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I ran into the same situation weeks ago and finally gave up trying to do my own thing and got a pattern out to copy. :-(
I just couldn't figure out what size to cut everything to get the finished size I wanted...talk about being dumb. |
Originally Posted by callie8799
(Post 5237501)
First, thank you for the responses... I'm coming to the conclusion this is something I just need "to do" and not think about. if I need a certain size finished square, I just need to cut the fabric 1/2 inch larger than I need for I am taking a 1/2 inch off the width and length. If I need 1/2 square triangles, I need to add 7/8"... (going to make a cheat sheet at home)...
but I just can't get my head around the reasoning (tell ya, I'm not good at math reasoning) if I taking a 1/4 inch off each side (1/2 " total for width and 1/2" total for length) that still gives me 1" taken off for seam allowances. why isn't that calculated- for 1/2 off width + 1/2 off length = 1"). ugh. guess there are some things I will never understand and that's why we have cheat sheets.... but now I know why my current quilt has gotten wonky... thank you! : Here is a lonk to a great site for the charts, plus other free patterns: http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.co...rts/Charts.htm |
I am definitely a "visual" person. I do, however, add more than 7/8" when cutting squares to make 1/2 square triangles - I like being able to trim them to the correct size. I like knowing they will be exactly the size I want them to be and being able to trim them allows me that. I have had to "tug" on too many to make them fit - I guess that means I need to do a better job at sewing an accurate stitching line, but it is easier to trim them afterwards.
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Originally Posted by w7sue
(Post 5242189)
I am definitely a "visual" person. I do, however, add more than 7/8" when cutting squares to make 1/2 square triangles - I like being able to trim them to the correct size. I like knowing they will be exactly the size I want them to be and being able to trim them allows me that. I have had to "tug" on too many to make them fit - I guess that means I need to do a better job at sewing an accurate stitching line, but it is easier to trim them afterwards.
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The teacher and best student tried their darnest to teach me geometry and teacher finally gave me a D
to get rid of me....lol When we had Trudy Hughes for a speaker, she said "You use Geometry in quiltmaking" I am so glad someone else does the math. There were some ladies at a LQS and were having trouble getting their points nice....and I told them that what I do is add 1/8th of an inch to the measurement that calls for 4 7/8" and cut a 5 inch square to make half square triangles and that gives me a litte room for error in sewing...and then cut the square the right size; she said can I share that with some friends? and I said ofcourse...lol I told friends the same thing when they were having trouble with HST. the rule is add 7/8 to measurement for HST and 1 1/4" to make quarter square triangles. Hope this helps. Also told that top student, he should have taught me quilting along with geometry... and he laughed, when we had our 30th class reunion. |
Debbie,
It's great that you asked for help on this forum. I have learned so much here. I wondered the same question and had it explained to me by an older neighbor lady, so no question is too dumb to ask! |
Originally Posted by callie8799
(Post 5237501)
First, thank you for the responses... I'm coming to the conclusion this is something I just need "to do" and not think about. if I need a certain size finished square, I just need to cut the fabric 1/2 inch larger than I need for I am taking a 1/2 inch off the width and length. If I need 1/2 square triangles, I need to add 7/8"... (going to make a cheat sheet at home)...
but I just can't get my head around the reasoning (tell ya, I'm not good at math reasoning) if I taking a 1/4 inch off each side (1/2 " total for width and 1/2" total for length) that still gives me 1" taken off for seam allowances. why isn't that calculated- for 1/2 off width + 1/2 off length = 1"). ugh. guess there are some things I will never understand and that's why we have cheat sheets.... but now I know why my current quilt has gotten wonky... thank you! : I own a quilt shop and it is amazing how much better my math has gotten since I am using it more. The more you use your math skills the better you will become. Figuring the block sizes actually gives you a visual and becomes easier to learn. |
I also cut my HST squares about 1" larger and trim them down. It's a bit of extra cutting but imho worth the effort.
The other day I watched a Youtube clip on the wonder ruler. You use it to measure two strips and sew them into a tube. Then you cut the HSTs from the tube. No need to trim any ears either BUT the edges are on the bias which requires gentle handling. |
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