|
Originally Posted by JanTx
Before you sew them together square them - find the smallest one and cut the others to match that size. It could be cutting, it could be the fabric is stretching, or it could be the seam allowance isn't consistent. Cut them square and constant, then sew them together.
|
I was hoping a beginner didn't have any points to fool with! Sorry - that worked for my first couple of quilts, but they were simple blocks - rails, 4-patch, etc.
|
Hi Barbrose, practice sewing a 1/4" seam by cutting three 1-1/2" strips 10" long. Sew the three together and measure the center strip in width. It should measure 1" exactly. If it doesn't, do it again, and again, until you can get that 1" exact measurement in the center strip every time. Practice does make perfect!
Also use the same brand rulers for cutting your pieces and place edges in the center of the line on your rulers. I think these are the two basic reasons why your blocks would be different sizes. Ironing the blocks too vigorously (press the blocks) can also lead to stretched blocks. You know it doesn't matter much what seam allowance you make (except it changes the size of the finished block) as long as you make all seam allowance the same size. Good luck on this...you will get it! |
Originally Posted by joan_quilts
Trust me, with practice you do get the hang of it! You should see some of my early work! It was awful, but at the time, I liked it! Don't get discouraged!
I had a "friend" tell me, I had only been quilting for a few months, that "I would never get it". Well, guess what? That was a challenge! We both put quilts in our local quilt show, and I placed, she didn't even get anything! HAHAHAHA Don't tell me I can't! And, yes, she was MAD! |
Originally Posted by joan_quilts
Don't tell me I can't! And, yes, she was MAD!
If you are working on the same block and they are off, then your problem is either with the preparation in cutting, with the seam allowance being inconsistent, with the pressing, or a combination of all of the above. One of the well-known teachers suggests that you measure every piece of your construction when you first start to determine where you might go off the plan. Sometimes, it is possible to cut the block down (when there are no matching points) and sometimes it is possible to starch, press and pull the block into submission. In general, it is the practice that will get you there. Don't fret. I think we've all been there. |
I don't believe there is such a thing as "a scant 1/4" seam". It either is or it isn't and you need to find out where an exact 1/4" seam is on your sewing machine plate. I use 70 microytex sharpie needles and 60wt 100%cotton thread..it is just as strong and less lint than 50 wt. These 2 items take less space for the seam, thus more perfect piecing. Press each seam line as you go and then press each seam in the direction it should go in the whole piecing. Measure ea.block as you complete it and if it isn't the size it should be, get it right before you continue any further with another block.
|
Sorry---correct spelling: Microtex sharp needles
|
another suggestion: if your blocks are not squaring up and close to the same size, you might think of adding a border around each block. This border could be 2-3 inches. Then cut each block the exact same size. The border could even act as sashing, depending on the overall design of your quilt. All the best. You'll get it. :)
|
Go to
About.com How to Square Up Quilt Blocks Squaring Up Quilt Blocks - Learn How to Fix Problem Quilt Blocks By Janet Wickell |
Go to
About.com How to Square Up Quilt Blocks Squaring Up Quilt Blocks - Learn How to Fix Problem Quilt Blocks By Janet Wickell |
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:01 PM. |