Sewing Ruler Measuring Activities for Middle School

Learning the art of sewing begins with the basics, such as being able to measure with a sewing ruler.

Learning to sew is a typical unit in most Home Economics courses. Teaching students sewing basics includes starting at the very beginning--measuring with a sewing ruler. Educators can develop successful activities for using a sewing ruler through a hands-on approach to measuring.

Measuring Quilt Blocks

Bring a quilt to your class as a demonstration piece. Allow students to examine the quilt with their sewing rulers. Instruct them to measure the rows of blocks as well as the top of the quilt. Take the length and width of one quilting block and demonstrate to the students how they can use the measurements to determine how much fabric they would need for a quilt.

Measuring Clothes

Ask students to bring in one spare outfit to class. With everyone's extra clothes, demonstrate to students how to measure the inseams, length and width of their outfits. By measuring clothes in this way, students learn how sewing rulers are used as well as how clothing is sized.

Resources

• Tides for Teachers
• Student Art and Art Lesson Plans