I am so glad I found your video. I promised my sister I would make her a snap pouch but I've been procrastinating about making one from a pattern I had. I was unhappy with how unfinished the edges were going to look when I was done. You've solved my problem. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for sharing this brilliant method for making a snap pouch without exposed seams! I thought there must be a way to do it but somehow couldn’t wrap my mind around it. Lol. Seeing your fabulous dog at the end of the video was gravy. ❤️🐶
I have made other snap bags using different videos, but yours is, by far, the best of all; absolutely top notch !! I hated all those raw edges, but could not figure out how to do it differently. I guess this just proves you are never too old to learn new tricks ! Plus, your prairie points are great!! Thank you !!!
I'm so impressed with the professional finished look of this pouch inside and out - a big leap above the others and with clear instructions. I make these for charity and now plan to make some for boys (they need a place for their little treasures too) using boyish fabrics such as denim, corduroy, faux suede, upholstery fabric and vinyl. Thank you!
Thank you for this tutorial! I have also watched others and been frustrated by the raw seams! I tried to see a way around that but I came up blank. I love this way of doing it and can't wait to try. Thank you so much! I also prefer your prairie points to what I've been seeing elsewhere. The little channel/pocket that is formed for the tape measure is also genius. Thank you again!
Of all of the Snap Pouches Tutorial on RUclips, I like yours the best. The raw edges in the other tutorials really bother me, me also. Thanks for such a enlighten tutorial!
Your "no raw seams" method is fantastic! I had admired the outside appreance of snap pouches for a long time; but could not bring myself to make a pouch with such an ugly interior. Thanks to you I am now addicted to making these. Look out friends and family - you know what you'll be getting from my scrap basket soon!
I just had to Thank You. I just finished making a bag your way, it came out great! I will never make them any other way again. I'm so glad I found your video. Thank You for Sharing your Time, and Your Talent with all of us.
Thanks very much for this tutorial. As others have said, I've watched others but yours tops the lot. I love the 'no raw edges' but and your way of doing the prarie point is far better than any others I've seen. Great stuff :)
I really like yours. I’ve done them with a French seam so not as much sewing but find them really bulky. I can’t wait to try yours. More steps but a neater finish I think.
I also tried the French seam my second time around. It just got really tricky dealing with all the snapping of the tape while sewing it up. I think I'm going to give this way a try! Third time might be a charm.
Thank you so much for this hidden seam version! I was used to putting the tape measure in the other direction and this version with the clean seams is awesome! Very clear lesson , details very easy to follow ... thanks again
Have made many snap bags with those bothersome raw edges. So glad to see that someone figured out a way to get rid of them making the bag look so much nicer. Thanks!
OMG! This is wonderful. I just make a couple of these last night and was also annoyed (again) because of the raw edges. This is a little more work but well worth the effort. Thank you for figuring it out for me--I've wracked my brain trying to figure it out myself!
Ah Karen I am so pleased that you have enjoyed it. Thank you for commenting.. its so lovely to see and hear when people are enjoying the little videos. Stay safe during these weird times and keep sewing!!!
This tutorial is SO well done! Excellent demo and accompanying explanations for each step. This is the first video I’ve seen on your channel, but I’m looking forward to following your channel!. Thank you for sharing! Muskoka ON 🇨🇦
Thank you Cathy that is so kind. I hadn't;t done many when I recorded this one so I will take that compliment and keep it close. I think it helps that I have been teaching face to face for so long and know what people find tricky. happy sewing! Xx
I made my first one for a friend, after wanting to make one for over a year. it turned out so pretty, especially with it being quilted. Great tutorial/easy to follow. The only suggestion I have is not to waste the time or thread by backstitching on seam corners when stitching the outside fabric to the inside lining fabric. This corner part gets cut off when you cut the square out for the boxed bottoms, so there's no need to secure the seams. I also used an overlock stitch on all the raw edges just to help keep anything from coming apart, if the pouch is machine washed. I do love that the seams are not raw inside - thank you.
So glad that you enjoyed it. You are quite right about the back stitching but I am firm believer of keeping things simple and so do that all the time so that it's always there when I need it. Thank you so much for commenting. x
That’s beautifully finished without the raw edges, so glad I found you before making one of these & thank goodness you use inches, can’t get used to those darn centimeters lol.....your doggie is adorable!!!! Greetings from California
Hello! So glad you enjoyed it and thank you for leaving your kind comment. Aoife is much loved in our sewing studio but I;ll give her an extra cuddle today from across the water! keep sewing and stay sane in these odd times.
