Product Review: Singer Tape Measure – Durable and Accurate for Every Knitting & Crochet Project

A tape measure might seem like a simple tool, but every knitter and crocheter knows it’s one of the most important items in their project bag. The Singer tape measure has earned a reputation for durability and precision, making it a reliable companion for everything from quick swatches to full garments. In this review, we’ll explore what makes this tape measure stand out and how it can help you achieve professional results with your favorite Lionbrand yarns and patterns.

Whether you’re knitting a cozy sweater or crocheting a delicate shawl, accurate measurements are the foundation of success. Gauge mismatches, misshapen pieces, and ill-fitting finishes often trace back to a single mistake: an unreliable tape measure. The Singer tape measure promises consistent, easy-to-read markings that flex with your work but never stretch out of shape. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype.

Why Accuracy Matters in Knitting and Crochet

Every pattern, from a simple scarf to a complex cardigan, relies on precise measurements. A quarter-inch discrepancy in your gauge swatch can lead to a sweater that’s two sizes too small. This is especially true when working with luxury yarns like Feels Like® A Dream Yarn, where you want to showcase every stitch without waste. Using a tape measure that stays true – one that doesn’t stretch or curl – gives you confidence that your project will turn out exactly as intended.

Take a pattern like the Kitty Cat Sweater (Knit), which involves shaping for sleeves and necklines. That pattern calls for specific lengths, widths, and decreases that require consistent measuring. A flimsy tape measure can cause you to miscount rows or misjudge armhole depth, ruining the flow of your work. The Singer tape measure’s sturdy yet flexible design helps you measure both flat pieces and curved edges without distortion.

• Always measure your gauge swatch on a flat, untensioned surface for the most accurate reading.
• For circular projects like hats or sleeves, wrap the tape measure around the work without pulling tight.

Key Features of the Singer Tape Measure

The Singer tape measure is designed with both sides printed in clear, bold increments – inches on one side, centimeters on the other. This dual marking eliminates the need to flip the tape around when working with international patterns. The material is a soft, woven fiber that resists fraying and fading, even after repeated use. Unlike cheaper plastic tapes that crack or become brittle, this one feels durable enough to last through many projects.

Another standout is the locking mechanism. When you pull out the tape, it stays extended until you press the button, making it easy to measure awkward angles or hold it against a swatch while you note the reading. The end hook is metal and slightly angled, allowing you to secure it on fabric edges or around needles. Compared to other tape measures in its price range, the Singer model offers a reassuring sturdiness that inspires trust.

• Use the metal end hook to measure from the edge of your knitting or crochet piece without slipping.
• The retraction is smooth but controlled – it won’t snap back painfully fast.

How It Enhances Your Project Workflow

When you’re in the middle of a relaxing project, fumbling with a tape measure that curls or refuses to lie flat can be frustrating. The Singer tape measure lies perfectly still on your work surface, letting you focus on your stitches instead of your tool. For thick, quick projects made with Mandala® Thick & Quick® Yarn, you can easily measure the width of your fabric without the tape digging into the bulky stitches.

Pair it with a comfortable set of needles like the Clover Bamboo Knitting Needles 9 (Sizes 3 to 15), and you have a setup that supports accuracy from start to finish. The tape measure also works beautifully for checking tension while crocheting, especially when following patterns like the Patchwork Cardi (Crochet) that require multiple identical squares. Consistent sizing across squares is critical, and the Singer tape measure delivers reliable repeatability.

• Keep your tape measure in a dedicated pocket of your project bag so it’s always handy for spontaneous gauge checks.
• Mark your most-used measurements with a small piece of washi tape for quick reference.

Final Verdict: Is the Singer Tape Measure Worth It?

After using the Singer tape measure alongside several Lionbrand yarns and patterns, we can confidently say it’s a worthy addition to any fiber artist’s toolkit. It combines the flexibility needed for curved measurements with the rigidity required for straight edges, all in a compact, retractable form. The clear markings reduce eye strain, and the durable construction suggests it will hold up for years of regular use.

The only minor drawback is that the tape is not as long as some heavy-duty sewing tapes (60 inches/150 cm is standard), but for knitting and crochet projects, that length covers everything from shawls to blankets. If you’re someone who frequently works on oversized throws, consider a longer tape, but for most makers, this is perfect. It’s an affordable investment that protects the time and love you pour into every handmade piece.

Whether you’re swatching with Feels Like® A Dream Yarn or shaping a Kitty Cat Sweater (Knit), the Singer tape measure gives you the accurate measurements you need to create beautiful, well-fitting projects. Explore our full collection of knitting tools and notions to complete your ideal project setup.