Quilting Take up?
 

How much take up is there with average quilting? I ammaking a cover for a piece of electronic equipment and have worked out the sizeI need once it is quilted and ready to be sewn. I need to cut the quilted piece11" by 17" (and another couple of pieces about 6" square for thesides) How much bigger should I make them to allow for the take up of thequilting stitches, so that after the quilting I will have enough to cut them tothe size I need. Would 1 1/2" bigger on all edges be enough? ........ (I asked this a few minutes ago but I must have put it in a visitor section, my first go at asking anything...anyway it didn't turn up so here's another go at it......., thanks)

Depends on the thickness of batting and density of your quilting. The higher the loft the more you are going to lose. Also, if your batting is cotton it will shrink when washed. So will the fabrics unless you pre washed. I really do not believe there is a reliable formula for calculating this because there are so many variables. Good luck.

I would make a sample square at least 8" using your fabrics and batting choice, quilt it as heavily as you expect to, measure it , wash it and dry it and measure it again. That will at least give you a go-by so if the 8" ends up at 7" you will know for every 8" to figure you will finish at 7"
Good luck, sounds like a nice project!

Be sure to quilt your fabric before cutting it so your pieces won't be too small.

Do you have a pattern? Sewing with Nancy has a program devoted to this subject. Check out her website nancysnotions.com for the book that goes along with the show.

Cutting the pieces to size after quilting will ensure better accuracy. Ask me how I know!
peace