off setting seams
#1
off setting seams
not sure I'm in the right place for this. I have a pattern that tells you the off set will be 1/4"
How do you off set seams I checked you tube and google its a steering wheel cover pattern and I know I may be way over my head but the only way to learn is to try................... Thank you
How do you off set seams I checked you tube and google its a steering wheel cover pattern and I know I may be way over my head but the only way to learn is to try................... Thank you
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
it sounds as if it is telling you to sew with a 1/4" seam??? maybe the seam allowance is not included in the pattern?
could you show pictures- or more information about the instructions? then we may be able to explain it better. could be you are supposed to turn each piece so the seams lock---we need more information in order to help.
could you show pictures- or more information about the instructions? then we may be able to explain it better. could be you are supposed to turn each piece so the seams lock---we need more information in order to help.
#3
I have been through every quilting reference book I have, including The Quilting Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face, 500 Quilting Tips, Techniques & Trades Secrets, and several other basic "learn to quilt" books. I even googled "off set seams" and came up with nothing. I think there's a problem here with the terminology.
Does the pattern give you a size for the pieces of fabric you're supposed to cut? If so, are they all an even size, or do they all end in a ½". For example, are the pieces of fabric all 1" or 2" or always ending in an even number? Or do they end in 1½", 2½, etc. If it's the former, just the straight 1" or 2" (or 4" or 6" or whatever), chances are excellent that they haven't accounted for a seam allowance, and they are telling you to add ¼" seam allowed all around, thus during the piece into, for example, a 2½" square. That means an extra ¼" seam allowance on each of the four sides, right? Does this make sense?
Does the pattern come as a set of blocks? Does it give the overall block size? Say for example it's made up of 8" blocks. If you take the sizes of fabric that they give you and don't add seam allowances, draw it to scale on a piece of paper, and then measure it, and it comes out to 8" exactly, then you KNOW they haven't added seam allowances. There's no possible way you could sew this block together without adding seam allowances to each piece of fabric. Does this make sense?
I'll subscribe to this blog, so if you have any questions about what I've written, you can just post again.
Does the pattern give you a size for the pieces of fabric you're supposed to cut? If so, are they all an even size, or do they all end in a ½". For example, are the pieces of fabric all 1" or 2" or always ending in an even number? Or do they end in 1½", 2½, etc. If it's the former, just the straight 1" or 2" (or 4" or 6" or whatever), chances are excellent that they haven't accounted for a seam allowance, and they are telling you to add ¼" seam allowed all around, thus during the piece into, for example, a 2½" square. That means an extra ¼" seam allowance on each of the four sides, right? Does this make sense?
Does the pattern come as a set of blocks? Does it give the overall block size? Say for example it's made up of 8" blocks. If you take the sizes of fabric that they give you and don't add seam allowances, draw it to scale on a piece of paper, and then measure it, and it comes out to 8" exactly, then you KNOW they haven't added seam allowances. There's no possible way you could sew this block together without adding seam allowances to each piece of fabric. Does this make sense?
I'll subscribe to this blog, so if you have any questions about what I've written, you can just post again.
#4
What I recall about offsetting, is that you do not place heavy seams on top of each other, but place side by side, (offsetting 1/4 inch) It is used sometimes for heavy materials, such as denims, canvasses, etc. Don't know if that applies to your project, but take a look at it. Good luck!!!
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Asheville, previously Lake Vermilion, Tarpon Springs, Duluth, St Paul, Soudan
Posts: 1,651
I'm with Freddie, thinking that you offset the seam lines by 1/4" to avoid the bulk. If it's a steering wheel cover made of vinyl or some other very thick fabric, it would be tough going for a domestic machine.
#7
Okay I headed over to a another favorite site of mine and found a good thread. It even has pictures.
http://sewing.patternreview.com/Sewi...ns/topic/60690
I think it is as Freddie and Krisb described!
http://sewing.patternreview.com/Sewi...ns/topic/60690
I think it is as Freddie and Krisb described!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Links and Resources
4
08-01-2011 12:24 PM