Hello Teresa here from Tasmania, thank you for this pouch, I have made several the other way but the exposed seams have always annoyed me, and I could not think how to make without them Thank you again
Hi Teresa from Tasmania!!! Lovely to hear from you and hope you are all safe and well down there. Yes it bugged me too! So glad you enjoyed it. Hope you like some of the other ones too.
Lovelovelove these bags! And I use 1" white gaffers tape instead of the duct tape for the metal ends.. It's a little costier, but you don't use much, and it seems to slide through more easily.
Hi this is a wonderful tutorial. My first attempt at it turned out lovely. I too have made snap pouches from other tutorials but having to zig zag finish the raw edges of the lining. I have a query though. Why are the dimensions you give 10 inches wide for the outer fabric but 9 inches wide for the lining? Or is it because it’s better to have the lining a bit smaller? Also you specify the outer fabric in measurement for one piece of fabric but I cut it into 2 pieces. Seemed necessary. Thankyou so much for the tutorial.
Love your bag with no raw edges. I can't tell you how many I have tried but can't get the snap to click and so it will not close tight. Any thoughts on what I can try? My thanks, Pat
Have you tried making this bag into a crossbody bag with a strap? I made one but had trouble with an added strap? Any ideas on how to do this? Thank you.
Oooo not tried making a bag like it. Might be worth attaching one strap to the side on the front and then the other to side on the back....I jsut love them as small pouches. Rally glad you have enjoyed the tutorial
What I do is cut 2 pieces 2" square and one piece 2" x length you want your strap to be. Fold each piece in half and press to get middle crease. Then fold each half towards crease (as in bias binding style). Pieces will be 1/2 " wide each. Sew on both sides of each piece fraction of inch. Fold each small piece in half and insert ring/d-ring. Attach the two small pieces with ring on it on either side of bag approx 1/4" below sleeves for snaps. before turning inside out. Once bag is complete insert ends of strap through rings. Fold over approx 1" and stich once near ring and once towards edge of folded over piece. 😉 Hope it makes sense. Will try add some pics.
I hadn't spotted this, sorry. Christine has added a good technique below, I'd think about how you want to the strap to hang, check out the other tutorial on the cross body bag that I've done and it might give you some tips. Xx
You reach min 17 and arre starting to to match up the lining for the side seam but have not yet put on the necessary stitching for the casting to HOLD the metal tape pieces in place . Incredibly confusing, I love the lining and suggest that you address the casing more specifics more.
I also dont like those seams showing. Thanks for the tip. One question though. How do you prevent the portion in the side seam where you undo the few stitches to fray? I made a bag following your intructions and I struggled my b.. off to hand sew it after inserting the tape as the raw edge kept on fraying. Also what is the reason you cut your tape so much narrower than the width of the bag. I find mine were easier to snap (hand snap/pop open- not with prairie bits) if I cut the tape shorter by 1/4 " instead of full inch. 😉💞
Hi and thanks for watching. For the fraying it can be quite fabric dependent but it might be worth finishing the edges of you fabric before you start construction. An overlocker or a short & narrow zig zag should help. I'm sorry but I am not sure what you mean about the width of the tape... once inserted and finished the tape is the full width of the bag. Let me know pdf I can help more. x
Hello I like your videos, thank you for your time and patience, just I would like to know if you have a tutorial about how to make a reusable snack bag or sundwish bag please. Thank you so much
Hi there. Another question please. The snap pouches I make are for cellphone cases so the opening of the pouch is considerably narrower than your pouch (4.8"). Once I have turned the pouch inside out and pushed the lining in I cannot fit it over the sewing machine arm to stich the tape casing. I have to twist and turn to get it right. How do you do it? Is there an easy way to do this? 😕 Thanks. 💞
Hi, that does sound small. All I can suggest is sewing the casing down but have the inside of the pouch facing up so that you can get round it easily? I hope I have understood you correctly and that makes sense.
