Help! Measurement problems
 

Hello! I am hoping that someone can help me. I am going to make the Quilter's Puzzle. I wanted to increase the size of each unit by 1/4" so that I can cut the block down to exactly 6 1/2" once everything is sewn together.

When I cut the pieces out I cut each 1/4" bigger.

The 2 x 2 inch square I cut 2 1/4 x 2 1/4. (Piece A)

The 2 x 3 1/2 inch rectangle I cut 2 1/4 x 3 3/4. (Piece B)

The last piece 2 3/4 x 6 1/2 I cut 3 x 6 3/4. (Piece C)

I sewed one piece A to each end of piece B.

That piece should be sewn to piece C. However, the combo piece A/B is too long.

What have I done wrong? For the life of me, I can't figure this out. Can you tell I didn't do well in math at school?

Thanks for your help. :) :)

Debby

I don't have a picture of that quilt block. However, if you added 1/4 inch to two pieces and sewed them together, then you now have a piece that is 1/2" larger than the original pattern. You're trying to sew that to a piece that's only 1/4" larger, so there is a mis-match.

I would increase the borders or add an extra border, if you want the quilt to be larger. I'm not that swift zbout what you are trying to do. Maybe someone will be able to help you. Good luck.

I assume your last piece - 2 3/4 x 6 1/2 I cut 3 x 6 3/4 - is supposed to go right across the quilt. There's your problem. A 6 1/2" finished square needs a 7" piece to make the length.

I'm trying to piece together your puzzle (pun intended :) ) from your description and some photos. I believe you have 2 A's, 1 B for the center strip, and 2 C's for each end, right? The pieces you mention actually make a 6 1/2 (unfinished) square. So I'm confused on what you want.

If you really want 6 1/2 finished, then you need a 7" unfinished square. You need to cut:

2 1/4 x 2 1/4. (Piece A)

2 1/4 x 4. (Piece B)

2 7/8 x 7. (Piece C)

Hi. I don't know the block you are referring to. However, if I understand your goal, you want the finished block to be bigger so you can trim it down to to the intended size of 6-1/2 (which will be 6 inch when finished). Again, not knowing the block, you need to add your extra 1/4 length to the OUTSIDE pieces only. I.e: If A, B, C are sewn in a horizontal sequence, then only A and C should get the extra 1/4. That will allow you to trim off the OUTSIDE of your block and maintain the original scale of the inside fabrics. I hope I understood your goal and that this helps!

Following up on JudyTheSewer's post, you should cut your "squares" 2 x 2-1/4. Leave the rectangle (b) at its original size, 2 x 3-1/4. Then you can cut your "c" pieces 3 x 6-3/4, and everything should match up.

Did you buy the pattern or are you trying to make it 'on your own'?

Are you trying to make it bigger because you are afraid that if you cut it the correct size, you might accidentally sew it bigger than 1/4" and it will end up being a hair too small?

Thank you all for your help! I am making this from a pattern. My intention was to make the block a tad bit bigger and square it to 6 1/2 ".

I think you are trying to make the project more difficult than it needs to be.

How about making a practice block with the pattern piece sizes as given ?

If it ends up 'small' - make narrower seams.

I think case, I would increase only the "outside" dimensions, so your end result is exactly what the pattern called for. How about this:


The 2 x 2 inch square cut 2 x 2 1/4. (Piece A)

The 2 x 3 1/2 inch rectangle don't change it. (Piece B)

The last piece 2 3/4 x 6 1/2 cut 3 x 7. (Piece C)

Sew the 2" side of A to B on each end. Then you should have a 7" piece that you can match to your C pieces.

But I'm with the poster above - if your blocks are coming out small, check your seam allowance and make it is smidge smaller.

If the block is coming out too small, there are a couple of things that might be happening:
1. you are not cutting accurately in the first place. Did you know that the ruler you use can make a difference? http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...l-t142312.html

2. your seam allowance is too big. If you need help with achieving an accurate 1/4" seam allowance, I have a post here that might help: http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...ce-t89997.html

Andi

I goofed! That's what I get for adding in my head and not double checking my numbers. As Krista said, the B piece should be 2x3-1/2 (don't know where I got 3-1/4!). Once you've added a square to each end, they will match up with a C piece cut 7" long, and you can then trim down to 6-1/2".

Sorry if my mistake confused you even further!