7 Best Measuring Tapes For Sewing Notions To Own
Precision is key in sewing. Discover the 7 best measuring tapes for your notions, featuring top picks for accuracy, durability, and ease of use in every project.
Every seasoned knitter knows that a project is only as good as the measurements behind it. While we obsess over needle material and yarn ply, the humble measuring tape remains the silent anchor of our craft. Choosing the right tool ensures your gauge swatch translates perfectly into a sweater that actually fits. Here are the top seven measuring tapes to help you achieve professional results in your knitting room.
Dritz Ezy-Read Tape: Best Overall For Knitters
The Dritz Ezy-Read tape is a staple for a reason: it features large, high-contrast numbers that are easy to read even in low-light knitting circles. When you are counting rows or measuring the length of a sleeve before starting your decreases, you don’t want to squint at tiny, faded markings.
This tape is exceptionally flexible, allowing it to drape over your shoulders or around a sweater body without fighting the fabric. It avoids the stiff, plastic-like feel that causes some tapes to kink or distort your measurements.
If you are working on a complex garment where every half-inch counts, this tool provides the consistency you need. It is the reliable workhorse that belongs in every project bag.
Singer Retractable Tape: Best For Travel Use
If you frequently take your knitting on the go, a retractable tape is a lifesaver for keeping your notions pouch organized. The Singer Retractable Tape keeps the ribbon protected inside a compact housing, preventing it from tangling with your circular needles or snags on your yarn.
The push-button mechanism is smooth, which is vital when you are trying to measure a project while holding your needles in your lap. It saves you the frustration of wrestling with a loose, floppy strip of vinyl while trying to maintain your stitch count.
However, be mindful that the internal spring can eventually lose tension over years of heavy use. It is a convenience-first tool that prioritizes portability over long-term industrial durability.
Hemline Tailor’s Tape: Best For Precise Fitting
When you are knitting a fitted top or a custom-sized sock, precision is non-negotiable. The Hemline Tailor’s Tape is designed with a non-stretch material, which is critical because even a millimeter of "stretch" in your tape can lead to a garment that is either too baggy or uncomfortably tight.
This tape is often preferred by those who do a lot of garment construction because it feels substantial in the hand. It doesn’t flutter in the breeze, making it easier to hold against a sweater while you check your row gauge.
For those working with luxury fibers like silk or alpaca, which can be prone to stretching during the blocking process, having a non-stretch tape ensures your measurements remain grounded in reality. It is the tool of choice for the meticulous maker.
Clover 150cm Tape: Best For Durability And Feel
Clover products are legendary in the knitting world for their thoughtful design, and their measuring tape is no exception. It features a soft, matte finish that feels premium and resists the "stickiness" that develops on cheaper plastic tapes over time.
The material is thick enough to resist tearing but flexible enough to contour around a curved neckline or a rounded heel turn in a sock. It strikes a balance between rigidity and comfort that is hard to find in generic store-brand versions.
If you are a knitter who keeps the same tools for decades, this is an investment worth making. It feels like an extension of your hands rather than a piece of office supply equipment.
Fiskars 60-Inch Tape: Best Value For Beginners
Fiskars offers a straightforward, no-nonsense tape that is perfect for those just starting their knitting journey. It is affordable, easy to find, and provides accurate, standard imperial and metric markings for all your basic needs.
This is an excellent "starter" tape to keep at your primary knitting station. It is durable enough to withstand the inevitable spills of tea or loose bits of yarn fluff that accumulate in a beginner’s workspace.
While it may not have the luxury feel of higher-end brands, it performs the essential task of measuring gauge swatches and body dimensions perfectly. It’s a reliable tool that leaves you more budget for high-quality wool.
Wescott Flexible Tape: Best For Curved Projects
Knitting isn’t always about straight lines, especially when you are shaping armholes or knitting circular yokes. The Wescott Flexible Tape is designed to bend and conform to complex shapes without fighting against the natural drape of your fabric.
Because it is exceptionally pliable, it is perfect for measuring the circumference of a hat or the depth of a deep V-neck. It won’t stand up on its own, which means it follows the curve of your work exactly as the fabric would sit on the body.
If you struggle with measuring rounded edges, this tape removes the guesswork. It is a specialized tool that makes complex shaping feel much more manageable.
Collins Sewing Tape: Best For Measuring Swatches
The Collins tape is often favored by knitters who spend a lot of time at the blocking board. When you are measuring a wet-blocked swatch, you need a tape that lies completely flat and doesn’t curl at the edges.
This tape is thin and lightweight, which prevents it from weighing down your swatch and distorting the stitch pattern while you measure. It provides a clean, clear view of your stitches per inch, which is essential for calculating your final pattern adjustments.
It is a simple, effective tool that does exactly what you need it to do without unnecessary bells and whistles. It is the perfect companion for your gauge-swatching routine.
Why Precision Matters In Your Knitting Notions
Precision in knitting is the difference between a garment you wear every day and one that stays in the bottom of your drawer. Even a small error in your gauge calculation, when multiplied across a hundred stitches, can result in a sweater that is inches too large.
Using a high-quality measuring tape ensures that your "4 inches" is actually 4 inches. If your tape is stretched out or poorly marked, your gauge swatch will mislead you, leading to an incorrect conversion from your pattern instructions.
Always measure your swatch in the same environment and with the same tool to ensure consistency. When you trust your measurements, you can knit with confidence, knowing your final project will fit as intended.
Vinyl vs. Cloth: Choosing The Right Material
Most modern measuring tapes are made of vinyl or a fiberglass-reinforced material. Vinyl is excellent because it is moisture-resistant; if you accidentally spill water on your tape while blocking a project, it won’t warp or shrink.
Cloth tapes, while traditional, are prone to shrinking over time and can be difficult to clean. However, some knitters prefer the "hand" of a cloth tape because it feels warmer and more organic against the skin.
For the modern knitter, a reinforced vinyl tape is generally the superior choice for longevity and accuracy. It won’t lose its shape, ensuring your measurements stay true for years to come.
How To Maintain Your Tape For Accurate Results
To keep your tape accurate, avoid folding it tightly or storing it in a way that creates permanent creases. A creased tape will eventually crack at the fold, which can cause the markings to misalign or become unreadable.
Instead, roll your tape loosely and store it in a dedicated notions tin or a small pouch. Keeping it away from direct heat sources, like a radiator or a sunny windowsill, will also prevent the material from becoming brittle or stretching over time.
Finally, check your tape against a metal ruler once a year to ensure it hasn’t stretched. If you notice the markings are off by even a millimeter, it is time to replace it; your hard work on that intricate lace shawl deserves nothing less than perfect accuracy.
Investing in a quality measuring tape is a small but vital step in elevating your knitting practice. By choosing a tool that suits your specific project needs and maintaining it with care, you ensure that your tension and sizing remain consistent. Whether you are a beginner or a master, let these tools be the reliable foundation for your next handmade masterpiece.
