thanks to all who answered. i think my problem was, i bought some fabric from wal-mart for the 5.00 flat, is ravels like crazy, is very thin, i should have knowed better, but this was my first one, so what i did was add 3 more strips, & it worked. but now it is 39 instead of 36 strips!! i will try one now with better fabric!! love you all for your help