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How do I cut the backround fabric?

How do I cut the backround fabric?

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Old 10-28-2012, 05:26 AM
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Default How do I cut the backround fabric?

I saw this tree skirt on Pinterest that a lady had designed herself. I would love to make a similar one for our smaller fiberoptic tree. It only has to be about 18" - 20" across. I have the 8 trees made but for the life of me I cannot get the correct octagon shape. The trees are 4" across the bottom & 5" high. Any suggestions on how to cut the white background?[ATTACH=CONFIG]372946[/ATTACH]
Attached Thumbnails tree-skirt.png  

Last edited by Gail B; 10-28-2012 at 05:34 AM.
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Old 10-28-2012, 05:33 AM
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Looks like it's 8 triangles. How about deciding on the size of the white triangles and then appliquéing the trees on them.
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Old 10-28-2012, 05:37 AM
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looks like the trunks are made with white on either side then tree the same way then sew trunk section to tree section then i would trim the unit to the size triangle you want...its super cute...may have to make one
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Old 10-28-2012, 05:47 AM
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A full circle is 360°
With 8 pies sections (trees), each needs to be 45° degrees.
Therefore, IF each tree is 45°, they will go together to make a full circle.

Looking at the photo, each tree was made, then the trunk and white at the bottom was added.
Then a strip of white on one side, then the other side.
And back and forth til each piece of pie is to size.
The more white that's added, the bigger the circle will become.

Join the pieces of the pie together, leaving one open for your skirt opening.

If it were me, and it were for a novelty tree, I'd sew the eighth section from the outside in to the centre and leave just enough opening to feed the bottom of the tree thru. Would give a much neater and tidier look for oohing and aahing!

Last edited by QuiltE; 10-28-2012 at 05:50 AM.
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Old 10-28-2012, 06:21 AM
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QuiltE is right - you need a 45 degrees angle at the top of your tree. Based on your measurements, the tree is close, but not quilt 45 (It's 47 degrees). If you already have the tree on the white background. cut one edge of the white parallel with your tree. Then, lay the 45 degree line of your ruler along that cut, and trim the other edge to get a perfect 45 degrees.
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Old 10-28-2012, 06:23 AM
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I would get a huge piece of paper (wrapping paper). I would make sure it is square. Then fold it in half, fold in half again and half again to form a triangle. Unfold it and it should have eight crease marks dividing the paper into 8 equal sections. Measure out with a ruler from the center point the required distance for your triangle and mark a dot. Draw straight lines from dot to dots and you should have an octagon. Cut out a section for your cutting template but make sure to add your seam allowance.
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Old 10-28-2012, 07:04 AM
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Originally Posted by QuiltE View Post
Therefore, IF each tree is 45°, they will go together to make a full circle.
**clarification** ... not only will it make a full circle, but also that all important FLAT circle!!!


Originally Posted by QuiltE View Post
......Then a strip of white on one side, then the other side.
And back and forth til each piece of pie is to size.
The more white that's added, the bigger the circle will become......
**clarification** ... that each of the strips are of equal size, and the same # of strips on each side


Originally Posted by QuiltE View Post
If it were me, and it were for a novelty tree as you are, I'd sew the eighth section from the outside in to the centre and leave just enough opening to feed the bottom of the tree thru. Would give a much neater and tidier look for oohing and aahing!
**clarification** ... then bind of the open section by turning inward, so that when the skirt is laying flat it would look as one continuous seam and no opening. I'd probably put a velcro tab on that top underneath part, to help close the opening and keep it flat. Of course, somewhat dependent on what the tree stand is like and how much of a lump it is creating.
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Old 10-28-2012, 10:15 AM
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Seeing that it is only 18-20" across I can think of 2 different ways to add the white.

Use 8 - 45 degree triangles and applique the small trees onto those pieces.

Or just cut an octogon [8 sided] piece of your white background. The applique the trees at the bottom of each side. Let the quilting do the rest to make it look like 8 triangles sewed together.

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Old 10-28-2012, 03:21 PM
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Thank you all for your advice. I have to put this project on hold for awhile. We are leaving for AZ on Tuesday so it is time to pack. I will post pics of the finished skirt probably next weekend.
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Old 10-28-2012, 03:47 PM
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Love the pattern. Give us a tute when you are finished.
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