Any one use metric in your kilt making ?

[The Wizard of BC]

I was born and raised in the US with inches fractions of feet and inches.

I obviously knew about the metric system but it was not until I moved to Canada after retiring from the military that I was faced with it on a daily basis.

I began to use the metric system with kilt making around 2004.

A little background, - I have a mild case of dyslexia. If I see 4 numbers such as a license plate, I will invariably reverse two of them. So dealing with fractions and their decimal equivalent has always been a problem. Ever since electronic calculators have been around I have always had one no further than arms length. Just to avoid problems and to save time double and triple checking my arithmetic.

I have now been using the metric system as my primary units for kilt making for about 10 years ago even though I still think in inches.

I can do this because metric is just so dead simple. You totally drop the idea of fractions. And the lines on a metric tape measure are closer together than on an inch tape that it is more accurate.

Today it amazes me that only 3 countries in the entire world still cling to inches. Liberia, Myanmar, and the US. The rest of the world has realized that metric is more accurate and far, far easier to work with.

Now, this does cause a bit of a problem as when I teach kilt making most of my students are Americans. So I end up using inches and fractions again.

But as soon as I am back in my shop I go back to metric.

[Mike in Dayton]

I use metric primarily when calculating/measuring pleats. I use inches for the overall waist and hip measurements. Mostly because all my tape measures are in inches.

Other than kilts, I also use metric measurements when working with CAD designs and 3D printing. I find metric measurements easier to use on smaller objects rather than dealing with fractions. Decimal inches would be fined but decimal scales are harder to come by. Metric is a little harder doing printed circuit board layouts as many electronic parts are are on 0.1" centers.

While I am in the USA I find doing metric measurements becoming more the norm for me even with kilts.

Mike

[Flyboy]

Steve,
Thanks so much for the Advice I think using metric in my case will be a little less daunting than using fractions. I can’t wait for my tartan to arrive so I can get started!

Cheers,
Dick