Online RulerMeasure Craft Ribbon Width
Lay the ribbon flat and relaxed. Measure straight across it from one finished edge to the other. Place zero at the first edge and read the scale at the second. If the ribbon will pass through a loop or slot, include any trim that travels through the opening.
- The ruler crosses the ribbon at right angles to its length.
- Pulling or pressing the ribbon can change the width you read.
- An angled cut at the end is a poor place to measure the full ribbon width.
- Unroll a section onto a clean, flat surface. Pick an area away from the cut end and any crease from the spool.
- Smooth the ribbon with your hand and release it. If it curls, set a light weight on each side of the area you will measure, leaving both edges visible.
- Set the ruler straight across the ribbon. Line up the zero tick with the outside of one finished edge.
- Look from above and read where the other edge meets the ruler. Record the unit with the reading.
- For ribbon with a repeating edge pattern, measure across the widest part that will enter the opening. For a sewing project, check the spot that will lie under the seam.
Pick the Edge That Matters
For ribbon with straight woven edges, read across the full width between the outer edges. For lace, scallops, or fringe, take the reading that matches the job. If the ribbon must pass through a buckle, include the trim at its full span. If you need the width of the solid band for stitching, measure that band and write it down separately. With wire-edged ribbon, let the edges rest in the shape they will have when the ribbon is used.
Let the Ribbon Relax
Ribbon can sit differently when it comes off a spool or after it has been tied. Give a curled section room to rest and smooth it gently. Pulling on the ends can narrow stretchy ribbon, and holding the ruler down hard can spread soft trim. When you need the width as it will sit on a finished piece, place the ribbon as you intend to attach it. Check the span across that section while it lies in place.
Choose a Scale You Can Read
AR Ruler’s website and desktop extension provide centimeters or fractional inches after calibration. Line up a finished edge with zero and move the marker to the other edge. If the ribbon must stay in place away from zero, read both edges and subtract the smaller reading from the larger. Verify calibration after a change to browser zoom or the display. For a table setup, the printable page includes a 15 cm scale and a 6 in scale. Print at actual size and verify the 10 cm test line with a physical ruler before using the sheet.
How do I measure ribbon with a V-cut end?
Move inward until both long edges are intact. Measure square across them where the V cut no longer reaches.
What if the ribbon has folded edges?
Measure it folded if that is how it will be attached. If the project calls for opening the folds, lay it out in that position and measure the open width.
How do I convert inches to millimeters?
Multiply the width in inches by 25.4. One inch equals 25.4 mm. Keep the original reading if you will compare it with an inch-based pattern.