Could someone explain something to me, please?
05-24-2012, 07:25 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Southeast Michigan
Posts: 825
First, thank you for the responses... I'm coming to the conclusion this is something I just need "to do" and not think about. if I need a certain size finished square, I just need to cut the fabric 1/2 inch larger than I need for I am taking a 1/2 inch off the width and length. If I need 1/2 square triangles, I need to add 7/8"... (going to make a cheat sheet at home)...
but I just can't get my head around the reasoning (tell ya, I'm not good at math reasoning) if I taking a 1/4 inch off each side (1/2 " total for width and 1/2" total for length) that still gives me 1" taken off for seam allowances. why isn't that calculated- for 1/2 off width + 1/2 off length = 1").
ugh. guess there are some things I will never understand and that's why we have cheat sheets.... but now I know why my current quilt has gotten wonky...
thank you! :
but I just can't get my head around the reasoning (tell ya, I'm not good at math reasoning) if I taking a 1/4 inch off each side (1/2 " total for width and 1/2" total for length) that still gives me 1" taken off for seam allowances. why isn't that calculated- for 1/2 off width + 1/2 off length = 1").
ugh. guess there are some things I will never understand and that's why we have cheat sheets.... but now I know why my current quilt has gotten wonky...
thank you! :
05-24-2012, 07:37 AM
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,369
Come at it from the other way. Your 4" cut square is 4" wide by 4" high...or 8" total if you combine them. If you then subtract the 1" of seam allowances, you get 7". Divide that in half (because it's a square and length and width are the same) and you get a 3½" square. Does that help you see it?
If you consider both directions (length and width) for one element (the seam allowances), you have to do it for the other as well (the square sides).
If you consider both directions (length and width) for one element (the seam allowances), you have to do it for the other as well (the square sides).
Sometimes math--an exact science--just does not seem to make sense.....but it always does! (and this opinion is from a severely math challenged English major!)
05-24-2012, 11:15 AM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Carolina
Posts: 877
I am not good at math, either, but luckily, I think in pictures. You are only measuring straight across one direction, so you only have to use the 1/4 inch on the east and west sides. Later you can do north and south, but that is a separte function.
bearisgray, it looks like you should be an engineer.
bearisgray, it looks like you should be an engineer.
05-24-2012, 12:13 PM
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: League City, Texas, USA
Posts: 625
I am so happy to see I'm not the only one whose eyes glaze over when it comes to figuring the math of quilt pieces. However, I did 'get it' from the many simple explanations in the thread. Thanks to you all for that. Now I have to think on the 7/8" thing. LOL
05-24-2012, 01:02 PM
#37
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,830
Math has never been my friend. I lost all hope when the alphabet showed up to join the party. I never got it to make sense..it didn't matter that the letter was a sub for a number..it was all alphabet soup after that. =)
05-24-2012, 02:40 PM
#38
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,654
The basic concept - for a four-sided figure with 90 degree corners to figure 'finished size' - assuming 1/4 inch seams:
(Unfinished) Starting width minus 1/2 inch = finished width
(Unfinished) Starting length minus 1/2 inch = finished length
The attached drawing might help
(Unfinished) Starting width minus 1/2 inch = finished width
(Unfinished) Starting length minus 1/2 inch = finished length
The attached drawing might help
05-24-2012, 05:21 PM
#39
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 57
Ahhhhh, the lightbulb is glowing now- it does get dim, but I just reread the posts and it gets brighter...
Madquilter, thank you for the the verbal image of sewing the rectangles to the top then to a side- coupled with explanations and even concrete drawings, provided by other members, I am able to grasp why we only lose 1/2" compared to the 1" I thought we should lose.
I can not thank each one of you, for I didn't write down all the names who posted, for your contributions and helpfullness- I greatly appreciate it. I appreciate the diagrams, the logical/mathematical explanations, the nods of agreements of those who feel the same why as I do (it sure feels good that I'm not the only one in the boat). Now, I know why I open this message board first....
wishing y'all peace,
Deb
Madquilter, thank you for the the verbal image of sewing the rectangles to the top then to a side- coupled with explanations and even concrete drawings, provided by other members, I am able to grasp why we only lose 1/2" compared to the 1" I thought we should lose.
I can not thank each one of you, for I didn't write down all the names who posted, for your contributions and helpfullness- I greatly appreciate it. I appreciate the diagrams, the logical/mathematical explanations, the nods of agreements of those who feel the same why as I do (it sure feels good that I'm not the only one in the boat). Now, I know why I open this message board first....
wishing y'all peace,
Deb
Last edited by callie8799; 05-24-2012 at 05:22 PM. Reason: fingers moved quicker than my brain :p
05-24-2012, 11:32 PM
#40
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Southeast Georgia
Posts: 2,526
Just don't over-analyze. Just think of your 4" square minus 1/4" on the top= 3 3/4 minus another 1/4" on the bottom - 3 1/2. You now have a rectangle 3 1/2 by 4. OK, you still have to sew the sides. 1/4" off the left side and your rectangle is now 3 3/4 horizontally by 3 1/2 vertically. Sew another 1/4 seam on the right side and your rectangle is now a 3 1/2" square.
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