Littleginger

Hi. I'm making a quilt that calls for 3" X 1 5/8" parallelograms from a 1 5/8" strip of fabric. But how do I do that? I know how to make a 45 degree cut, but can't figure out how to measure the second 45 degree cut to make it a parallelogram. I've watched several YouTube videos but they all are different and one says measure 3" from first angle cut to the next, but that doesn't fit into the pattern.. way too big. Another one says measure 1 5/8" from first 45 degree cut to the next and to disregard the 3"... so confusing .... any easy way to do it?

Thanks!

cjsews

Make your first cut on the 45 deg angle. From that cut put your ruler on the 3 inch marker along that cut edge

cashs_mom

^^^^^^^^ What she said.

Littleginger

Ok so i cut the 45 degree angle cut and then from that cut side, I measure 3" over to the next 45 degree cut? Since my strip of fabric is 1 5/8 in. won't that make the diamond wonky? The corners won't match up. I'm making a star pattern. Thanks.

PaperPrincess

It's like this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiATCVSBp8M
make your first 45 degree cut, then turn your ruler 45 degrees, put the 3" mark on the edge you just cut, then make your next cut.

you are not cutting a diamond, you are cutting a parallelogram

Jan in VA

Perhaps the graphic below will help you visualize what Paper Princess described above.

Jan in VA

Littleginger

Thank you everyone for your help.. hopefully the squares will turn out correctly!

quiltingcandy

What pattern are you making? Maybe if we know what you are trying to make then it can be explained better than the pattern is written.

K-Roll

Jan in VA, have you written a book or books? If so please advise. You always have such helpful pics, illustrations, and advice!

Jan in VA

Thank you for your question and nice compliment!

I have never written a book though I have been urged to do so for quite a while. Actually I've started collecting notes for one, but can't seem to get organized enough to really start. And there is also the question of whether to self publish, go thru one of the reputable quilting publishers, or do an ebook. The later might be best for me but I do need to learn more about it.

Guess I sort of need a 'buddy' or editor type to keep me motivated and on track!

Meanwhile I share some here as I love to teach and encourage other quilters. You may PM me any time and we can also work thru email if you need specific help with something that may need graphics; several members have done that over the time I've been a member.

Jan in VA