In my list of essential small sewing tools, there is the somometer. The what? Yes, you read that right: somometer, which should not be confused with the sonometer, which measures acoustic pressure, in other words, sound volume.
My mom gave me a plastic one when I started, and since then I have kept using it and explaining its usefulness to my students, starting from our sewing discovery courses!
What is a somometer?
The somometer is a small tool made of plastic or aluminum that allows you to measure sewing values. It is a gauge indicating several values; generally: 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 cm, sometimes with half-values and higher values depending on the manufacturer.
It may have other names such as: hem gauge, sewing gauge, hem ruler... but the real name of this small tool is indeed somometer 😊It is used to:
- measure/check pre-existing seam allowances
- determine the start and end of a seam, especially when making technical stitches (zipper, welt pocket, ...)
- check the seam you have made (helps with hand sewing)
- draw seam allowances / marks on a project (pleats, positioning decorations like trims, ribbons...)
- create hems with an iron
Preparing the shirt collar stand
Checking the size of the tuck
The advantages of the somometer
The advantage of the somometer (compared to a ruler or yardstick) is that it is graduated directly. You just have to turn it to find the "right" value to mark, whether it’s 1 cm for your hem or 3 cm to create a casing... just take the necessary graduated side! A quick press with an iron or chalk and you’re done.
Moreover, it is small and compact, which makes it easy to carry everywhere (to the sewing machine, the iron, or your sewing course).
It is durable and lasts over time.
Should I choose plastic or metal?
For my part, I always recommend metal because... metal doesn’t melt, at least not when it gets a bit too close to the iron! And my somometers often spend their time on the ironing board to make neat hems on skirts, pants... for my students.
Honestly, plastic on the iron soleplate is really something to avoid. I’m sure you know what I mean.
The plastic one is also very useful but I don’t recommend taking it to the ironing board. It will rather stay on the sewing preparation table.
Having both within reach is quite useful. In the shop, you will find somometers in plastic and aluminum.
I hope this article has interested you and maybe taught you something new. Until then, happy sewing!
2 thoughts on “What is a blood pressure monitor? What is it used for?”
PRUD'HOMME
Très joli site et articles supers intéressants. Les tissus sont magnifiques.
granier
J’en ai un mais je ne m’en servais pas. Je pense que je vais essayer 😁