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Why do we have to cut charm squares to 4 1/2 inches ?

Why do we have to cut charm squares to 4 1/2 inches ?

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Old 09-25-2014, 02:15 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by Wanabee Quiltin View Post
I love charm squares and have many. When I read patterns, one of the first things they say is to cut them in half and then trim to 4 1/2 inches or they just say trim to 4 1/2 inches. I know that 'someone' knows why, but I don't. Please give me some answers .
If you make HSTs from your 5" charm squares, they will square up to 4 1/2". Patterns with a mix of HSTs and regular squares will need the regular squares trimmed down to 4 1/2" so that they can be joined.

This is my best guess, without knowing what pattern you're looking at...
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Old 09-25-2014, 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Jennifer23 View Post
If you make HSTs from your 5" charm squares, they will square up to 4 1/2". Patterns with a mix of HSTs and regular squares will need the regular squares trimmed down to 4 1/2" so that they can be joined.

This is my best guess, without knowing what pattern you're looking at...
Jennifer beat me to it! If you combine a charm square with a pieced unit made up of other charm squares, like half square triangles, 4 patches, etc, you will need to cut the full ones down to match the size of the pieced units. The pieced units will be smaller because of the seam allowance. It all depends on the pattern if you need to trim them to a smaller size or not and what that new size will be. I really don't think it has anything to do with pinked edges.
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Old 09-26-2014, 02:47 AM
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Go to youtube and type in Go cutter. Tons of videos.

also, on their website.
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Old 09-26-2014, 05:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Tartan View Post
Well it would be nice if you could count on pre-cuts being accurate but most are not. One of the reasons I seldom buy them.
I learned the hard way that pre-cut jelly rolls aren't accurate. Had to cut over 80 to the exact size.
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Old 09-26-2014, 05:37 AM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by Tartan View Post
Well it would be nice if you could count on pre-cuts being accurate but most are not. One of the reasons I seldom buy them.
Ditto! I once bought a charm square pattern for a table-runner (I hung it on a door). I loved the pattern design and would use it again, but the Tonga Treats charm square pack had some oddly cut not-quite squares, and more the pity, the pattern assumed I was playing with a full deck, so to speak so I couldn't even use the color combinations I wanted without buying more of the stuff. NEVER AGAIN!
I am not charmed!
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Old 09-26-2014, 07:16 AM
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I brought a pattern the other day that wanted a 6 inch charm square... has anyone ever seen that?
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Old 09-26-2014, 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by sdeaaz View Post
I brought a pattern the other day that wanted a 6 inch charm square... has anyone ever seen that?

Yes, I have and I even have a pattern for a 6 1/2 charm.
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Old 09-26-2014, 01:20 PM
  #28  
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If I had a pattern that called for 4.5" squares, I'd cut my own. My thrifty nature would not allow me to willingly waste that much fabric from charm squares. I just couldn't do it. LOL
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Old 09-26-2014, 03:53 PM
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Got charm squares...be sure the latest Missouri Star Quilt Company tute for "PLUS" quilt pattern. I am going to try this next.
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Old 09-26-2014, 04:55 PM
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Could it be that the pattern you are looking at require the smaller sizes?
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