7 Best Measuring Tapes For Blanket Dimensions To Own
Selecting the right measuring tape ensures perfect blanket sizing. Discover our top seven picks for accuracy, durability, and ease during your next project.
Measuring a finished blanket might seem like a simple task, but the weight of the fabric often distorts the true dimensions. Whether you are blocking a delicate lace afghan or measuring a heavy wool throw, the right tool prevents the dreaded "stretched-out" measurement. Achieving professional results requires more than just a ruler; it demands tools designed to handle the unique drape of fiber arts. Here are seven measuring tapes that will help you ensure your next blanket project hits the perfect size every time.
The Clover Retractable Tape: Best Overall Choice
The Clover retractable tape is a staple in my knitting bag for a reason: it is consistently reliable and incredibly compact. The push-button retraction mechanism is smooth, meaning you won’t be wrestling with a tangled tape when your hands are already full of yarn.
For blanket makers, the dual-sided markings are a game changer. One side features centimeters and the other inches, allowing you to switch between patterns from different international designers without reaching for a conversion chart.
The tape itself is made of a soft, non-stretch vinyl that resists the curling common in cheaper plastic versions. It’s the perfect companion for quick spot-checks while the blanket is still on the needles.
Singer Professional 120-Inch Tailor Tape Measure
When you are working on a king-sized blanket, standard 60-inch tapes simply fall short. You end up having to "leapfrog" the tape across the fabric, which is a recipe for cumulative measurement errors.
The Singer 120-inch tape eliminates this frustration by providing enough length to measure the entire span of a large project in one go. Because it is a traditional tailor’s tape, it lies perfectly flat against the surface of the blanket.
It is particularly useful when you are blocking a large project on the floor. You can lay it out and keep it in place, ensuring your corners are square without having to move the tape repeatedly.
Hemline Fiberglass Tape: Best for Large Blankets
Fiberglass tapes are significantly more durable than their vinyl counterparts, especially when you are dealing with the abrasive nature of some wool fibers. The Hemline version is reinforced, meaning it won’t stretch out over time—a critical factor for long-term project accuracy.
If you are working with heavy, superwash wool that tends to grow when wet, you need a tape that won’t give an inch. This tape offers high dimensional stability, ensuring that what you measure is exactly what you get.
It’s a bit stiffer than a soft sewing tape, which actually helps when you are trying to measure a straight edge across a large, floppy piece of knitting. It holds its shape, making it easier to read the numbers without needing a second pair of hands.
Dritz Ezy-Check Measuring Tape for Accuracy
The Dritz Ezy-Check is designed specifically for those who struggle with reading tiny increments on a standard tape. It features large, high-contrast numbers that are easy to spot from a distance.
This is especially helpful when you are pinning a blanket to blocking mats and need to check your dimensions from a standing position. You won’t have to lean over and strain your back just to see if your border is straight.
It also includes a unique "Ezy-Check" feature that highlights specific increments, which is brilliant for checking your gauge or the width of a repeating motif. It turns a tedious task into a quick, visual confirmation.
Fiskars Soft Grip Retractable Tape Measure
Fiskars is known for ergonomics, and this tape is no exception. It features a soft-grip exterior that feels secure in the hand, even if you’ve been knitting for hours and your hands are feeling a bit tired or stiff.
The retraction mechanism is exceptionally snappy, but it also has a locking feature that holds the tape at your desired length. This is vital when you need to keep a measurement set while you adjust a corner of your blanket.
The tape itself is very flexible, making it ideal for measuring the drape of a blanket over the back of a sofa. It conforms to the shape of the knit without distorting the stitches.
Prym Ergonomic Tape: Best for Easy Handling
The Prym Ergonomic tape stands out because of its unique, rounded housing that fits naturally into the palm of your hand. If you have any issues with grip strength or arthritis, this design is far more comfortable than the standard flat, circular cases.
The tape pulls out and retracts with minimal resistance, which is a huge relief when you are measuring multiple points on a large blanket. It’s a tool that respects the physical reality of a long day in the studio.
The markings are printed clearly on a high-quality, non-yellowing material. It’s a simple, elegant tool that just works, allowing you to focus on the fiber rather than the measurement process.
Westcott Flexible Sewing Tape for Blanket Edges
Sometimes you need to measure a curved edge or a scalloped border on a blanket, and a rigid or thick tape just won’t cut it. The Westcott flexible tape is incredibly thin and pliable, allowing it to hug the contours of your work.
Because it is so thin, it doesn’t create "tents" or gaps when you lay it across your knitting. This ensures that you are measuring the actual length of the fabric, not the distance between two points over a bump.
It is a great choice for finishing work, especially when you are calculating the length of fringe or ribbon you need to add to the edges. It’s an inexpensive, high-utility tool that deserves a spot in every knitter’s notions bag.
Why Accurate Measuring Matters for Blanket Projects
Blankets are massive time investments, and there is nothing more disheartening than finishing a project only to find it is too small or uneven. Measuring throughout the process—not just at the end—allows you to catch gauge issues early.
- Blocking: Accurate measurements tell you how much "ease" or stretch you need to apply during the blocking process.
- Yarn Management: Knowing the exact dimensions helps you estimate if you have enough yarn remaining to finish a border or bind-off.
- Uniformity: Consistent measuring ensures that your blocks or panels align perfectly during assembly.
How to Measure Large Knits Without Stretching Yarn
The golden rule of measuring knits is to never pull the tape taut. If you stretch the tape, you’ll stretch the fabric, giving you a false sense of security about your project’s size.
Instead, lay your blanket flat on a blocking mat or a clean, hard floor. Let the fabric settle for a few minutes before you even pick up the tape; this allows the tension from your needles to release.
When measuring, place the tape gently on top of the fabric. If the blanket is particularly heavy, consider measuring it in sections and adding them up, rather than trying to measure the entire length at once, which can cause the center of the blanket to sag and distort.
Essential Features to Look for in Measuring Tapes
When shopping for a new tape, prioritize functionality over aesthetics. You want a tool that will last through years of projects, not one that breaks after the first few uses.
- Non-stretch material: Fiberglass or high-quality vinyl is essential to prevent measurement drift.
- Dual-sided markings: Having both imperial and metric systems saves time and prevents errors.
- High-contrast print: Ensure the numbers are dark and the background is light for easy reading.
- Retraction mechanism: A reliable lock or retraction button saves time and keeps your notions bag organized.
Investing in a quality measuring tape is one of the smallest but most impactful upgrades you can make for your knitting practice. By choosing a tool that fits your specific needs—whether it’s for extra length, ease of handling, or superior accuracy—you take the guesswork out of your finished projects. Remember, the goal is to measure the fabric as it exists, not as you hope it to be. With these tools in your kit, your blankets will be as perfectly sized as they are beautiful.
