Why do sewists always use inches?? - Downtown Tailoring

Hello friends! In this video, I wanted to demystify the ruler. Whether you use the metric system (cm) or the imperial system (inch), it's totally fine! The imperial system tends to be used more in the United States for sewing-related affairs. I have known a lot of people that don't understand the imperial system so I wanted to break it down and show you how to use it. I also explained when I use the metric system too, as well as other methods for taking measurements.
Please let me know if you use the metric system or the imperial system!
If you enjoyed this video, please don't forget to give it a like, comment, share, and subscribe! I really value your engagement with the video and your continuous support!
Music:
Bossa Antigua by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.fi...
License: creativecommons...

[@radicallyforjesus]

I couldn't agree more. You can measure with so many things. I never understood why people panic if they see the system they don't use as often. Flipping between the systems doesn't bother me, nor does eyeballing and estimating. I do both sewing and woodworking. They have more crossover than most people think. I do think that with woodworking it can be more important to be super exact. Woodworkers get in a tizzy over really precise rulers. Sewing is extremely forgiving most of the time (within reason) and as long as you are consistent. Fabric is flexible and that makes for a lot more grace.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Agreed! 😊

[@solarwinds-]

BC of KZbin, I have become comfortable with metric and imperial. They are interchangeable. The one is no better than the other. They are both accurate, in my opinion.

[@avdm196]

Nice explanation making measuring less stressful. I just use a measuring tape with both systems: on one side metric, on the other imperial, they both start at the same 0. Whatever the system, I use the appropriate side of the tape, and translating from one to the other is a no-brainer. There are also large rulers with both markings. For seam allowances, 1" is about 2.5 cm, 3/8" is 1cm, 5/8 is 1.5 cm. 1/8" is 0.3175 cm, so multiplying 0.3 cm to calculate is accurate enough.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Great tip! 🥰

[@daxxydog5777]

If Benjamin Franklin had just gotten his way in favor of the metric system, we wouldn't be having this discussion. I've used both and I also like metric for some things. I also had to do a little figuring when doing stitch length on my vintage machines. Modern machines say 3.0, 2.5, millimeters etc. But stitches per inch is what is listed on older machines. I did a calculation of 3.0 (mm) being 1/8 of an inch, so when I set my vintage machine to 8, it's the same as 3.0 on a modern machine.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Agreed! But remember that the root of all of this comes from UK who still has left wheel 😃 It’s so scary 🫣

[@Juststudiothings]

I was wondering about this on my juki 552. It has some crazy markings going to 12 at least

[@trudi1962]

You're right, anything works. I've been using the metric system all my life, and I understand imperial measurements. It just bugs me that the system that only THREE countries in the world use dominates our sewing world. I can't, for love or money, find a quilter's ruler in metric. 😢

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yes! I perfectly understand your point and find this situation pretty much unacceptable. I’ve noticed that, but as I used mostly the imperial system I was under the impression that the same ruler existed within the metric system. I think this is a business opportunity. Cheers 😊

[@tanasis55]

I never took the time to understand the imperial system so this was really helpful! Thank you!

[@DowntownTailoring]

I’m so glad 🙂 Thanks for watching!

[@jmjcc5]

You are a fantastic teacher! I didn’t realize I needed this information, as I have been sewing for 40 years. Thank you so much!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wonderful! You are so kind 💕

[@monicab8176]

We adore you. Truly. Don’t ever stop your channel. I wish many blessings upon you❤

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much!! 🥰

[@Zazzushark]

Great info! And I love that you refer to people who sew as "sewists" and not "sewers" :)

[@DowntownTailoring]

🥰🥰🥰

[@BJP1973LEEDS]

During the pandemic, the moment when I learnt how sewing , I had a argument with my best friend trying to explain how the imperial measurement work. It was all gibberish to me. Now with your explanation it is all clear. Many thanks for taking time to demonstrate this through the easier way. I wish I had met you earlier 👍👏

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you!!! I’m so happy to have provided a good explanation 😊

[@joanneberry5390]

I've learned from you in the last year than in my 65+ years of sewing! Thank you so much for this! ❤ Now if I could figure out measuring cups and spoons!

[@DowntownTailoring]

You are so kind! Thank you 😊

[@hwrdgrn]

The bottom line is that metric is waaay easier and more efficient. Try to increase the size of 3 7/8 inches, by two and a half times, and see what I mean. I also love when a measurement is given as 2.64 inches. What the heck is that? You can learn the metric system in an hour if you are a old learner, all you need is the will to learn something new.

