: This is a handy-dandy 6″ ruler that comes in most starter sewing kits. It’s nice because it’s small and light and perfect for keeping right by your sewing machine to check seams, mark hems, darts, etc. The little slider on it holds your place for easy hem or line marking. I have about 5 of these because one is never where you want it (usually underneath some other part of the project).
2. Soft Tape Measure: These standard sewing tape measures also come in most sewing kits and I probably have 6 in use all over the sewing room so one is always in easy reach. Use for measuring bodies, patterns, just about anything!
3. Retractable Tape Measure: These are extra handy because they take up less space and they're neat because they retract. I’ve taken to carrying one in my purse and it’s come in handy for measuring furniture, table lamps, boxes, etc. I also love them because they come in all kinds of cute forms (like the chicken one with an egg for the tape pull). (They’re a cute gift idea for any seamstress in your life!)
4. Rotary Cutting Ruler: Until I started quilting, I never owned or used these, but now, I use them for everything. I have 2 each of the sizes pictured (6″ x 12″ and 3″ x 18″) and more sizes to boot. I use these for precise measuring and cutting on lots of craft projects. These rulers are thick enough to stand up to not being cut by the rotary blade, and their grid and varying sizes make them great for marking anything from hems to tote bag pocket placement. (I also used a larger one for cutting planks when installing our new vinyl floor.)
5. See-Thru or C-Thru Gridded Ruler: I’m not sure of the real name for these, though I have a few brands (I think C-Thru is a brand). They’re usually 2″ x 18″ (though I also have a 2″ x 12″) and can be found in the sewing notions department as well as the fine art department. Besides seam gauges and regular soft tape measures, I’ve been using these the longest. They have an 1/8″ grid, with 1/2″ and 1″ marks, and the outer edge shows 16ths. Some even have holes running at 1″ intervals down the center for centering and drawing circles and scallops. These rulers aren’t as thick as rotary cutting rulers and are pretty flexible, making them useful for measuring curves. I use these for marking fabric as well as for drafting and marking patterns. They’re excellent for any drawing you may need to do and were an all-around staple in fashion school. (I think I have 4 of these rulers throughout the house…I use them for papercrafting as well!)
6. Dritz Ezy-Hem: This one I’ve only been using for about 2 years, but I love it. It’s an aluminum (or some kind of metal) ruler and guage that can be used for sharp creases while pressing. I only pictured the front above, but the back (pictured here) is also full of lines for pressing hems.
1. Seam Gauge: This is a handy-dandy 6″ ruler that comes in most starter sewing kits. It’s nice because it’s small and light and perfect for keeping right by your sewing machine to check seams, mark hems, darts, etc. The little slider on it holds your place for easy hem or line marking. I have about 5 of these because one is never where you want it (usually underneath some other part of the project).
2. Soft Tape Measure: These standard sewing tape measures also come in most sewing kits and I probably have 6 in use all over the sewing room so one is always in easy reach. Use for measuring bodies, patterns, just about anything!
3. Retractable Tape Measure: These are extra handy because they take up less space and they're neat because they retract. I’ve taken to carrying one in my purse and it’s come in handy for measuring furniture, table lamps, boxes, etc. I also love them because they come in all kinds of cute forms (like the chicken one with an egg for the tape pull). (They’re a cute gift idea for any seamstress in your life!)
4. Rotary Cutting Ruler: Until I started quilting, I never owned or used these, but now, I use them for everything. I have 2 each of the sizes pictured (6″ x 12″ and 3″ x 18″) and more sizes to boot. I use these for precise measuring and cutting on lots of craft projects. These rulers are thick enough to stand up to not being cut by the rotary blade, and their grid and varying sizes make them great for marking anything from hems to tote bag pocket placement. (I also used a larger one for cutting planks when installing our new vinyl floor.)
5. See-Thru or C-Thru Gridded Ruler: I’m not sure of the real name for these, though I have a few brands (I think C-Thru is a brand). They’re usually 2″ x 18″ (though I also have a 2″ x 12″) and can be found in the sewing notions department as well as the fine art department. Besides seam gauges and regular soft tape measures, I’ve been using these the longest. They have an 1/8″ grid, with 1/2″ and 1″ marks, and the outer edge shows 16ths. Some even have holes running at 1″ intervals down the center for centering and drawing circles and scallops. These rulers aren’t as thick as rotary cutting rulers and are pretty flexible, making them useful for measuring curves. I use these for marking fabric as well as for drafting and marking patterns. They’re excellent for any drawing you may need to do and were an all-around staple in fashion school. (I think I have 4 of these rulers throughout the house…I use them for papercrafting as well!)
6. Dritz Ezy-Hem: This one I’ve only been using for about 2 years, but I love it. It’s an aluminum (or some kind of metal) ruler and guage that can be used for sharp creases while pressing. I only pictured the front above, but the back (pictured here) is also full of lines for pressing hems.