Sometimes 60-inch-long measuring tapes seem like more trouble than they’re worth. They get in the way and end up tangled in your sewing. But there’s a better way.
Robin Peabody from Naperville, Illinois, came up with this idea. Robin intentionally cuts her tape in two. If you’re going to do this on purpose, cut one piece 36 inches long to have a full yard, and use the other 24-inch piece for smaller measuring tasks.
She still uses one piece when measuring pattern pieces but discovered the second half works really well in her knitting bag. This way, it is more convenient to tote around. In fact, there are many times when a 60-inch standard tape measure just isn’t necessary.
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My biggest issue is a measuring tape that is printed exactly the same on both sides. I prefer to use a tape that starts with "1" on the top side, then ends with "60" on the bottom. Then it doesn't matter which end I pick up, I will always have a "1" with which to start measuring.
Re: Cutting measuring tape in two.
Your tapes must start with 1 inch at the other end on the other side. I have been looking for those tapes for years. All I can find is the one starting at the same end.
If you can please tell me where to get tapes like yours.
I use retractable tape measures. Love them! I found one that has a carabenier hook on one end, it is so useful! Another one has metal rings so I can hook it to anything as well, I keep it in my purse. When I'm done using them I just pull a lil harder & they retract all the way back into their housing. I can pull out just a certain amount & stop or pull again & get more. They r so convenient & have inches on one side & metric on the other.