@@madeandmaking2170 Thanks for your reply but no not really as it doesnt matter if inside is facing up or not. The fact remains that the casing cannot be sewn until the very end of the project (just prior to inserting metal tape). If the casing is sewn before one can no longer push lining inside. Wish it could get done like that but then seams would show. 🙈 Wonder if a mini sewing machine's free arm would be narrower? Mine is juuuust too wide. 💞
Yes. I'll add that on. meantime You will need; Fabric & wadding 10" x 16" for the outside, 2 pieces 9" x 10 inches for the inside and top casing. one peice 2.5" x 4.5" for the tab clip loop. two squares 4.5" x 4.5" for the prairie points, 2 pieces of interfacing 9" x 2" and two pieces of old tape measure (ideally 1" wide) 8" long.
Hi love the pouch BUT can you clarify thé but when you thread the metal tape through Is it sandwiched between the wadding ? I’ve threaded mine through and it’s just beneath the lining layer on the inside Is they right ?
Thanks for watching Carol. This was one of the first I did and I've improved the equipment since.. perhaps I need to try and find the time to re record.... Happy sewing. Xx
Lovely video I'm gonna make one of these and add a ziplock bag on the I side to use it as a small snack pouch.
so glad you enjoyed it
I am so glad I found your video. I promised my sister I would make her a snap pouch but I've been procrastinating about making one from a pattern I had. I was unhappy with how unfinished the edges were going to look when I was done. You've solved my problem. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for leaving your message... only jsut seen it! so glad you enjoyed the video and here's to making many more... they are addictive! x
I just found your video. I love the size of you pouch and the fact that there are no raw edges. Thank you so much. Very good instructions.
Thank you so much for sharing this brilliant method for making a snap pouch without exposed seams! I thought there must be a way to do it but somehow couldn’t wrap my mind around it. Lol. Seeing your fabulous dog at the end of the video was gravy. ❤️🐶
Thank you so much...glad you liked it and glad that you enjoyed the star appearance by Aoife! She's a cutie!
I have made other snap bags using different videos, but yours is, by far, the best of all; absolutely top notch !! I hated all those raw edges, but could not figure out how to do it differently. I guess this just proves you are never too old to learn new tricks ! Plus, your prairie points are great!! Thank you !!!
Thank you! So glad you like it. Xx
I'm so impressed with the professional finished look of this pouch inside and out - a big leap above the others and with clear instructions. I make these for charity and now plan to make some for boys (they need a place for their little treasures too) using boyish fabrics such as denim, corduroy, faux suede, upholstery fabric and vinyl. Thank you!
Thank you for your kind comments... so glad you like the tutorial. x
Thank you for this tutorial! I have also watched others and been frustrated by the raw seams! I tried to see a way around that but I came up blank. I love this way of doing it and can't wait to try. Thank you so much! I also prefer your prairie points to what I've been seeing elsewhere. The little channel/pocket that is formed for the tape measure is also genius. Thank you again!
Thanks so much for your kind words.
Of all of the Snap Pouches Tutorial on RUclips, I like yours the best. The raw edges in the other tutorials really bother me, me also. Thanks for such a enlighten tutorial!
Ah thank you!!!! so glad that you enjoyed it.
Your "no raw seams" method is fantastic! I had admired the outside appreance of snap pouches for a long time; but could not bring myself to make a pouch with such an ugly interior. Thanks to you I am now addicted to making these. Look out friends and family - you know what you'll be getting from my scrap basket soon!
So glad you like it and yes they are addictive... good job tape measures are very long!!! Xx
You cheeky trick is FABULOUS! I'm so happy with the results. Thank you 😊
So glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.
Awesome video, great method and well explained. I have made several of these in varying sizes, and all turned out great. Thanks for sharing.
so glad you liked it! thanks for letting me know. x
I just had to Thank You. I just finished making a bag your way, it came out great! I will never make them any other way again. I'm so glad I found your video. Thank You for Sharing your Time, and Your Talent with all of us.
So glad that you enjoyed the video.. share with all your friends and let them have the joy too!!! take care x
Thanks very much for this tutorial. As others have said, I've watched others but yours tops the lot. I love the 'no raw edges' but and your way of doing the prarie point is far better than any others I've seen. Great stuff :)
Thank you so much for leaving your kind words Julie. Glad you enjoyed it. Sarah x
I really like yours. I’ve done them with a French seam so not as much sewing but find them really bulky. I can’t wait to try yours. More steps but a neater finish I think.
