Metric or Inches?
 

For for people that use metric measurements instead of United States Customary Units (USCU) (inches, feet, yards) - (I just learned that term tonight!)

How are the quilting patterns written? What measurement system is used?

If written in USCU - do you mentally think -ah, 6 mm for a seam allowance instead of 1/4 inch.

6 mm is "almost a perfect scant 1/4 inch"

(1/4 inch is about equal to 6.35 mm)

I'm in Australia and we've been metric since the 60s. However, I do all my sewing and quilting in Imperial because all the patterns, rulers, YouTube videos etc all use it. The only time I use metric is when I'm buying fabric because it's sold here metres or part thereof and a metre is pretty close to a yard.

I did see a YT video last week using metric measurements and it was a first for me.

Metric system was introduced in Canada in early 1970 . By that time I had finished school and the imperial system is still easier for me... pattern that are in french are in cm so I read the english version when available...

I've been looking for a chart with both units of measure. I don't understand the metric system. I need something to convert back and forth.

I am a Canadian who spent 8 years overseas, in countries where only metric was used. I still use inches in my sewing room, because that is how most of the patterns are written and how quilting rulers are marked. But I buy fabric by the meter--which is just shy of 4 inches longer than a yard.

Considering that Canada has used the metric system for 50 odd years, I find it inconceivable that grocery stores still advertise meat and produce prices per pound (with the metric equivalent in small print) and that cashiers cannot do the conversion math. (1 kilogram=approximately 2.2 pounds Therefore $1.00 per pound=$2.20 per kilogram)

The metric system is based on multiples of 10. It is a very precise way of measuring and weighing. Even Alton Brown talks about grams of ingredients in his Good Eats Reloaded shows.

Mojo11, if you want printable conversion table, just Google 'metric conversion' and you will find a multitude to choose from.

I think of metric as similar to USA money.

it's based on multiples (or divisions) of 10, 100, 1000, etc.
There are many articles on the systems if one is really interested in learning about them.

One can get sort of an idea if/when one reads labels. Many of them have both metric and non-metric measurements on them.

that's nothin'.
most cashiers nowadays can't even calculate change.
or take a restaurant order unless there's a button or menu option for what you want.

Is there a difference between the US system and the Imperial way?

On my sewing machine it is 6.5 that is a close to perfect 1/4" so that is what I use. I don't have the option for 6.3. As long as I stay consistent on the seams and the quilt is for me and not a swap I am good. If I have to change things up for a swap I then use a seam guide to insure that I have things just right.
The majority of the patterns I use are in inches and not metric. Many have both systems for those on the metric system.

The only patterns I've seen that actually use metric measurements are Japanese. Even the Brits and Aussies seem to still use imperial, for some odd reason.