Hi, I'm new to quilting and plan to make the Woodland Sampler featured in the Fabric Trends - 2009 quilting magazine.

Simple question: The instructions tell me, for example, to cut 2 & 1/2 " strips. Do the dimensions include the 1/4" seam allowance or do I have to add the allowance before I cut? The instructions didn't state nor did the general instructions.

Thanks for your response in advance.

Charlotte.

Included.

Welcome to the board from Southern California. In that instance the seam allowance is included in the size of the cut. Most of your patterns for piecing, the seam allowance is in the measurement. In Applique, you need to add the 1/4" for the seam.

The universal seam allowance in patch or pieced quilting is 1/4 inch, so most all patterns have allowed for that and added 1/2 inch to cutting instructions. this helps you take the guesswork out of calculating. the patterns you see most that do not have a seam allowance added will be applique patterns such as hearts for example. The shape of the heart in the pattern is meant to be drawn onto fabric exactly and then you cut it out approximately 1/8 inch away from your drawn line, unless you do wonder under or steam a seam to fix the piece to a back ground. You would not add a seam allowance in that situation.