So glad you like it.
I also tried the French seam my second time around. It just got really tricky dealing with all the snapping of the tape while sewing it up. I think I'm going to give this way a try! Third time might be a charm.
Beautifully finished piece. Easy to follow tutorial. I appreciate the finished inside finished look.
So glad you like it! thanks for commenting. x
Thank you so much for this hidden seam version! I was used to putting the tape measure in the other direction and this version with the clean seams is awesome! Very clear lesson , details very easy to follow ... thanks again
ahh thank you. so glad you liked it
Great video.. I love the no raw edge technique…
So glad you enjoyed it. thanks for letting me know
Have made many snap bags with those bothersome raw edges. So glad to see that someone figured out a way to get rid of them making the bag look so much nicer. Thanks!
So glad you enjoyed it. x
OMG! This is wonderful. I just make a couple of these last night and was also annoyed (again) because of the raw edges. This is a little more work but well worth the effort. Thank you for figuring it out for me--I've wracked my brain trying to figure it out myself!
Ah Karen I am so pleased that you have enjoyed it. Thank you for commenting.. its so lovely to see and hear when people are enjoying the little videos. Stay safe during these weird times and keep sewing!!!
Incredible - Ive wracked my brains as yo how to make these without the tatty inside seams. WELL DONE!!! xxx
So glad you liked it!
This tutorial is SO well done! Excellent demo and accompanying explanations for each step. This is the first video I’ve seen on your channel, but I’m looking forward to following your channel!. Thank you for sharing!
Muskoka ON 🇨🇦
I've only just seen your message! thank you so much . I am dog lad you like it. hoping to add more content soon so stay tuned! x
This was excellent! Thank you, as I love these bags but don’t like the exposed seams. Look forward to more of your videos!
So glad you liked it.
YOU ROCK! with hiding the raw edges. thank you.
Thank you!
I love your videos !!!!♡
Above average teaching !!!!♡
Thank you Cathy that is so kind. I hadn't;t done many when I recorded this one so I will take that compliment and keep it close. I think it helps that I have been teaching face to face for so long and know what people find tricky. happy sewing! Xx
Wonderful!!! Thank you for sharing your sewing experience with us 😊
So glad you enjoyed it. x
I made my first one for a friend, after wanting to make one for over a year. it turned out so pretty, especially with it being quilted. Great tutorial/easy to follow. The only suggestion I have is not to waste the time or thread by backstitching on seam corners when stitching the outside fabric to the inside lining fabric. This corner part gets cut off when you cut the square out for the boxed bottoms, so there's no need to secure the seams. I also used an overlock stitch on all the raw edges just to help keep anything from coming apart, if the pouch is machine washed. I do love that the seams are not raw inside - thank you.
So glad that you enjoyed it. You are quite right about the back stitching but I am firm believer of keeping things simple and so do that all the time so that it's always there when I need it. Thank you so much for commenting. x
@@madeandmaking2170 I loved the look of the pouch so much! I'm ready to make more for holiday gifts. thanks again for a well done tutorial
Love it, just made one. I have made several of the ones with exposed seams and I also don't like it. Thank you!
No worries.. so glad you liked it and thanks for commenting Xx
That is the slickest thing ever!
So glad that you liked it
This is the best pattern and tutorial
Thank you so much that makes me really happy!
Excellent. Made so beautifully too. I’m off to cut up my hubby’s measuring tape!
I think I may be responsible for the demise of a few tape measures!!!!
That’s beautifully finished without the raw edges, so glad I found you before making one of these & thank goodness you use inches, can’t get used to those darn centimeters lol.....your doggie is adorable!!!! Greetings from California
Hello! So glad you enjoyed it and thank you for leaving your kind comment. Aoife is much loved in our sewing studio but I;ll give her an extra cuddle today from across the water! keep sewing and stay sane in these odd times.
Love this snap pouch, thank you!
So glad you enjoyed it Tam. x
Thank you so much for the great tutorial! I'm off to try it myself.
Hope it works out well for you. x
I was so happy to see how you did this. Thank you!
So glad you liked it.
Are you using a heavy duty machine and or a walking foot? Just managed to find an old ruler in hubby’s tool box
This is a simple Bernini machine. a good machine but nothing super strong.
