7 Best Cloth Measuring Tapes For Tailoring Knits
Choosing the right tape for knits is vital. We review 7 top measuring tapes that ensure precision and prevent fabric stretching for your tailoring projects.
Achieving the perfect fit in a hand-knitted garment begins long before you pick up your needles; it starts with an accurate measurement. While many beginners rely on standard hard rulers, those of us who have spent years at the craft know that a soft, flexible tape is the only way to capture the true drape of a sweater. Choosing the right tool ensures your hard work doesn’t end in a garment that is either too baggy or impossibly tight. Here are the top seven measuring tapes that deserve a spot in your knitting bag.
Hemline Retractable Tape: Best Overall Choice
When you are mid-row on a complex cable pattern, you don’t want to be fumbling with a long, tangled tape measure. The Hemline Retractable Tape is a masterclass in convenience, snapping back into its compact case with the simple press of a button.
For the knitter who travels to workshops or knits on the bus, this tool is indispensable. It stays clean, protected from snagging on your yarn, and keeps your project bag organized.
Because it is housed in a durable plastic shell, it doesn’t suffer from the "frayed edge" syndrome that plagues loose tapes. Bottom line: This is the most reliable, long-term investment for a knitter who values efficiency.
Singer Professional Vinyl Measuring Tape
Sometimes, the old-school approach is the most reliable. The Singer Professional Vinyl tape is a classic for a reason—it is made from a non-stretch material that resists the warping often found in cheaper, thinner plastics.
If you are blocking a large, heavy wool sweater, you need a tape that won’t distort under the weight of the damp fabric. This tape lies perfectly flat against the garment, allowing you to measure your length without the tape curling or twisting.
While it lacks the retractable mechanism, its durability is unmatched. If you frequently work with heavy, high-ply yarns that require precise measurements during the wet-blocking process, this is your best friend.
Dritz Ezy-Check Tailoring Tape Measure
Precision is the hallmark of a seasoned maker, and the Dritz Ezy-Check is designed specifically for those who obsess over their gauge. It features a unique color-coded system that helps you quickly identify measurements without squinting at tiny hash marks.
This is particularly helpful when you are measuring the armscye of a cardigan or the gusset of a sock. When your eyes are tired from working with dark-colored mohair, these high-contrast markings are a literal lifesaver.
Don’t let the "tailoring" label fool you; this tape is perfectly suited for the unique demands of knitwear. It excels at providing clear, readable data when you are trying to calculate decreases for a complex sleeve cap.
Clover 150cm Soft Flexible Measuring Tape
Clover is a brand that understands the ergonomics of crafting, and their 150cm tape is exceptionally soft to the touch. It feels more like fabric than plastic, which is vital when measuring delicate lace projects.
If you are measuring a fragile silk or alpaca shawl, you want a tape that won’t catch or pull on the delicate fibers. The Clover tape is smooth and supple, contouring to the shape of your knitting without forcing the fabric to stretch.
It is a gentle tool for gentle fibers. If you are a lace knitter, prioritize this tape to ensure you aren’t inadvertently distorting your stitches while checking your progress.
Fiskars 60-Inch Soft Tape for Knitters
Fiskars has long been a staple in the sewing room, and their 60-inch soft tape brings that same precision to the knitting table. It is wide enough to stay in place while you pin your knitting to a blocking board, but flexible enough to wrap around a rounded neckline.
One of the most common mistakes knitters make is measuring their work while it is held vertically, which stretches the fabric. Because this tape is lightweight, it allows you to measure your work while it is laying flat, providing a much more accurate representation of the finished size.
The markings are crisp and fade-resistant, even after years of use. It is a solid, no-nonsense tool that provides consistent results every time you check your row counts.
HiyaHiya Retractable Knitting Tape Measure
HiyaHiya is a brand beloved by knitters for their high-quality needles, and their retractable tape measure is designed with the same attention to detail. It is small, lightweight, and features a smooth retraction mechanism that rarely jams.
What sets this tape apart is the inclusion of both imperial and metric measurements on the same side. This is essential for those of us who follow both international patterns and local designs.
No more switching between two different tapes or doing mental conversions while you are trying to focus on your tension. It is the ultimate tool for the modern, global knitter.
Wescott Flexible Tailoring Tape for Knits
The Wescott tape offers a slightly higher level of rigidity than the others, which is actually a benefit when measuring long, straight sections like the hem of a sweater. It provides just enough "backbone" to keep the measurement straight across the fabric.
If you struggle with tape measures that are too flimsy, this will provide the stability you need. It is particularly useful for measuring the length of a long-line cardigan or a floor-length dress.
While it isn’t as "drapable" as the Clover, it is incredibly accurate for structural measurements. Choose this if you prefer a tape that holds its shape during the measurement process.
Why Soft Tapes Are Essential for Knitwear
Knitted fabric is inherently dynamic; it stretches, compresses, and drapes in ways that woven fabric simply does not. A rigid metal tape measure will force your knitting into a straight line, which will lead to inaccurate measurements and a garment that doesn’t fit the body.
A soft, flexible tape allows you to measure the garment as it will actually hang on the wearer. It follows the curves of the body and the drape of the yarn, giving you a true reading of your progress.
Always remember that your knitting is a living thing. Using a soft tape is the only way to respect the elasticity of your stitches and ensure your finished project fits exactly as intended.
How to Measure Garment Ease for Better Fits
Ease is the difference between your body measurements and the finished garment measurements, and it is the secret to a professional-looking knit. When measuring your work, you must account for whether you want a "negative ease" (like a fitted sock) or "positive ease" (like a cozy, oversized sweater).
Use your soft tape to measure the circumference of your work while it is resting flat on a table. If you are measuring a sweater, gently stretch the tape across the chest, but do not pull the fabric itself.
The goal is to measure the resting state of the garment. If you pull the fabric, you will get a measurement that is too large, leading to a garment that ends up feeling like a tent once it is worn.
Proper Care to Prevent Tape Measure Stretch
Even the best tape measure can stretch over time, especially if it is made of vinyl or plastic. To prevent this, never store your tape measure wound tightly around a spool or pinched in a tight knot.
Keep your tape in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as heat can cause the material to warp and lose its accuracy. Periodically check your tape against a standard metal ruler to ensure the markings haven’t shifted.
If you notice that your tape is showing a different measurement than your ruler, it is time to replace it. A few dollars for a new tape is a small price to pay to save a project that took you fifty hours to knit.
Investing in a high-quality soft tape measure is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the quality of your finished hand-knits. By choosing a tool that respects the elasticity of your yarn and provides clear, accurate readings, you eliminate much of the guesswork that leads to ill-fitting garments. Take the time to select a tape that feels right in your hands, and your future projects will thank you. Happy knitting, and may all your measurements lead to the perfect fit.
