how accurate is "accurate enough" ?
#31
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Orbiting
Posts: 1,448
Sashing can correct a lot of errors. One LQS owner showed me how to sew sashing on the right side of a block, then on the bottom of the block then square it up. Do this instead of sewing sashing all the way across a row. This came in handy one time when I was asked to put blocks together that each block was sewn by a different quilter. It was a shock to see what a difference there was in seam allowances. The blocks were suppose to be 12 1/2" unfinished. Well, very few were. The blocks were anywhere from 11 1/4" to 15" (?). I had to trim down on several of them before putting sashing on like the 15" block.
I just did a tumbler quilt where I used a 3/8" seam allowance so that when I quilt 1/4" from seam, I will catch the seam allowance in it. Had no trouble putting the blocks together since they were not intricate piecing and all that mattered was consistency.
I just did a tumbler quilt where I used a 3/8" seam allowance so that when I quilt 1/4" from seam, I will catch the seam allowance in it. Had no trouble putting the blocks together since they were not intricate piecing and all that mattered was consistency.
#32
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Orbiting
Posts: 1,448
Also wanted to add that I like to over size the smaller blocks than square them up. Like making half-square triangles. To Make a 3 1/2" unfinished, I will cut squares at 4" rather than at 3 7/8". As I get older it's awfully hard to cut anything using the 7/8" line.
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: West Coast
Posts: 9,267
I was replying to QuiltinNan's post about doing a double seam on thinner than desirable seam allowances. It's obvious if you read posts in threaded mode. Sorry you were confused.
I tend to reply like i'm in a conversation. I will make an effort to be more clear ;-)
I tend to reply like i'm in a conversation. I will make an effort to be more clear ;-)
Last edited by DebraK; 07-21-2013 at 05:32 PM.
#37
I have found thorough trial and error that thread size does affect the seam allowance. So I try to use the same thread throughout the piecing. With "So Fine" from Superior Threads, my seams are more true to 1/4" . With Connecting threads thread, I have to allow almost 1/16" to account for the width of the thread. Finished block size, I like to stay within 1/8" of what it's supposed to be, and I try ( notice I said TRY) to be extremely accurate when star points are right on the seam line. If they aren't quite to the seam line, I can live with it, but if they are chopped off, it really bothers me.
#38
Tartan... thank you for showing that foot! I didn't realize the fact about the notch... very helpful! All these comments have been helpful... I am not a particularly accurate "seamer"... but I want to be better... every suggestion helps!! I DO enjoy the process, but want to get better...
#40
The importance of accuracy will show the most when you start putting blocks together. If your seams don't match up, there is a problem somewhere. If ALL your seams are the same little "one thread" off, they will match up exactly but your quilt may be a little smaller or larger when finished.
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