Hello Teresa here from Tasmania, thank you for this pouch, I have made several the other way but the exposed seams have always annoyed me, and I could not think how to make without them
Thank you again
Hi Teresa from Tasmania!!! Lovely to hear from you and hope you are all safe and well down there. Yes it bugged me too! So glad you enjoyed it. Hope you like some of the other ones too.
Excellent tutorial thank you! Going to try tomorrow 🙂
Hope you enjoy Xx
Why backstitch corners you are going to cut out?
I think it's a good habit to get into for all sewing.
Lovelovelove these bags! And I use 1" white gaffers tape instead of the duct tape for the metal ends.. It's a little costier, but you don't use much, and it seems to slide through more easily.
Thank you Susan and thanks for that top tip too. I'll try that on another one. So glad you that enjoyed the tutorial.
Loved making this!! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Hi this is a wonderful tutorial. My first attempt at it turned out lovely. I too have made snap pouches from other tutorials but having to zig zag finish the raw edges of the lining. I have a query though. Why are the dimensions you give 10 inches wide for the outer fabric but 9 inches wide for the lining? Or is it because it’s better to have the lining a bit smaller? Also you specify the outer fabric in measurement for one piece of fabric but I cut it into 2 pieces. Seemed necessary. Thankyou so much for the tutorial.
Many thanks for figuring out the no seam way. I made one and will make many more. 💕👍🏻
so glad you liked it. thanks for commenting and letting me know
Great pattern thank you so much for sharing
so glad you have enjoyed it
Lovely video. Beautiful pouch. Why did you reinforce the corners just to cut them off? LOL. Your instruction delivery is great! Thank you!
Thank you Mona for your lovely comments and old habits die hard... always reinforce! Lol! take care x
Love this! I, too,hated the raw edges. Any chance you have written instructions?
I am afraid not... I guess you could watch and write them down in your own words... may even be more effective that way?
Love your bag with no raw edges. I can't tell you how many I have tried but can't get the snap to click and so it will not close tight. Any thoughts on what I can try? My thanks, Pat
Thanks so much for letting me know and I am so glad you enjoyed it. x
Same here - snap won't click enough to get it tight. I think I would make another one but not put interfacing on - I think that is the problem
Just spotted the comments about the closure... do experiment with interfacing choices and even fabric choices... it will make a difference. x
What is the size of the finished bag?
APPROX 8.5" wide, 6.5" tall and a couple of inches wide at the bottom. x
Thank you. I don’t like the raw seams either!
So glad you liked it
Why do you back stitch at each corner when you then cut them off to box the corners?
Call it habit. If you always do it you'll have it when you need it. Though I appreciate it gets cut off. Hope you enjoyed it! x
@@madeandmaking2170 I'm in the process of making one now, thanks!
Have you tried making this bag into a crossbody bag with a strap? I made one but had trouble with an added strap? Any ideas on how to do this? Thank you.
Oooo not tried making a bag like it. Might be worth attaching one strap to the side on the front and then the other to side on the back....I jsut love them as small pouches. Rally glad you have enjoyed the tutorial
What happened to the LOOP you added to attach to keys? Its gone at the end...???
Didn’t like the raw edges either. Loved the tutorial. Thank you so much!
How would you put straps on it for a bag?
What I do is cut 2 pieces 2" square and one piece 2" x length you want your strap to be. Fold each piece in half and press to get middle crease. Then fold each half towards crease (as in bias binding style). Pieces will be 1/2 " wide each. Sew on both sides of each piece fraction of inch. Fold each small piece in half and insert ring/d-ring. Attach the two small pieces with ring on it on either side of bag approx 1/4" below sleeves for snaps. before turning inside out. Once bag is complete insert ends of strap through rings. Fold over approx 1" and stich once near ring and once towards edge of folded over piece. 😉 Hope it makes sense. Will try add some pics.
I hadn't spotted this, sorry. Christine has added a good technique below, I'd think about how you want to the strap to hang, check out the other tutorial on the cross body bag that I've done and it might give you some tips. Xx
You reach min 17 and arre starting to to match up the lining for the side seam but have not yet put on the necessary stitching for the casting to HOLD the metal tape pieces in place . Incredibly confusing, I love the lining and suggest that you address the casing more specifics more.
