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One Block Wonder Question on the size of strips and repeat

One Block Wonder Question on the size of strips and repeat

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Old 08-17-2013, 04:08 AM
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Default One Block Wonder Question on the size of strips and repeat

I want to try a one block wonder quilt. After watching a tutorial I have learned the repeat should be 24 inches and the strips need to be cut 3 3/4 inches . Well the fabric I bought has a 14 inch repeat and I want to know if I can make the strips narrower and what size would work? Budget is tight and I really want to use the fabric I have. If worse comes to worse I can make a kaleidoscope instead, or at least I hope so.
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Old 08-17-2013, 04:23 AM
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The longer the repeat, the more variety in the hexagons. In the book, OBWs are made with repeats as short as 6", many prints out there are 12" so your 14" repeat will work just great. You can make the strips any size you want, but 3 3/4" will work with any size repeat. I think this size was chosen for maximum fabric usage, allowing for a bit of wiggle. Cut the strips any width you want, just make sure that you use a 60 degree ruler. Also watch as you cut the triangles and if it looks like you are going to get repeats of patterns you just cut, cut a waste strip of half an inch or so (at 60 degrees) This will reposition your ruler.
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Old 08-17-2013, 05:10 AM
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There is a great tutorial here by cutebuns from a couple of years ago. An OBW is on my bucket list and when I am ready, I am going to review this before I start. http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...ns-t92503.html
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Old 08-17-2013, 10:44 AM
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You will love the end result. I have made the strips up to 6.5 with a 24" repeat and no two were alike. It is amazing and these are my favs.
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Old 08-17-2013, 11:16 AM
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I am about to make a 4 patch OBW using fabric that has a 12" repeat. Since the blocks need to be 11 1/2" unfinished, I will cut the strips 6" wide. You can make the blocks any size you want but smaller blocks will give you more variety.
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Old 08-17-2013, 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by GingerK View Post
I am about to make a 4 patch OBW using fabric that has a 12" repeat. Since the blocks need to be 11 1/2" unfinished, I will cut the strips 6" wide. You can make the blocks any size you want but smaller blocks will give you more variety.
When I took the four patch posie class the teacher said the larger you cut your strips the less kaleidoscope effect you get and the less variety in the blocks you get.
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Old 08-17-2013, 03:29 PM
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With a 14"repeat, you could cut your strips to 3.5" (or 3.25" if you want some wriggle room) then you would get 4 strips to each repeat and less wastage.
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Old 08-17-2013, 11:52 PM
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Oh, I forgot to say that if you intend on making the 3D cubes then stick to the size in the book. To alter the size of these is a major pain in the you know what, IMHO.
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Old 08-18-2013, 10:16 AM
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Thank you all for your fine suggestion's, I was about to change my mind and just do a kalidoscope quilt instead.
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