cmw0829

The image below is a block from a quilt that I will be making. The motif blocks will be fussy cut. The floral shown in the motif was scanned into EQ6 and isn't the actual size. The other image is the manufacturer's swatch and is a far better representation of the size of the flower.

I would like to keep the motif to a maximum 7" finished size. If I cut the block on the grain, I can get the almost all of the flower in but the edges of the blossoms will be just at or a tiny bit into the seam line. If I cut the block on the bias, I can get the whole flower in and have a small frame of the yellow background around the flower. My feeling is that this would have a better appearance and give some separation from the blue in the flying geese.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't cut the block on the bias? Will it create a construction problem?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Cathy

MaryStoaks

I might cut on the bias if I starched the fabric very stiff before cutting.

mucky

Starch well and be handle carefully. It certainly looks much nicer on the bias.

ckcowl

if you cut it on the bias you need to stitch very carefully-accurately- to keep the bias edges from stretching-and the block becoming wonky---you could add a lightweight stablizer to keep it from stretching- starch will help some- but a stablizer would be the best...if you do not want to do that use lots of pins-and be very careful.

mim

by the time you stitch the sides on, it will be very stable. If you don't want to starch (and I don't) pin on each seam to make sure it doesn't move.

If the center block is less than 6 inches, you shuldn't have any problem. You will want it soft for babies so go easy on starch or stabilizer. Just my opinion

Mim

cmw0829

Thanks everybody for your replies. You've given me courage!!

I don't usually use starch but don't have a problem using it to keep the block from getting wonky. It's going to before my husband's elderly aunt who hates anything cat. Since we have two, it will be washed before being gifted so will lose the starchy stiffness.

Thanks again,
Cathy

bearisgray

I've fussy cut things on the bias to get what I want - I haven't had any problems with the assembly of them. Reasonable care helps -

Starch or sizing might help stabilize the fabric if you apply it BEFORE you cut it.

My personal belief is that fabric should be able to "stand on its own" without needing to use additives to have it be stable enough to cut and sew, and no additives should be necessary when it's washed.

Pre-washing the fabric will identify if either of those things might be issues!

QuiltnNan

the flower is so beautiful, it would be a shame not to get as much of it as possible. i think it would be worth the effort to starch and stabilize

mighty

Yes I agree starch and stabilize, and be very careful. That is really a beautiful flower.

gramarraine

I would try one block cutting on the bias and see how hard it is compared to cutting not on the bias. If you don't have a lot of problems I would cut on the bias. Your block is beautiful.