:D Hi,

I have just started to quilt. My first project is a cathedral quilt. I have some questions about my squares.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank
quilter58

Hi Luvtoquilt, it's nice to meet you :D . What are your questions? I don't know too much about cathedral window but if you ask your questions I'm sure someone will be along to help :P

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/2096.page

The main problem is when I cut my squares to 8/12 in., then sew my squares, then match seams this is where the problelm begins. After matching seams after turning right side out; the square seems to have a slight twist in it . Then if I fold corners to the center my 4 tips will not always be quite right.

I have even cut out 1 square at a time to make sure that my measurements are correct.

What could I possibly be doing wrong?

Luv,
Are you sure you are stitching with a scant 1/4" seam? Are you using a point turner to make sure they are sharp when you turn your fabric? Are you using muslin or a heavier weight fabric?
Shelly

I was told to use 1/2 in. seams. I'm not familiar with 1/4 scant :?: Also I am using muslin.

Also, when I match my seams, should I be sewing 1/2 seams also? Could that be the problem?

I really want to make this quilt

I am using a point turner to make sure my points are sharp. I forgot to mention that.

A scant 1/4 inch is a thread shy of a true 1/4 inch seam. You should use the 1/4 for an 8 1/2 inch block. Another thing is in cutting the fabric are you cutting on the grain (up and down or side to side with the woven threads) or on the bias (across the woven threads). If you are not cutting on the stright of grain you may be stretching the fabric as you are stitching. The key to a perfect C. Window is in the cutting with EXACT measurements.

Try a practice block with the 1/4 inch seam. The bulk from the 1/2 inch seam may be the problem that is making your blocks a little off.

Oh, and I use the scant 1/4" seam for ALL my quilting. Using a standard for each and every project makes everything easier to fit together...no guessing, no bulk.

I purchased my muslin and I had help with cutting my squares. The muslin was folded twice the folded again to be able to get 4 squares cut at one time.

The mistake is that I didn't notice how it was cut. I have looked at a few of the squares and the material seems to look the same. I guess this sounds dumb but, is it real noticable?

I'll try using a 1/4 in. seam and will get back to you. Will you be online tomorrow?

I homeschool so I pop on and off all through the day. I'll be watching for you. I won't check until late in the morning (around 10am CST), after I get the kids started in school.

I quick way you can check for the straight of grain is to give your squares a tug. Choose only one, because you won't be able to use the square after you do this. Hold it on the right and left and give a tug and "feel" the stretch. Repeat for the top and bottom. There should be a little give (one side will give more than the other). Now do the same thing holding two opposite corners. There is where your biggest stretch should be. If they were cut properly that is the bias of the fabric and will have the most stretch. Use that square as a practice square after you do this test because you will most likely pulled it "out of square" and it won't be perfect measurements anymore.

Have fun!
Shelly

Thanks again :D

I'll get back with you tomorrow.

See ya!

Oh!

I forgot to mention my time zone is EST.

Luv,
How'd the 1/4" seam work?
Shelly

Shelly,

I tried using the 1/4 seam and it worked much better. My points fell into place and the square looks good. I don't understand why I was told to use 1/2 seams. Maybe I misunderstood :?:

Anyway, thank you for your help.

q58

Make sure and post a picture of your finished quilt!
Have fun!
Shelly

I will, but it may take me a while since I am new at this.

I also crochet. Do you?

I embroider, cross-stitch, quilt, and sew (curtains, clothes, etc.). I just learned to knit. I know how to crochet, but I stink at it. I bounce between quilting and embroidery binges. I've always got a ba-zillion projects going at one time!

I also cross stitch and have knitted a few scarves and some dish cloths.

There is something about using 2 kneedles. Its ok but give me crocheting anytime.

As for sewing, I don't know too much about. I wish I did. :D

Along with the 6 baby quilts (one is a mock cathedral) and 1 twin I am currently working on, I just finished (yesterday) curtains and cornice board for my living room. I'm about to complete a blackwork sampler that I've been working on for more than a year.
School started again so my sewing will slow WAY down. I have to finish those baby quilts, though...due dates are coming up fast!
I just bought fabric to start a new quilt, though...sigh...I can't wait to get started on that one!

I have started a baby blanket and an afghan. The afghan is for Christmas and the baby blanket will need to be finished by January 15th.

So between these 2 projects and the C. quilt I think I will be very busy.

My DIL has asked for some crocheted snowflakes for her tree! Maybe I'll just have to teach her to crochet. I hope she will be interested in learning??