Custom Sizing: What Should Be Measured on Site?

Measure the physical object, the intended finished textile, surrounding clearances, attachment points, use position, storage space, and care conditions. Record everything with a stable location code, annotated photographs, and one agreed unit.

Prepare before the site visit

• List every room, venue, deck, treatment area, or furniture type in scope.
• Assign stable location and item codes.
• Confirm the unit of measurement and required precision.
• Bring a rigid measure, flexible tape, straight edge, labels, and camera.
• Obtain permission for photography and access to movable parts.
• Identify who can explain normal operation and storage.

Measure the object and its shape

Record length, width, depth, height, thickness, radii, tapers, cut-outs, split points, and irregular edges as applicable. Take several measurements where an object may not be square or uniform. Do not infer symmetry without checking it.

Record how the textile will be used

Note where the textile starts and ends, which face is visible, how it is fitted or removed, who handles it, and whether it moves during use. Check door swings, hinges, controls, rails, vents, and walking routes. These observations often explain why a simple overall measurement is insufficient.

Create a reviewable measurement pack

Combine the schedule with labelled photographs and simple drawings. Show where each measurement was taken and distinguish site dimensions from proposed finished-textile dimensions. Record assumptions and unresolved questions clearly instead of filling gaps with estimates.

Verify with a sample

Fit the sample on site whenever the shape, tolerance, movement, or presentation is critical. Review it in normal use, then update the measurement pack with the approved outcome. Site information should remain tied to the item code and sample reference for future work.