blocks not same size

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11-19-2010, 08:36 AM

#41

EasyPeezy

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Canada

Posts: 3,455

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connie Merritt

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga447

I am new to quilting also, I just realized that the charm squares I was cutting will not equal to 10 1/2 in squares, da so I will probably have to add a sash or just chain all the square together. Luckily I am not following a pattern, I just learned to do the "Ohio Star"and I had to frog at least six of the squares till I got it right. Don't give up we are newbies but I know in the future we will get this.

What does "frog" mean and how do you "frog" a square?

Frog goes rip, rip, rip. That's what it's all about...ripping seams. :D

11-19-2010, 11:19 AM

#42

krisgray

Junior Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: MO

Posts: 297

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltingaz

If possible you can square up the blocks. Find the smallest one and square all others to that size. Of course this will not work if you are cutting off points.

As said above, accurate cutting, seaming, and pressing are the only real solution. Watch that 1/4 inch seam, that is usually the culprit.

Second this. I've also had 1 or 2 that for some reason stayed small, after reconstructing a couple times. So, I put some background strips on 2 sides of the small blocks and then squared them up the same size as the others. Ain't perfect but who's gonna know?!

11-19-2010, 03:08 PM

#43

mmlctnp

Member

Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: Nebraska

Posts: 72

Would framing each block with a small border help disguise the fact that they are just a little off?

11-19-2010, 03:11 PM

#44

smitty

Senior Member

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: montana

Posts: 620

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deb watkins

Accurate cutting is a must, as well as accurate seams. Press not iron as this can stretch your block even a little which will make a huge difference.

Ditto !! and a dry iron is much friendlier to fabrics than steam.

11-19-2010, 03:18 PM

#45

smitty

Senior Member

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: montana

Posts: 620

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbrose

hi everyone new to quilting still learning i am making a quilt; but when i go to put my blocks together they end up being smaller or some larger than others i pressed i starched but i need help what am i doing wrong? please help

Sharyan Craid has a couple of wonderful books out on using swap blocks, etc. save this quilt by doing the outside strips in some manner. your eye really does not see the little difference. cutting down so often ruins points, etc. then--practice all the great tips you are being given here. keep it up, you will love it ! most of us probably did not save some of our early, wonky blocks, but it would be interesting to have a show of "buggers".

11-19-2010, 04:41 PM

#46

jitkaau

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Australia

Posts: 4,116

Accurate cutting and sewing is the only answer. Don't throw your blocks away - sew a frame of material around them to make them all the same size and then put the blocks together.

11-19-2010, 04:51 PM

#47

galvestonangel

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: Galveston Texas

Posts: 1,596

If you are starching as you are putting the block together, it can thro your blocks off. That is from personal experience. I was even very careful not to "rio" only "press" but I skewed them up royally.

11-19-2010, 07:28 PM

#48

connie_1936

Senior Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: mesa and payson, arizona

Posts: 772

did you change presser feet in the middle of piecing your blocks? this really messed me up a while back. there was a slight difference and my seams were about 3 threads narrower. overall this changed the size of some of the blocks.

11-19-2010, 07:29 PM

#49

sew wishful

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: NE Iowa

Posts: 843

Quote:

Originally Posted by PMY in QCA-IL

Practice sewing "scant" 1/4" seams until you can get a consistent measurement. Find a spot on your sewing machine or mark with tape where you can end up with a "scant" 1/4" seam. ("Scant" means a thread ot two just short of a measured 1/4".)

I've gotten pretty good at 1/4" seams, but I gotta say...I make my quilts to be used by my grandkids...I worry about 1/4" seams...I think I want to use 1/2" seams to keep them from fraying while washing, or wrestling around with them in bed..so if I do that I need to increase the size of each block by what? half inch? inch?

11-19-2010, 07:41 PM

#50

tjradj

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: London, Ontario, Canada

Posts: 1,326

If they're really wonky, just sew them so that the seams are meant to not meet. Make the first row straight, then the next row a half a block over. That way they look like you meant it that way, and go with it!
Practise makes almost perfect. Be fussy with your cutting and your 1/4" seam. Then things will come together better. Oh, and always use the same ruler!