[@jocelynecoutu348]

Thank you for this video. This is the best and first thing we should know when you learn to sew. Bravo 👍 just love it. Many many people don’t know that.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 😊

[@user-bj4un6ss6j]

Great explanations! Thank you 🙂 I used the Imperial system to learn how to sew. Recently I thought the metric system might be better, but after watching this video you bring up some good points. I'm not a fan of fractions but your examples make things more helpful in applying it to sewing 😊

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wonderful! I'm glad it was helpful! 🥰🥰🥰

[@debbies6192]

😅 I'd place their 2 fingers onto the hem area. You are so good. I truly appreciate every video you post.

[@DowntownTailoring]

So nice of you! 😊

[@Calhorsey]

I love your videos. Keep them coming.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you! That is my dream 😊

[@barbarahautsch7232]

Great Job. I know many, who do not know how to place center grain line.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 👍

[@louparsons]

Spent my life manufacturing and repairing, almost evenly split between Imperial and Metric measures. If I could get 'metric' needle plates for my three (down from too many) machines I would be thrilled. Good video, as always, thanks for your time and effort. YVR

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much, Lou! I know what you mean about the plates. Sometimes, I have to mark them with masking tape.

[@huachichibitch66]

You are a sewist bada$$! I love your videos and your vibe. Thanks for sharing your mastery 🖤

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much!!!! ☺️☺️☺️

[@kimhandy1861]

I use imperial and when metric is used in a sewing tutorial, my head explodes 😅 Actually I've been enjoying the challenge, most of the time. Of course, Google is helpful. My sewing machine is set on metrics and that helps me learn it too. This is a great tutorial! Thank you ❤

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yes! We get used to an way and then the other way is confusing, but in this global community we’ll have to be able to go from one to the other. Cheers 🥰

[@kanawkina]

You are so charming ! 🥰 I love you video! Thank you so much for this information! ❤️🫶🏼

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much!! 😊

[@lissataylor12345]

Good point, we are now in a much more world-wide environment.

[@DowntownTailoring]

🥰🥰🥰

[@tonicobarrubias4052]

This is an incredible explanation. I use the Imperial system (USA).

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much!! 😊

[@caryledriscoll3255]

This explanation video is exceptional...everything is better than a knot. Big Smirk!!!❤😂❤

[@DowntownTailoring]

Glad you enjoyed it!! 🥰🥰

[@SB_McCollum]

Inches are divided by half, the half that, then half that, then half again. 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64. It's a physical measurement, about the length of your thumb joint. (From the top of the pink in my nail bed to the first crease is exactly one inch.) Metric was a "bright idea," great for multiplication, but totally detached from reality.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Great point!

[@manuellebron3404]

Thanks for this video. I'll try the knots method, It might be better than the fingers!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Ha ha! That’s for sure 🥰

[@divinenonbinary]

I never realized my tailoring ruler was in inches 😭😆 yes definitely better for sewing. For precision though way better metric just bc it’s very obvious numerically just gotta move the dot to switch between the different values

[@DowntownTailoring]

I certainly can see your point! Cheers 😊

[@mhill0425]

I’m in the US, when I’m drafting patterns on paper I prefer metric because it makes it easy to do math(I really don’t want to try to figure out all of the decimals to fractions on the fly). When I’m drafting digitally I’m happy to do imperial because it doesn’t matter for precision and I don’t have to worry about figuring out the math. My seam allowance is always imperial though.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yes! Hybrid is the way 🥰

[@HopeinJesus_]

That was so helpful ❤❤😊

[@DowntownTailoring]

Glad it was helpful! 🥰🥰🥰

[@RandomalinaLF]

Awesome video! Gave me some food for thought 😊

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you, I’m glad to hear! 🥰

[@dudakoff1000]

Any updates on a course for alterations?

[@DowntownTailoring]

Hi! Thank you very much for your interest and for asking. We are still working on wrapping up our next course which is on the fundamentals of sewing. As of now, the e course for alterations will be in the future. Stay tuned though, I am really looking forward to creating that one! 😊

[@dudakoff1000]

Oh, that's exciting. When will the course on fundamentals be coming out?

[@joyfuljoy5711]

🥰

[@DowntownTailoring]

🥰🥰🥰

[@abigailpip112]

My fahter was an engineer he used to work to thousandth of an inch! by the way It's said one thirty seconth of an inch rather than one thirty twoth.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much! I figured I wasn't quite right. My husband used to make industrial processes where he measured to micron. Cheers 😊

[@eprettygirl]

Can you help me make a bra pattern for myself bust is 57inches and under bust is 45inches please

[@DowntownTailoring]

This is something in my to do list. I’ll have to figure out how I can fit it in one video. Cheers 😊

[@eprettygirl]

@@DowntownTailoring Thank you so much

[@solarwinds-]

But they don't always use inches.