Does anyone remember the machine used in fabric stores up until the 1980's or so, that measured the yardage just by passing the fabric thru a slot in the machine? Do you know the name of the machine? I wonder what happened to all of those machines? They just seemed to disappear off the face of the earth. Edey

I have never see that. just the ruler embedded on the edge of the table for measuring.

Yes I do remember those machines! They were mounted to the side of the counter. I think they were a tan color and had an arrow in the top under glass that spun around as the fabric was pulled through the slot in the front. The arrow must have noted how much fabric (per yard) you were buying. I don't remember ever seeing this type of measuring machine in a Wal-mart. Maybe JoAnn Fabrics or So-fro fabrics used them. I used to get regular notices per e-mail from JoAnn's. Perhaps you could go online and ask them if they still use those machines.

I think Joanne's uses them for decorator fabric. I do not remember them being used for clothing fabric. Years ago, the person who measured the fabric, who was usually the owner, gave at least one or two inches for error. This practice was still used when the big stores "took over." At least the person who was cutting the fabric had a working knowledge of sewing. Today, you are lucky if the person cutting the fabric knows how to thread a needle. When they measure the fabric they measure to the exact measurement. It is hit or miss if the fabric is cut straight. I don't think the yardage gadget will help.

It was the nostalgia of remembering those machines, and the fascination of seeing them work as a child. When I remember something like that I wonder where did they all go, are they in collections somewhere or some back room, or rotting in a land fill. It could be that their possible lack of accuracy didn't fit into the profit-crazed industries that are prevalent now. Ah, memories. Edey

What we had in a store I used to work at (locally-owned store, not chain fabric store) was just a wheel set on an arm.  Put roll of material in the cradle, pull the fabric out and align the shortest edge to the edge of the table, put the roller down on top of the fabric and pull it out.  A counter on the wheel told you inches. 

Harbor Freight sells surveyor's wheels for cheap that do the same thing.  I'm sure it'd be easy to take the handle off of it and mount just the wheel on the side of a table.  Then position your fabric under it, reset it, and pull through.  More of a problem would be getting your bolt of fabric on the other end to unwind! 

Keriamon:

Put roll of material in the cradle, pull the fabric out and align the shortest edge to the edge of the table, put the roller down on top of the fabric and pull it out.  A counter on the wheel told you inches. 

That sounds like something the ready made fashion industry would use, or drapery manufacturing. Still it's a fascinating device. Edey

I remember the machine you are talking about, but can't remember where they had it. Maybe at K-Mart or GL Perry. Gosh I remember when K-Mart had a fabric and crafts department, a pet dept., and a deli counter that made the best subs in the world. Anyway, I wonder what happened to so many things and remember so many of the things that used to be. Talk about nostalgia. BTW, how is it that a yard stick embedded on the table to help a clerk cut a straight piece of fabric? I remember when they used to give a couple of extra inches too, but not any more. I sure do miss the days when service was service. Oops, guess I got a little off topic. Sorry. Yes, I remember those machines.

kabin:

I sure do miss the days when service was service. Oops, guess I got a little off topic. Sorry. Yes, I remember those machines

You didn't get off topic really, because remembering the service one got in a fabric store is all part of it. Others have said that it is hopeless to get any kind of help in a fabric store now, because those who work there usually don't have any knowledge of sewing or how to use the products they sell. I agree with that. They are hired for their hands to measure, move and stock product, not for their experience or training. Edey.

I've actually gotten some pretty good service from my local JoAnn's, namely in the serger/embroidery machine department.  I've asked them questions and they've given me answers that work. 

But then, they are there fooling with machines all day long.  In general, it's better to ask an older woman in a store like that for help; the young sales people don't often know.  Frequently can help you find something if you ask for it by the name on the package, but have no clue how to use it.

I'm trying to remember where it was, but there were channels in the measuring table.  You measured the fabric out, stuck your scissors in the channel and cut a perfectly straight line.  When I worked in the fabric dept at that store I mentioned, we didn't have grooves, but we did have two pieces of countertop that butted up together a bit unevenly where the end of the yard stick was, so I would use that slightly higher edge to guide my scissors to cut straight.  I do wonder why they don't have those cutting tables at JoAnn's and Hanock's.  They make sense.