Can someone help me figure this out?
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
Yep, it is 7/8" I was putting some squares on point which were a strange finished size of 2.125" So I guessed that a square cut in half of 2.75" would work. It was short just like yours. 3" square cut in half worked perfectly. I usually round up to an inch and then trim. I have never made anything with an 1/8" inch but I am once again making Bibles bags for our missionaries going to the Philippines later this fall again.
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,645
these drawings might help explain what happened -
(Sorry about the poor quality - I have a new scanner and am still learning how to operate it)
Basically, what happens:
When one cuts a square - one cuts it 1/2 inch larger in both directions that the finished size to allow for seam allowances.
When one cuts a square diagonally to make half-square triangles - the points add an additional 3/8 inch to the 1/2 inch seam allowance of the original square - so that is why one adds 7/8 inch (one inch usually works better - and just trim a smidge from the sewn unit) to a square that will be cut diagonally to make HSTs.
(Sorry about the poor quality - I have a new scanner and am still learning how to operate it)
Basically, what happens:
When one cuts a square - one cuts it 1/2 inch larger in both directions that the finished size to allow for seam allowances.
When one cuts a square diagonally to make half-square triangles - the points add an additional 3/8 inch to the 1/2 inch seam allowance of the original square - so that is why one adds 7/8 inch (one inch usually works better - and just trim a smidge from the sewn unit) to a square that will be cut diagonally to make HSTs.
Last edited by bearisgray; 04-30-2015 at 12:30 PM.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Central Alabama
Posts: 884
Another way to help control those bias it to starch your fabrics before you cut them out. I use Sta-Flo (buy at Walmart) mix with half water. Spray your fabrics thoroughly with the starch, I allow mine to air dry and then
press. Big difference. I do this with ALL my projects.
press. Big difference. I do this with ALL my projects.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
Your blue square should have been larger. Maybe 7/8 of an inch? I forget the fraction for sure. Anyway, many quilters make the square larger intentionally and then trim to fit after it is cut and sewn. Good luck!
You need to have a 1/4 inch seam allowance beyond the corner of the yellow square in order for the white triangle to fit perfectly. Your blue triangles will provide that when applied to the yellow piece.
You need to have a 1/4 inch seam allowance beyond the corner of the yellow square in order for the white triangle to fit perfectly. Your blue triangles will provide that when applied to the yellow piece.
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03-29-2011 02:30 PM