An inch is an inch is… not an inch?!

We hope you won’t be far into a project before getting an ugly surprise like this!

Truth is, not all measuring tools measure equally.  Some can be the slightest little bit off, others can be marked with lines or markings so thick that there’s variation in what “an inch” really is.  This may not matter sometimes if being a little off isn’t going to show or affect your project. For example, 1/16″ in a 5/8″ seam allowance on a garment may not be the difference between “fits” and “doesn’t fit” (though it does add up if you have a lot of seams!).  But if you need a precise 1/4″ for a perfectly pieced quilt – 1/16″ is BIG!

Sticking with one measuring tool throughout a project will ensure consistent measurements.  We know sometimes that’s just  not realistic, but at least choose the tool that will be your benchmark and check any other rulers, tapes, or measuring devices against it before marking or cutting to see if you need to accommodate any variance.

Do you still have mom’s or grandma’s cloth measuring tape?  We often get requests for a cloth (vs. plastic) tape. The problem with these is that they can stretch over time and not really measure just what they say.  So keep it around with any of her other sewing goodies for sentimental reasons, but invest a small amount in a new tape like the one below which has large easy to read numbers, won’t stretch, fray or fade. Check your hem gauges, grids, rulers and other measuring tools and record any notes about how each of these critical tools may differ vs. your “benchmark’ measuring tool.

Buy it now!