A method of making a papermaking belt is disclosed. The papermaking belt has a reinforcing structure and a framework. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a reinforcing structure having a paper-facing side, a machine-facing side opposite the paper-facing side, interstices and a reinforcing component comprised of a plurality of structural components; (b) providing a first portion of the reinforcing component with a measuring device, the measuring device being disposed upon the first portion of the reinforcing component; and, (c) coating the at least one side of the reinforcing structure with a material so that the material forms a first surface and a second surface, the material being distributed so that the paper-facing side of the reinforcing structure and the measuring device is positioned between the first and second surfaces of the material.