How to Measure Curved Paths in Illustrator

Have you ever tried to perfectly fit a sleeve into a sleeve cap? Or a Peter Pan collar onto a neckline? Or just to measure around a curved opening on a garment to figure out how much binding to cut? I've tried various methods - trial and error (ick!!), using a piece of yarn and then measuring and flexible rulers - but none has been accurate enough for my satisfaction.

Enter Adobe Illustrator. When designing sewing patterns, you can easily measure curved paths to make sure your pieces will fit together precisely without printing and cutting (and printing and cutting and printing and cutting, repeat, repeat).

Enjoy!

How to Use the Align Tool in Illustrator

Well hello there, friends. I haven't been around much these last couple weeks. The sewing projects have almost slowed to a halt, and I've been occupied with other projects. Other projects? What are these OTHER PROJECTS I speak of?! Well, first, I am totally overhauling my blog. I'm doing it the right way this time - test site and all. I'm really pleased with how it's coming along, and hopefully I'll be ready to push it live around the first of the year. And second, I'm working on a sewing pattern. YES, a sewing pattern! Finally! And it's going to be really awesome and different and perhaps even life-changing for some. Stay tuned. In the meantime, I know you're just dying to learn how to use the align tool in Illustrator! This tool saves me SO. MUCH. TIME. when working in Illustrator AND InDesign. It's a quick/easy way to line up objects and distribute them evenly. Yeah, I know! Now watch!

How to Use the Measure Tool in Illustrator

  Have you all been enjoying the Adobe Illustrator tutorials? I'm loving your comments on the blog and Instagram, so please, keep them coming!

Next up is a quick tutorial on using the measure tool in Illustrator. With just a few clicks, you can quickly measure between objects, between line segments, whatever. This is really helpful in pattern design for obvious reasons - you can measure the length of a hemline, the width of a pattern piece, etc.

In addition to the measure tool, I show you another trick I utilize to make patternmaking easy. So, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy!