A sock ruler 101, useful for knitting socks and other garments, features a curved heel section 120 that includes an apex 123 and two termination points 125 that are connected to a straight section 130. The straight section ends at a flat end section 190. Distance markings 110 may be found and spaced along the lengthwise portion 113, while the distance markings are written across the width 115 of the sock ruler. The curved heel section has a concave shape useful in knitting classical sock components such as sock cuffs 210 and sock heel flaps 230. The curved heel section allows the sock ruler to stay within a sock during sock knitting, making the distance markings readily available.

A sock ruler 101, useful for knitting socks and other garments, features a curved heel section 120 that includes an apex 123 and two termination points 125 that are connected to a straight section 130. The straight section ends at a flat end section 190. Distance markings 110 may be found and spaced along the lengthwise portion 113, while the distance markings are written across the width 115 of the sock ruler. The curved heel section has a concave shape useful in knitting classical sock components such as sock cuffs 210 and sock heel flaps 230. The curved heel section allows the sock ruler to stay within a sock during sock knitting, making the distance markings readily available.

An instrument for identifying at least one of fiber blend composition and fiber blend ratio in an input material moved by a third set of fiber movements. A second spectral radiation source directs radiation toward the input material. A second spectral sensor receives portions of the second radiation that pass through the input material. A third spectral sensor receives portions of the second radiation that reflect off of the input material. A controller processes the signals from at least one of the second spectral sensor and the third spectral sensor to determine at least one of the fiber blend composition and the fiber blend ratio in the input material. The controller also sends control signals to the second electromagnetic radiation source and the third set of fiber movements.

An instrument for identifying at least one of fiber blend composition and fiber blend ratio in an input material moved by a third set of fiber movements. A second spectral radiation source directs radiation toward the input material. A second spectral sensor receives portions of the second radiation that pass through the input material. A third spectral sensor receives portions of the second radiation that reflect off of the input material. A controller processes the signals from at least one of the second spectral sensor and the third spectral sensor to determine at least one of the fiber blend composition and the fiber blend ratio in the input material. The controller also sends control signals to the second electromagnetic radiation source and the third set of fiber movements.

An automated control apparatus, method, and system for improving inspection, measurement, and fabrication of apparel is described. The system is used to capture an image of the apparel or apparel-related object and convert that image into a digital representation which can then be sent to and stored in a database to be used to recreate ideal apparel with reproducible measurements and patterns. The system also allows for comparisons with already existing ideal images and/or the apparel itself to determine if the apparel or apparel-related object possess the correct dimensions, shapes, colors, textures and fabrics, etc.

An automated control apparatus, method, and system for improving inspection, measurement, and fabrication of apparel is described. The system is used to capture an image of the apparel or apparel-related object and convert that image into a digital representation which can then be sent to and stored in a database to be used to recreate ideal apparel with reproducible measurements and patterns. The system also allows for comparisons with already existing ideal images and/or the apparel itself to determine if the apparel or apparel-related object possess the correct dimensions, shapes, colors, textures and fabrics, etc.