lwbuchholz

I have made quilts for my kids but used big pieces. I am now trying some with smaller pieces and the squares aren't the same size when I am done. It is a small difference like 1/8 inch but If I trim them all to the smallest, the block will be cut off a little. I hope this makes sense. Has anyone else had this happen and how did you deal with it if you have.
Lynda

erstan947

Oh Yes. I find the problem is in the cutting or not consistent seams. Sometimes you can force the seams to match, sometimes I take out the problem seem and redo it and sometimes I live with it and try to do better. I feel it is part of the learning process.:)

LeslieFrost

Oh, yes, many times!

Can you make them a little oversize, then cut them all down?

lwbuchholz

I am not sure what to do. Maybe it won't make a difference. The last one I did had very small pieces and I found the pattern was wrong and I redid it and the squares are very close but still not exact. I will try to upload a picture of the squares. Haven't done that before.
Lynda

charity-crafter

Yes, it happens to me too. I tend to make over size blocks as much as possible so I have some wiggle room.

It's either inaccurate 1/4" seams and/or a smidgen off on cutting

lwbuchholz

The seams match pretty well. I had to ease some. It is the finished square that is a little large
Lynda

wolfkitty

If you look at the block on the right, the points go to the edge, but on the left block, they don't quite go to the edge. Could that be your 1/8 of an inch difference? I'm talking down the center line - does this make sense? It's very hard to get the exact seam just right. I know sometimes I have trouble with it.

Marion T

Happens all the time. With minor differences - I resew if slightly larger. Slightly smaller blocks can be dampened, and either pinned out on a board to dry or ironed or both - make that stretch work for you! I use a piece of paper the size I want the block to be, and pin and iron to that.

lwbuchholz

Yep that is my 1/8 inch difference. I know it is hard to get everything exact but I want them to be anyway. I will try it the way it is. And maybe as I make more blocks they will work out. I am going to use a sashing and maybe the problem won't be so noticable.
Lynda
PS not a great speller they need a spell checker here.:-)

Kitsie

I draw the correct sized square on cardboard, spray the block with starch (nice and wet) stretch it and pin to the cardboard (good idea to pin though multiple layers like through a seam allowance). Then just let it dry overnight.

I think it was a tutorial from Sharon Shamber (sp?). Seems to hold the size well.