Do you use charts or do you use formulas for figuring out things?
 

When looking for things that are in charts or can be figured out by a mathematical formula,

which do you usually do?

For example - I just found a chart that shows what size to cut squares for a finished size D9P.

It confirmed the formula that I (finally) figured out on my own.

I will probably use the formula because it is easier for me to dredge that from my mind than to relocate a chart from somewhere.

I would think that if I could remember to file the chart in a handy place, I'd use it. But I usually can't find those type of things once I've "arranged" things in my sewing room!

I usually try to figure things out myself. But a chart for such things as what size to but setting triangles is real handy. So I guess it depends on what I need.

i usually figure them out each time... like others... can't find the 'saved' chart :)

I have to look up quilt stuff every time, although I do like charts for non-sewing things

I don't print out or keep charts, but I do bookmark them (yay Pinterest!) so I can look them up easier. For instance, a chart of fraction-to-decimal converstions (i.e. 5/8 = .625) and a chart of how big to cut setting and corner triangles for blocks ranging in size from 3" to 20".

If I have to pick, I prefer to know formulas, because knowledge is power! If I want to figure out something that isn't on a chart, I don't have to guess.

I do like charts, though, and make my own little 'cheat sheets' for things I need to know often. Or info like bed sizes; I don't think there's a formula for that; so I have a little chart.

So for me, best is a chart with most common usage, with the formula included for anything else.

I try to keep from losing too many brain cells by attempting to work out the math on my own. I did, however, create decimal conversion and yardage to inches charts for myself.

I have a loose leaf notebook with plastic page protectors in it. Charts go in there, as do my math calculations if I don't have a chart.

I use the Robert Kaufman QuiltCalc app.

I avoid the math of quilting as much as possible. I have 2 charts on the wall in the sewing room: one for how many strips, squares, triangles of different sizes, etc. I can get out of a yard of fabric; and one with bed sizes, quilt sizes with or without pillow or drop coverages. Otherwise, I keep my fingers crossed and hope the pattern measurements are correct. I love it when a pattern tells how much to cut for various sizes, and provide both unit and block sizes. But darn, sometimes I have to do the math and that can take me a day or two.

I print everything I can and file in plastic wallets in a ring binder folder...

Since I do charity quilts for kids and most of the fabrics have been donated, I have to look at how much fabric I have and how to stretch it the best way to get a lap size quilt done. I rely a lot on math to figure out how many cut pieces I can get out of a strip. ALWAYS challenging. I like the post about the chart on the D9P.

I love math and always trust my own calculations over someone else's. No charts for me. I'd have to do the math anyway just to verify the accuracy so why bother? :o

I like to use charts... I have a nice size cork board above my desk that I hang my charts on. Print them out place them in page protectors then they go on a snap ring. When I need something they are there waiting for me. I never try to remember things anymore as the brain doesn't always work.

I always do the math myself.

I've never used charts or pre-set formulas.

I put the charts in a file on my computer so I have them for later use. I find I can retreive it better this way than on paper. I can also e-mail them to friends who have questions.

Personally though, I usually just figure it out myself.

I feel this way...but I've forgotten an embarrassing amount of math & geometry that I KNOW I used to know. And I'm not senior enough to blame age! Use it or lose it is no joke! Thank goodness for Google and the kind folks here that can re-teach me things. :)