Tiggersmom

I have seen several tut's.........some say the pregnant side of the measuring tape goes to the outside of the bag, and others say its the opposite.

I made a bag in class with the 'pg' side to the outside and it doesn't seem to be strong enough. It doesn't make the snapping sound . . .not that I care about that, I just want the closure to be completely and tightly closed so I don't loose the contents. My bag is 14" long and about 8" deep. I have read in some blogs that they double up the metal ruler in side to make it stronger.

If you have made them please let me know which side you put to the pretty outside of the bag!

Thanks,
Jennifer

Tartan

The more expensive tape measures work better as they have firmer steel. Cut your 2 tape measure strips, use masking tape to connect both ends and try them. The outward curves should be on the outside with the inside curves facing each other.

mic-pa

Tartan is right, the more expensiver rulers work best. The dollar store ones are too flimsy.

pattypurple

I always double up the rulers and remember that the numbers face the lining. If it makes a clicking sound it is in backwards

AliKat

I got the free big tape measures from Harbor Freight. I use duct tape at the cut rounded ends.

Actually, either way you put in the tape measure parts works well. Just that the one way actually 'snaps.'

Tiggersmom

Thank you for your input ladies!

I actually did a "test".........to get the most 'snap & tightest closure' the rulers should look like ")(" in the finished project.=more tension, ........and to get 'no snap and a looser closure' the rulers should look like "()"=less tension, easier to open.

Some times I have a "duhhhhhhhh" moment.

Onebyone

I use a Stanley steel tape that lost it's zip to go back into the holder. DH was going to toss it. It's 50' long and 3/4" wide. It's perfect. I wrap white duct tape around the whole length that goes into the bag as the bright yellow of the tape sometimes shows through and the edges can cut the fabric after repeated 'snaps'.

GrammaNan

I am lucky. My DH brings home broken industrial types of tape measures for me from work. They are very strong. I have to wrap the ends really well or they burst through the fabric. I really like making these bags.

needlefruit

Now that we have the orientation of the ruler cleared up, can I piggyback with another question, please? I made one with the rulers like ")(," and I absolutely loved it. However, the ends, though covered with tape, wore through the fabric fairly soon. I'm thinking maybe I cut the rulers too long. How much space do you leave in the casing at the ends of the ruler?

quiltinglady-1

Needlefruit, not sure if you are doing this, but I saw a video that suggested trimming the corners at an angle before you put tape on the end to further decrease the chance of poking through the fabric.