Measuring Tools for Clothing Construction

MEASURING TOOLS

A perfect measurement is needed to con-struct a well fitted garment. The measur-ing tools help to note the distance between two points in the human body which is needed for pattern making and in draw-ing the paper pattern. The most import-ant measuring tools are measuring tape, meter scale and ruler (Figure 6.1).

Measuring Tape

A measuring tape commonly known as inch tape is a plastic or narrow ribbon like cloth structure with marking of measure-ment. It can be called a flexible ruler. It has a long metal on one side and a short curved metal on other side to hold the tape firmly. 

The measuring tape has a marking of 60 inches on one side and 150 cm on the other side. It is used for taking body measurements and for drawing patterns on paper and fabric.

Meter Scale

Meter scale is a wooden, plastic, or steel with thin narrow strip marked in inches and centimeters on either sides. It is used to draw paper pattern and to mark pattern on fabrics. It is also used in marking the length of the fabric and samples.

Ruler

Ruler is also known as scale or foot ruler. It is a plastic, wooden or metal strip which is marked at regular intervals. Normally the marking are marked in inches on one side and centimeters on the other side. It is used to draw straight line. In dress making it is used for marking the garment shapes like tucks, hems, to draw lines and to mark points.