Joan in AK

My blocks rarely come out to what the pattern says. They are not always square and maybe an 1/8" off at least. Do others have this problem? I wish sometimes I could look at the quilts designers put on their patterns and see if this is the case for them even though the pattern says a block should be a certain size. I think one of my big problems is pressing. I am losing measurement because my blocks aren't pressed crisp and flat. Any tips for getting a better press?
Thank you

ManiacQuilter2

I also find this happening to me a while ago. I am much more careful with pressing and when I cut my strips, I don't try to center the black line on my Omnigrid ruler but have the outside edge of the yellow line to just give a tiny bit more fabric. You just can move your iron around when it is down like you do when ironing clothes. it is a hard habit to break. Hope you find some way to improve your accuracy.

gramajo

I spray water on a seam when I press. It presses the seam flatter than when just using heat.

Tartan

I rarely get a repeated block to come out perfectly. The more seams, the harder it is to get a consistent size. I over cut a smidge at the edge pieces so I can trim if necessary. You are not alone!

Joan in AK

Thank you for the tips and reassurance that I am not alone. Maniac Quilter I have never been sure what part of the line I place the ruler, so getting a little bit more fabric will be helpful. Gramajo I don't use steam as I think steam distorts even more, but just spraying the seams I bet will work. Tartan good to know others also have the problem. I love the phrase I heard not to long ago,"Done is better than perfect."
Does using starch help?

EasyPeezy

Since I watched this video I've been pressing most of my seams like this.
It helps to avoid those tiny pleats which makes the block smaller. Try it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CynQMi2IQ18

Jane Quilter

I like to finger press or "roller" press as I go when making a pattern. When the block is done, I press up and down gently. If I am making a scrap/crumb quilt made of many different fabrics, I make it oversized, then I shrink them in a bowl of starched water, lay flat to dry, then press/iron and trim to size

Joan in AK

Thank you for the video. I will give it a try.

Stitchnripper

thanks for the video. Very helpful

audsgirl

I have never seen this before. I'll be trying it soon. Thanks!

Leslie