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There are countries in the world that still use a customary measurement system, remaining outside the international system. I’m talking about the Anglo-Saxon countries that still measure length in inches and yard sun like the rest of the world which uses centimeters and metres.
In the traditional patchwork technique, the thumb is used as a unit of measurement of length.
In Europe, those who create creative patchwork sewing projects often resort to converting from inch to centimeter. Even the projects that can be found in sector magazines or newspapers report this conversion.
Given, however, the nature of patchwork and the way in which pieces of fabric are sewn together to create a larger geometric construction, the conversion does not allow you to obtain an optimal result.
For this reason it’s much better to learn how to sew patchwork using your thumbs.
In this lesson I will explain what fractions make up the inch and which ones are most used in patchwork.
Fractions of the inch or inch
In patchwork, the yard is used to measure the fabric and the inch with its fractions is used to obtain the patchwork blocks.
There yard is less than a meter (= 0.91 meters) and it’s equals 36 inchesWhile 1 inch = 2.54 cm
Each inch is divided into 16 parts, which however are never used in patchwork.
Instead they used the eighths (n/8 – 8 parts), quarters (n/4 – 4 quarters) and half (n/2 – 2 half).
These fractions are the ones used in patchwork.
The eighths they are used in particular for composite figures.
I 1/4 (quarters) instead it is the seam allowance measurement on the patchwork foot of the sewing machine.
NOTE: If you don’t have a patchwork foot, find out here how to check whether you can purchase a universal presser foot for your sewing machine or whether you need to purchase an original one.
Thumb or inch symbol
The thumb length measurement is indicated with the letters IN following the number or the double prime.
Example: 5 inches = 5in = 5″
If the measurement is fractional then it is indicated like this:
example: 7 and a quarter inches = 7″ 1/4 = 7in 1/4
Squares and cutting mat divided into inches or inches
On the market there are cutting mats and teams intended for patchwork which are divided into inches.
Cutting mats usually have a double side: on one side there is the distribution in inches, while on the other there is the distribution in centimeters. So, if necessary, just turn the carpet.
The teams intended for patchwork they are divided into inches and also show the measurements of eighths, quarters and half to make cutting the fabric even easier and faster.
Here you can find some of the accessories that I use daily:
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