Several different national forms existed , with different lengths : the Scottish ell ( about 37 inches ) , the Flemish ell ( about 27 inches ) and the Polish ell ( 0.78 metres , about 31 inches ) . Sometimes ell is used as an other word for the cubit . Select customs were observed by English importers of Dutch textiles : although all cloths were bought by the Flemish ell , linen was sold by the English ell , but tapestry was sold by the Flemish ell .