What is wrong!
10-17-2013, 05:45 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 207
What is wrong!
I swear I can make a pinwheel no seam issues. Not one. My block comes out 12.5. Yet I follow a pattern to the t triple and quadruple checking every measurement and I'm coming up 1/4 short for 12.5. What is wrong!!!! I am trying to tweak my tape line to make it right because my 1/4 guide foot just ain't cutting it.
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 10-17-2013 at 06:40 AM. Reason: remove negativity
10-17-2013, 06:02 AM
#2
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
Hi, have a lie down. Eat some chocolate. Breathe. If you read lots of posts on this site, 1/4" feet on most machines are not really 1/4". You have to move your needle (if possible) or do like you are doing with another fabric guide. Here's a good tutorial:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...ce-t89997.html
The 1/4" foot is approximate. I have one and have to change my needle position if I change thread size or go to flannel or homespun from just quilter's cotton.
Another alternative is if your quilt is made out of just the pinwheel blocks, then go with the 12.25' ones.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...ce-t89997.html
The 1/4" foot is approximate. I have one and have to change my needle position if I change thread size or go to flannel or homespun from just quilter's cotton.
Another alternative is if your quilt is made out of just the pinwheel blocks, then go with the 12.25' ones.
10-17-2013, 06:21 AM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 6,764
One of my favorite quilter gals is Mary Ellen Hopkins. As she would say, "That is YOUR measurement." Stay with it. My quarter inch foot gives a very generous quarter inch seam. Unless I've got a pattern where the quarter is crucial, I just go with my measurement. When I do need to make an adjustment, I either move my needle one place or use a focal point on the foot to bring my seam out a bit. I'm not quilting scientist. I try to make it fun. My quilts do have inaccuracies. But I'm having so much fun. I hope you've relaxed and are having a better day.
10-17-2013, 06:21 AM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Texas, USA
Posts: 5,896
Go back and measure each seam, to see what's causing the problem. If all else fails, I'd just make the pinwheel section a tad bigger, then trim it down to size.
Another reason for the problem, may be your HST seams. Some patterns assume you'll use a scant 1/4" there. I never did like the scant 1/4" practice, as IMO the bias seams need more stability, not less. However, many people seem to think scant seams are the way to go.
Another reason for the problem, may be your HST seams. Some patterns assume you'll use a scant 1/4" there. I never did like the scant 1/4" practice, as IMO the bias seams need more stability, not less. However, many people seem to think scant seams are the way to go.
10-17-2013, 06:22 AM
#6
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Front row
Posts: 14,646
I had the same problem of blocks not being the right size when I first started sewing 1/4" seams.
After many classes with great instructors and knowing my fabric is cut to size I learned:
1. Use thin thread in top and bobbin
2. Press my seams open or tug and press the seam to one side. Keep iron in place longer for it to do it's job.
3. Twirl intersecting seams open
4. Use a longer stitch length 2.5 and backstitch at beginning and ending.
5. Keep index finger against the left side of the foot when coming to the end of the seam. This keeps the seam from veering right.
6. Sew slow, slow enough to count each stitch until you can tell by sight the seam is perfect.
7. Hard to match seams, glue baste them then sew.
One thing I learned that has held true and it's not known by most is if you are cutting strips of fabric you have to true up the edge after the amount of cuts the width of the strip. Example: if you are cutting five strips at 2 1/2 " you have to true up the edge after cutting 3 (rounded up) strips. Pieces cut 5 inches you have to true up the fabric edge after 5 cuts and so on. This is where a lot of frustration comes from, fabric being cut just a tad off even thought it looks fine.
One thing I forgot. I guess because it has become second nature to me now. I use a clapper to flatten all my seams after pressing.
After many classes with great instructors and knowing my fabric is cut to size I learned:
1. Use thin thread in top and bobbin
2. Press my seams open or tug and press the seam to one side. Keep iron in place longer for it to do it's job.
3. Twirl intersecting seams open
4. Use a longer stitch length 2.5 and backstitch at beginning and ending.
5. Keep index finger against the left side of the foot when coming to the end of the seam. This keeps the seam from veering right.
6. Sew slow, slow enough to count each stitch until you can tell by sight the seam is perfect.
7. Hard to match seams, glue baste them then sew.
One thing I learned that has held true and it's not known by most is if you are cutting strips of fabric you have to true up the edge after the amount of cuts the width of the strip. Example: if you are cutting five strips at 2 1/2 " you have to true up the edge after cutting 3 (rounded up) strips. Pieces cut 5 inches you have to true up the fabric edge after 5 cuts and so on. This is where a lot of frustration comes from, fabric being cut just a tad off even thought it looks fine.
One thing I forgot. I guess because it has become second nature to me now. I use a clapper to flatten all my seams after pressing.
Last edited by BellaBoo; 10-17-2013 at 06:34 AM.
10-17-2013, 06:28 AM
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 207
I'm trying to make a star block and that's where my issue is. After ripping it out a thousand times I think I got the issue fixed.
I'm going to put together another one to make sure it's all fixed up. I did a simple block that I just had to trim to size so I got rid of some of my frustration. My mini Oreos are all gone so that took care of what was left. Lol.
The blocks I'm making are for a swap so they have to be 12.5 unfinished. And I'm determined to make this star block dagnabit. I've always wanted to make one and I'm finally going to do it. After these blocks are done I'm gonna do a simple patch quilt that will give my brain a rest after all this. I'll be happy to never see another 7/8 measurement again lol
I'm going to put together another one to make sure it's all fixed up. I did a simple block that I just had to trim to size so I got rid of some of my frustration. My mini Oreos are all gone so that took care of what was left. Lol.
The blocks I'm making are for a swap so they have to be 12.5 unfinished. And I'm determined to make this star block dagnabit. I've always wanted to make one and I'm finally going to do it. After these blocks are done I'm gonna do a simple patch quilt that will give my brain a rest after all this. I'll be happy to never see another 7/8 measurement again lol
10-17-2013, 06:30 AM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Oregon
Posts: 2,042
We feel your pain. Many of us 'have been there and done that'. Chocolate, wine and time away will help 
I also agree that the problem could be your 1/4" seam. Thread and pressing can also effect your blocks size.
I have tape on my machine that I have marked 1/4 seam. Since I have done that, 95% of the time my block are spot on.
Good luck
I also agree that the problem could be your 1/4" seam. Thread and pressing can also effect your blocks size.
I have tape on my machine that I have marked 1/4 seam. Since I have done that, 95% of the time my block are spot on.
Good luck
10-17-2013, 06:31 AM
#9
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
If that happens with all of them then the quilt will be fine. Just about everything I do is a little off/wonky. Like PaperPrincess stated take a break. And let's thank her for sharing her 1/4" link.
10-17-2013, 06:38 AM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
I had the same problem and as others have mentioned, it was because my 1/4" foot was NOT 1/4". Fortunately on my machine I can set a custom needle position and save it, so now my machine defaults to the correct position to give me a 1/4" seam with my 1/4" foot. I just have to remember to reset it to true neutral for other feet or other seam allowances!
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