homespun plaids
 

Any suggestions on matching plaids? Maybe I should not be posting on here, but didn't know where else to post. I am making curtains and want to know the best way to match up homespun plaids. Thank you for your help, Michele

I dimly remember the method from a 1920s Butterick "how to sew" book. Make sure that you buy extra fabric. Cut your length, then match up the plaid from the cloth. When it matches, cut out that part.

Hope that answers your question.

There are several methods. You have to consider whether you have a balanced or an unbalanced plaid. If you google how to match plaids, you'll find the info.

When using plaids in quilts I remember a wonderful quote by Mary Ellen Hopkins who was my first instructor and mentor: "Remember, you making a quilt not dressing a body." (Meaning, let the cut falls where it may, that's the charm of a quilt.)

No "fussy cut" for me, I really hate that word!

Jan in VA

Fold your fabric selvedge to selvedge, start at one cut edge & match the plaid line & place a straight pin in it, move to the next plaid & repeat across the cut piece. Once it is matched up, pick it up & let it hang out, lay it down & see if the folded edges are matched, if not, then repeat the procedure on that side as well. It does take time, but curtains made with a plaid on a slant isn't my idea of fun either.