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Understanding Finished Size vs. Open Size
When working on various projects, whether it’s printing, sewing, or home improvement, you’ll often encounter the terms “finished size” and “open size.” Understanding the difference between these two is crucial to ensure your project turns out as expected. Let’s break down what each term means and how they apply in different contexts.
What is Finished Size?
Finished size refers to the final dimensions of a product after all processing, such as folding, cutting, or assembly, is complete. It’s the size of the product you’ll actually hold or see after everything is done. Source 0.
Think of it this way: a brochure might start as a large sheet of paper, but its finished size is the size of the folded brochure you receive. Source 1.
What is Open Size?
Open size, on the other hand, refers to the size of the material before any folding, cutting, or finishing takes place. It’s the flat, unfolded dimension. This term is often implied when the context doesn’t involve finishing processes. For clarity, it’s best to use ‘flat size’ instead.
Finished Size in Different Contexts
The meaning of finished size can vary slightly depending on the industry. Here are a few examples:
Printing and Graphic Design
In printing, finished size refers to the size of the printed piece after it has been cut, folded, or bound. Source 4. This is particularly important when designing brochures, flyers, or booklets. You need to know the finished size to ensure your content fits properly.
For example, if you’re designing a trifold brochure, the open size would be the size of the entire sheet of paper, while the finished size would be the size of each panel after it’s folded.
Sewing and Garment Construction
In sewing, finished size refers to the actual measurements of the completed garment. Source 2. This is different from your body measurements! A garment needs to be larger than your body to allow for movement and comfort. Consider wearing ease (the amount of extra fabric added for comfort).
Therefore, the finished size is what you’ll use to compare against your body measurements, including ease, to determine the right pattern size.
Construction and Home Improvement
In construction, especially when dealing with doors and windows, the finished opening refers to the clear opening inside the jamb after all finishing, trim, and flooring have been completed. Source 3. This is the space the door or window will actually fit into.
Measuring the finished opening accurately is crucial when replacing an existing door or window to ensure a proper fit.
Why is Knowing the Difference Important?
Understanding the difference between finished size and open size (or flat size) is essential for several reasons:
- Accurate Planning: It allows you to plan your projects accurately, whether it’s designing a print layout or choosing the right size of fabric.
- Avoiding Errors: It helps you avoid costly errors, such as printing a design that doesn’t fit the finished product or sewing a garment that’s too small.
- Effective Communication: It ensures clear communication with vendors, suppliers, and collaborators, reducing the risk of misunderstandings.
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Finished Size | Open Size (Flat Size) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The final dimensions after processing. | The dimensions before processing. |
| Examples | Folded brochure size, completed garment measurements, installed door opening | Unfolded brochure sheet, fabric piece before sewing, rough opening before trim |
| Importance | Ensures correct final product dimensions. | Needed for initial layout and material calculation. |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake is assuming that your body measurement in sewing equals the finished garment size. Always check the pattern’s finished garment measurements and compare them to your body measurements, including wearing ease!
In printing, forgetting to account for bleed (the extra area that extends beyond the trim line) can result in important elements being cut off during finishing. Always include bleed in your design!
Conclusion
In summary, the difference between finished size and open size is crucial for project success. By understanding these terms and their applications in different fields, you can avoid errors, improve communication, and ensure your projects turn out exactly as you intended. Always double-check your measurements and specifications to achieve the best results!