I also dont like those seams showing. Thanks for the tip. One question though. How do you prevent the portion in the side seam where you undo the few stitches to fray? I made a bag following your intructions and I struggled my b.. off to hand sew it after inserting the tape as the raw edge kept on fraying. Also what is the reason you cut your tape so much narrower than the width of the bag. I find mine were easier to snap (hand snap/pop open- not with prairie bits) if I cut the tape shorter by 1/4 " instead of full inch. 😉💞
Hi and thanks for watching. For the fraying it can be quite fabric dependent but it might be worth finishing the edges of you fabric before you start construction. An overlocker or a short & narrow zig zag should help. I'm sorry but I am not sure what you mean about the width of the tape... once inserted and finished the tape is the full width of the bag. Let me know pdf I can help more. x
Bravo! Great instructions! I don’t like the raw seams 😉
So pleased you have enjoyed it.
Hello I like your videos, thank you for your time and patience, just I would like to know if you have a tutorial about how to make a reusable snack bag or sundwish bag please.
Thank you so much
Ah thank you and I will keep that in mind. I love to get feedback on what people would like to see so thank you
GENIOUS!!!! thank you
So glad you enjoyed it! do try some of the others. x
Paylaşım için teşekkürler.
Hi there. Another question please. The snap pouches I make are for cellphone cases so the opening of the pouch is considerably narrower than your pouch (4.8"). Once I have turned the pouch inside out and pushed the lining in I cannot fit it over the sewing machine arm to stich the tape casing. I have to twist and turn to get it right. How do you do it? Is there an easy way to do this? 😕 Thanks. 💞
Hi, that does sound small. All I can suggest is sewing the casing down but have the inside of the pouch facing up so that you can get round it easily? I hope I have understood you correctly and that makes sense.
@@madeandmaking2170 Thanks for your reply but no not really as it doesnt matter if inside is facing up or not. The fact remains that the casing cannot be sewn until the very end of the project (just prior to inserting metal tape). If the casing is sewn before one can no longer push lining inside. Wish it could get done like that but then seams would show. 🙈 Wonder if a mini sewing machine's free arm would be narrower? Mine is juuuust too wide. 💞
Hi!! My name is Liza, great tutorial.. Can you put the measurement information?? Thanks
Yes. I'll add that on. meantime
You will need;
Fabric & wadding 10" x 16" for the outside, 2 pieces 9" x 10 inches for the inside and top casing. one peice 2.5" x 4.5" for the tab clip loop. two squares 4.5" x 4.5" for the prairie points, 2 pieces of interfacing 9" x 2" and two pieces of old tape measure (ideally 1" wide) 8" long.
Hi love the pouch BUT can you clarify thé but when you thread the metal tape through Is it sandwiched between the wadding ? I’ve threaded mine through and it’s just beneath the lining layer on the inside Is they right ?
Why did you need to cut the interior lining fabric in half? I can under add yard if it's directional fabric and your being very particular.
Cant seem to add a photo to my comment to Lynne Rose Belliveau Kosilla. 😢 How do i go about it? 😊
I am not sure that you. can... no pro at this myself sorry. x
What sort of wadding do you use please?
I tend to use Warm and Natural as we use it in our sewing studio on our quilt frame but Hobbs wadding is good too.
What is name of pattern in what book can I find pattern for your ho ho ho table runner please. Thank you
All of a sudden you had 2 pieces in the video. Are you doing 2) 10x16 pieces? That wasn't clear in your directions in the description.
The 10 x 16 piece is cut in half .. I think this is what had confused you. Hope that makes sense... let me know if it doesn't.
Love your video, but had a hard time hearing. My volume was all the way up.
Thanks for watching Carol. This was one of the first I did and I've improved the equipment since.. perhaps I need to try and find the time to re record.... Happy sewing. Xx
Thanks for the tutorial. Where did you get that fabric?
Sadly it was from a. every big stash accumulated over years!
Great - I don’t like the raw edges to show either.!
Glad you enjoyed it. x
hello you need to adjust your microphone it is very low can hardly hear you
Thank you... Yes I did invest in better kit so the more recent videos are much better, Thanks for watching.,
❤
Use children’s “snap bracelets” instead of measuring tapes…already has curved edges!
Some people call them slap bracelets.
ooo thats a good idea. Will give it a go when I've used up the latest tape measure!