How To Read Body Measurement Tape
Use the correct type of tape measure.
How to read body measurement tape. Uses of a tape measure in sewing. When taking body measurements you need to use the correct type of tape measure. Before we dive into how to read tape measure increments lets go over the lay of the land. If the sizing is off you will have to rework the garment.
With contractor measuring tapes used for measuring large areas you often cannot get a measurement using just the tape as the body or case of the measuring tape gets in the way. Whilst the seasoned professionals amongst you will no doubt be fully aware how to read the various markings on your tape there will be amateurs enthusiasts or those just starting off in their careers who arent yet so knowledgeable. A tape measure is one of the essentials when it comes to sewing. Do not use a metal measuring tape such as is used in construction it will be inaccurate.
You will use a sewing tape measure to take measurements of people for whom you wish to sew clothing. Thats why these bodies are carefully designed and marked to a certain width. Place one end of the tape measure at the fullest part of your bust wrap it around under your armpits around your shoulder blades and back to the front to get the measurement. The humble tape measure is the worlds most commonly used measuring tool accompanying millions of tradesmen and contractors to work every single day.
A tape measure is used primarily for taking body measurements as well as for drafting patterns measuring fabric laying out patterns on fabric specifying the length of a garment checking the size of hems measuring curves and corners measuring curtains quilts and much more. Different types of measuring tapes used in sewing 1 the regular measuring tape. Taking precise measurements with a sewing tape measure is important for the fit of a garment. Belt clip blade lock hook tip or rivit.
Typically a measuring tape for measuring the body is 60 inches long which is about 15 meters 152 cms. You will want to use a soft cloth or flexible plasticrubber tape measure such as is used in sewing. Check out the easy to follow instructions for getting accurate measurements for each body part below. The parts of a tape measure.
The one i like is a dewalt 25 tape measurethere are hashmarks every 116 with longer hashmarks for every 18 14 and 12 increment. For the purposes of this post ill be talking about a good old american imperial measurement tape. You get 120 inch long measuring tapes in shops as well which is useful for measuring those curtains and quilts and other home decor stuff. Look on the case body for the width indicator.