Hi fellow quilters! I'm somewhat new to quilting but have made a few table runners, quits and wall hangings but I still get confused on some things.

For some reason I just can't get this straight in my head and I'm hoping someone can help me.

I need to sub-cut a piece of fabric 5" x 42 1/2". My mat isn't that long (around 36 or 38") and I don't know how to cut to 42 1/2". I already have it 5" wide.

Can someone tell me how to do this?

Thanks!

Thanks!

Arlene

Fold fabric selvage to selvage, fold one additional timetoward selvage Line up with the bottom of your mat trim off the uneven edge and use ruler to cut off the 5 inches, hope this makes sense.
Oh didnt read the last part
Fold strip in half , line the folded part on the left line on your mat, cut half of measurement on unfolded part if you need 42 cut at 21 inches

Thanks for the quick reply! I already have the 5". I need to sub-cut it to 42 1/2". This is for a border.

fold the 5 inch strip in half ONCE then lay the fold along the 0 line on your mat. making sure that it is square along one of the vertical lines. Then cut it at 21 1/4 inches. 21.25 x 2=42.5 When you unfold your piece it will be 42 1/2 inches long.

Thanks!!!! So I need it 42 1/2"' not 42 - I would do what you said but cut at 21 1/4 mark?

Thanks! I saw your post after I sent my last post.

Thank you both very much. You're life savers! :-D

By the way. You're instructions are so simple and I don't understand why I couldn't figure it out myself. LOL. :hunf:

I haven't cut it yet but will cut at 21 1/4 so the total length will be 42 1/2 which pattern says it needs to be. This will allow for seam allowance. The wall hanging is 42" x 42". I'm cutting the final border. I did the sashing already. Once I add the final borders i'm ready to sandwich.

Hello and welcome from TN, so glad you got the help you needed, this site is great!!

Patterns don't always come out the correct size. Did you measure the quilt to be sure that 42 1/2 inches will fit? Every quilt I make, the center does not measure what it should. Everything has to be measured.