How to Use a Flat Compass & Pros/Cons vs a Traditional Compass

A viewer asked me for a tutorial using a flat compass, and it never occurred to me to do one, but I thought it was a great idea! I love this drawing too, and I use it every day. It might be something you want to add to your drawing stash too.
I bought a 12-pack of these compasses and I am glad to have extras: amzn.to/3urDkk7
You can get a single as well: and this one has measurements on it so it would be better I think: amzn.to/40N7ISc
Here is a bulk pack with measurements instead of the letters like mine has (but more expensive) amzn.to/3usZORX
you will also need paper a pencil and a ruler if your flat compass has letters rather than measurements and you want a specific size.
There are many things you can use this for, from drawing circles to arcs and even making mandalas. Have fun!
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Video production and Craft ideas: Lindsay Weirich
Music: Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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[@cassfonnesbeck8057]

I had no idea a tool like this existed. I've always had trouble with the regular compass and can't tell you how many circle making tools I've purchased over the years. This is all I've ever needed! Who knew?!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad I could help!

[@cktk1986]

I purchased the individual flat compass (pink) and it has inches (up to 4") on one side and mm (up to 10mm) along with pi markings. Thanks for the vid, Lindsay.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jimflack3196]

I got one of those too! Use it a lot.

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thank you For sharing your knowledge with those of us who have never used a flat compass. ☺️

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure!

[@Art_by_Nicole]

The person who invented the flat compass deserves a medal! I have never made a good circle with a normal compass, because the needle always shoots of the paper when making the circle. I’ve always hated the damn thing 😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I wonder who invented it.

[@jilllukas]

Cool video!! I had no idea there was a Flat Compass. lol Definitely can see the Flat Compass being better for me w/ my crafting. Thank You Lindsay for doing this video!!☺️ TFS!! 🥰

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You're welcome 😊

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Awesome information! I have some of these, but didn’t think about making the small circles with it! This will make great little swatching circles! Thank you so much!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChantelleArts]

this is a fantastic tutorial, you always explain so well ❤❤❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks 😊

[@ellenschmidt3005]

Thanks for this video! I picked one of these up at Goodwill a couple of years ago but couldn't figure out how to use it. This video helps tremendously!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad I could help!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Lindsay, thanks for continuing to share your thoughts and knowledge with your viewers ! A lovely video too.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure!

[@margueritepeaden3445]

I’d never seen or heard of these until your recent video when you showed yours and said you’d do this video. I like that it doesn’t make hole in paper or me. Think I might get one.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I think they are great!

[@marit4660]

Nifty!! I think i remember you mentioned keeping one in one of your portable w/c sketch book cases but had no idea it existed or how to use it. Now I know. And want to get one! 😅

[@olderendirt]

Thanks for the demo. I'd never heard of them until you mentioned them. The center circles for small ones I never would have imagined. Thanks so much.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad I could help!

[@SheilaLandry]

One for every Christmas stocking! :D Thank you for the video. It is good to see the difference between the two.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good idea!

[@GodzHarleyGirlStudio]

Didn’t know they made this! SO HELPFUL! Thanks so much! Something so simple and helpful that makes a big difference! Hugz, Tree

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@CuriosityRocks]

I’m Dyspraxic and find both types really tricky to manoeuvre so I prefer stencils or drawing round plates. With the small circles in the flat compass my hand tends to lose the edge with my pencil when trying to get the white circle so scribbles across the space

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That works too:)

[@katydid1014]

Now that I see it in action, it all makes sense! Thanks for showing the pros and cons of this very handy little tool. Bonus for you ~ you can take it to France in your carry on luggage since it can't be used as a weapon! 😀

[@thefrugalcrafter]

True!

[@jillbartos8893]

Very helpful demo Lindsay! I have the flat compass with the measurements but haven't used it much. Your video's inspired me to play with it today! The radius markings on it work great. Thanks!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nadeaner.cowley513]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for watching!

[@flychk1229]

I had no idea!! Thanks Lindsay!

[@suitelady1749]

Thanks. Great info.!!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@berolinastrassmann]

This looks amazing, so versatile and so easy to use. Thanks for the video. Unfortunately here in 🇩🇪 one unit costs 13 $ and they don't sell them as packs. It is sold as a "learning resource" to help kids with learning disabilities. Go figure! As always, super well explained. Thanks, Lindsay!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Sorry to hear that:(

[@MyVideosNow]

This has been interesting. I would have never thought about the flat one hanging up on the spiral edge of a sketchbook. Also, I'm not sure if you mentioned it, but are the edges pretty flat? I'm wondering if they make decent straight edges for a quick, albeit short, straight line? I like regular compasses just fine, but the flat ones look great for multi-purposes. I bet they would be fun for doing geometric style doodling combining arcs/circles with the straightedge part.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yes, you can use the side as a short straight edge.

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

Thank you for showing me how to use your compass. I have the traditional compass. I also have circle templates. It's good to know what options I have.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@bonnerdebbie]

Great demo Lindsay, thanks!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you liked it!

[@JH-wd7ul]

Very comprehensive - thanks so much! 👍👍👍

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cmralph...]

Haven't seen one of those in years! Great video!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Lindsay. I was wondering how that worked.💜

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@MyVideosNow]

So, I went to the seller's website and the blue ones like you have are the "test taker" version. From the listing: "Same as the SAFE-T Compass, except that all formula and measurement markings have been removed from the Test Taker SAFE-T Compass. Students now have a compass that can be used on state and national standardized tests"

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Huh, I wonder why they can't have the measurements on tests.

[@juicytulipboutiqueandartis8051]

Oh thanks for this!!! Mechanical pencil works well with these also, oh and btw, when is someone gonna come out with water soluble mechanical pencil lead😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great suggestion!

[@mjpete27]

I believe Koh-I-noor has! They have a complete set leads with lead holder. Good luck!

[@juicytulipboutiqueandartis8051]

@@mjpete27 oh my goodness that would be awesome. Thank you sooo much.

[@anniestewart5262]

THIS! THANK YOU!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Happy to help!

[@karencrittenden414]

And… you can fly/travel with the flat compass

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yes!

[@bethbellthethriftycrafter5233]

I ordered the one with measurements on it. I'm awful with the regular ones.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Nice!

[@robynmcgarvey7201]

Awesome ... ! :)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks ✌️

[@mesekkai]

I used this is middle school and highschool

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Cool!

[@craigkennedy9968]

those is a terrible looking flat compass.i loved using my flat compass since the 80's. it had a slide to go to the ruler measurement you desired and had a knob that would lock in your measurement. never failed me and worked excellent. hard to find. but this contraption .. aint that.

[@Ermwhatthesigma55]

The single style is just as flimsy!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good to know