Need help figuring out size please!
07-17-2020, 01:03 PM
#11
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,417
For squares cut into triangles - I have finally learned to always cut the original square a bit larger than the theoretical required size.
I have no idea of why my units always end up skimpy when I cut the starting square the theoretical size. Even when I narrow the seam allowance to a scant 3/16 instead of a 1/4 inch - the units end up skimpy.
So - I would much rather trim a tiny bit from the unit than have to pitch the whole unit because it was too small.
If I cut triangles individually, they usually work up to the desired size.
I think part of that is - when I cut with a ruler, the piece is a tiny bit larger than the "nominal" size.
Example: I am cutting what I call a 2.5 inch square with a ruler. It's actually a tiny bit larger than 2.5 inches - maybe only a thread width or so, but it does make a difference.
I have no idea of why my units always end up skimpy when I cut the starting square the theoretical size. Even when I narrow the seam allowance to a scant 3/16 instead of a 1/4 inch - the units end up skimpy.
So - I would much rather trim a tiny bit from the unit than have to pitch the whole unit because it was too small.
If I cut triangles individually, they usually work up to the desired size.
I think part of that is - when I cut with a ruler, the piece is a tiny bit larger than the "nominal" size.
Example: I am cutting what I call a 2.5 inch square with a ruler. It's actually a tiny bit larger than 2.5 inches - maybe only a thread width or so, but it does make a difference.
07-17-2020, 04:13 PM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 5,546
So glad to see the solution to your question. This board is full of such helpful quilters. Math is not my strong suite & I love it when someone can come along & tell me how to do something. Thanks to all who contributed to Susie's question!!!
07-17-2020, 04:28 PM
#13
Power Poster
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 15,181
Originally Posted by eparys
Just checking back in to see if you had responded - sorry that I misunderstood what you were trying to do. My only addition to all that great info that bearisgray and Iceblossom gave you is not to skimp on those triangles (imho). Depending on how you are setting the blocks, I tend to to try and cut them so that the outer edges of the corners are on the straight of the goods. That would mean using two 9 3/8 inch squares each cut once on the diagonal. That being said, I always cut them a minimum of 1/2 inch larger that what is called for (in this case about 10"). I match and pin the center points before sewing. This gives me a little extra wiggle room on the outside when I trim up the block.
Thanks!