The Best Sewing Measuring Tools You Need
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As a sewer, I am always measuring something. Measuring is something we do a lot and it is an important part of the sewing process. If we don’t measure accurately, we can’t cut accurately and we can’t sew accurately. It affects how the whole garment will turn out in the end.
You need measuring tools!
So today, I’m going to list out all of the best sewing measuring tools that you need to help you measure accurately and quickly.
6 Sewing Measuring Tools that I Use
1. A Sewing Tape
A Sewing tape is one of the very first sewing measuring tools that I would buy if I were just starting my sewing journey. You need to have a measuring tape specifically for sewing, not one of those metal ones that are used for measuring around your home.
A sewers measuring tape is usually made from something flexible and such as cloth, plastic, or fibreglass. It is most commonly used for body measurements and also for measuring fabric.
You can get them by clicking the link below!
Click here to shop sewing measuring tapes!
2. Sliding Gauge
A sliding gauge is another awesome “must have” sewing measuring tool. It makes it marking your fabric a snap! There are so many things I use my sliding gauge for that I could never list them all here. Trust me, you’ll want two or three around. š
Click here to shop the sliding gauge!
3. Curved Ruler
A curved ruler is a measuring tool that is used a lot for pattern drafting or editing. It makes it easy to draw curved lines and make adjustments as needed. I personally use mine for changing neck curves or sleeve curves as needed.
Click here to shop the curved ruler!
4. Clear ruler
A clear ruler is another very handy measuring tool that I use frequently. It can be used for marking straight lines or marking hems etc.
There are so many different uses for the clear ruler. What makes it so convenient is that it is clear (obviously) but, it can be very useful for drawing perfect angles. I use it for cutting out rectangular pattern shapes or drawing on fabric or pattern paper when I need a straight line.
The clear ruler is also used a lot by quilters.
Click here to shop the clear ruler!
5. Cutting Mat with Measurements
Another sewing measuring tool that I have is a cutting mat with measurements. Mine is made for cutting with a rotary cutter but it is also useful for lining up fabric and measuring as needed. I have a large cutting mat as well as a small one that I recently added to my sewing desk for convenience.
Click here to shop the cutting mat!
6. Hem marker
The last of my sewing measuring tools that I use is a hem marker. You can get different versions of this, but basically, it is used for marking hems.
The reason this is different from a plain old ruler or sliding gauge is because it measures the hem from the floor up so that the hem is straight with the floor. Every person has a different body shape with can cause fabric to hang at a different angle on each person even if you have cut it perfectly straight on the table.
The way the hem marker works is, once the skirt (for example) is finished with only the hem left to sew, you will have the person try it on and use the hem marker to mark the hem so that it lines up perfectly even with the floor all the way around the bottom. We don’t measure from the waist down to the hem but instead, from the floor up to the hem.
Click here to shop the hem marker!
If your interested in my Guide to Buying a Sewing Machine in 2024 check it out here!
If you have any more favourite sewing measuring tools that you use, please leave them in the comments below. I always love to know about your favourite tools.
Sewing is a wonderful craft in my opinion. I totally agree that when a sewer don’t measure accurately, they can’t cut accurately. My mom is a sewer too and I have some knowledge about these tools. Awesome recommendations!
Oh that’s wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post and found it informative.
Very helpful information!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed the information in this post. I’m not a person who sews, so this gave me insight into what is needed if I decided to start sewing. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you enjoyed this post! Sewing is a wonderful hobby if you ever decide to get into it! š
Great info and super useful!
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post.
Great list! That sliding gauge looks cool. I don’t sew but hubby can.
It is very useful…. I use it almost every time I sew! š
I did not know there were so many different tools for sewing . No wonder I work in the sets room at the theater my girls perform at !
Haha! Yes, there are a lot of options!
Hello
Enjoy your article I have a few if the sewing supplies you mention, looking forward into getting back into sewing.
That’s so wonderful! I’m sure you’ll be glad you did, I love sewing!
Very clear and helpful! Thank you! š
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed!
Very helpful information! Iām very beginner, I bought a sewing machine last year and I have made a few things for my kids!
I’m so glad to hear, sewing is a lot of fun and even if you just do it for your kids it can be fulfilling to know you made something yourself!