Hello all,

I'm a new quilter and just started my first and second quilt.

I'm trying to make 6 1/2" blocks for a rail fence quilt with 3 stripes. My first attempt in class gave me 6 1/4" blocks. My second attempt is giving me blocks between 6 3/8" and 6 1/2".

I guess my question to you quilters is... will my quilt look off if some blocks are 1/8" bigger or smaller than others? I haven't put the quilt blocks together yet but I will on Thursday when I have my next class.

Thanks!!!

Chances are they will look fine. That isn't a huge difference in block size to have to deal with. You may have to ease some of the larger blocks so they fit to the smaller ones. Worst case, you may end up trimming some of the largest blocks so they fit better with the smaller ones.

A good thing about the rail fence is that it is a very forgiving pattern. This would be a bigger problem with other types of patterns.

I think it is Eleanor Burns who gives a 1/8" fudge factor.

If the block is BIGGER, then it is easy (and important) to square it to the correct size.

If the block is too small, I would check two things: seam allowance and pressing.

Often, a block that is too small can be blocked. That means spray starch the block and tug it to the correct size. Pin it in place and press. When the block is completely dry, it will retain its shape.

And yes, you can fudge in your seam allowance when you put the blocks together. Just have fun with it. Give yourself permission to not be "perfect" and promise yourself to be more accurate with the next one.

remember if your blocks are 1/8" off, in 8 blocks that equals 1" off...which can really make a difference, you would be better off after making all the blocks trimming them to the measurement of the smallest one and making them all equal...better yet...
find your 1/4"!!!
cut two 3" squares, sew them together along one side, and press seam allowance to one side, measure, it should measure 5 1/2" if not adjust and try again, once you find your 1/4" mark it on the sewing machine (some people use masking tape, there's lots of 'stuff' on the market)
once you are sewing a consistant 1/4" your blocks will fit together easier.
good luck.
the trimming them all to match works, but sometimes you loose points doing it that way it's better to work on being more consistant.

I love my 1/4" foot with the guide :)

ditto

I would trim them all to the smallest one and work on making a 1/4" seam consistently.Just keep trying and you will get better, just takes time. Better to do it now than later. Good luck !!!

oh so true

Where can one find something like that? At an LQS or a sewing machine repair shop or something- or can I look at JoAnne?

I'm sorry mine came with my kenmore.

since they will be rail fence and should fit together precisely, i would trim them to all be the same size. if they had sashing in between you might get away with it.

quote=brushandthimble]I love my 1/4" foot with the guide :)[/quote]

Where can one find something like that? At an LQS or a sewing machine repair shop or something- or can I look at JoAnne?[/quote]

I don't know about JoAnn's, any LQS shop selling machines should be able to get you one. You will need make and model of your sewing machine. Request one with the guide, that is a small piece that extends down and your fabric lines up to it.

What kind of machine do you have.

check with your local quilt store for the 1/4" foot.
Seems to me you are having trouble with your cutting and 1/4" seam allowance......... If I were you I would double check both the cutting and sewing.......

Check to make sure you're sewing a 1/4" seam- measure it after you've sewn. If you're not, follow the advice of these great ladies here!

If it is 1/8 or less I would not worry about it you should be able to ease that much and still all seams should be ok. I never worry if I am just off an eight. I have a quarter inch foot and still I can be off a few threads.

Starch is my new best friend :) :) :)

Good luck and be sure to post pictures when you're done!!

Rachel

It's a Montgomery Ward machine from an old family friend... not a brand name, but it's a sturdy, nice machine! I don't know the model # etc... But since Montgomery Ward is obviously not around anymore, I can't go back there and see what parts they have. I just wondered if I would be able to find feet at a LQS or whatever.

This difference is size is normal, especially for someone new to piecing. Before you sew the blocks together you will need to square them up. This makes them all the same size. The rail fence pattern works great for this as there are no points to loose the seam allowance.
Keep going and have fun with the process.

We all have some trouble with the seams from time to time. I find if I starch all my fabric (REALLY starch bias edges) it helps keep the fabric from "wiggling" when I sew and improves my seams. It also helps cut down on the need to pin.

[quote=deedles215][quote=Ninnie]

Painters tape works well also

i would do the same thing, and have done it more times than i want to admit.

:thumbup: Me too! I just about finished my first project, sewing lots and lots of 2&1/2 inch squares together, WONDERFUL! ;-)

You should be able to find the model number on that machine around the wheel end of it, but you need to know Long Shank, slant shank, or short shank. The older models of the Montgomery Ward machines were very good metal made machines and hold up really well. If you need help in determining the shank, Clotilde's has a guide for determining the type you need. (You can google them and find it online.) I got a 1/4 in foot with my new Elna in April, but I know our LQS orders them to fit all machines.

Make sure you are holding that ruler down tight when cutting, that can make a big difference in your blocks as well.

Have fun with it.

I'm with u on this one

Not having all your blocks the same size will throw the quilt off.

I can't sew a 1/4" seam straight to save my life, I have to use the 1/4" foot guide also.

This may sound dumb, but how do you square the blocks to be the same?

that is not a dumb question it's a necessary question that I can't explain but someone here will be able to without confusing you like I would do.

I just got one for my Janome at my LQS. They carry extra feet for many different applications. Haven't used it yet, but will this weekend. I finished quilting my sister's quilt last night and will be putting on the binding this weekend. I'll let you know how the 1/4" foot works.

There are many square rulers you can use. It is best if you use one that is at least as large (or larger) than your blocks. They all have a diagonal line going through them, corner to corner. Place that line on the diagonal of the block and you will see where it is off. You want to cut all sides so that the block is square - equal on all sides. You will need to reposition the ruler after cutting the first 2 sides.
I wish I could draw this, but hopefully you will be able to understand this.

When I first started I got in trouble with the cutting as well as the 1/4" seam. Check you strips. Did you use the ruler or cutting mat as a guide? Which side of the line did you use? I didn't know it would make a difference when I first started. Also the pressing of the fabric can make a big difference. It's good you are doing a rail fence first. Keep going, it will look good when finished and you can work on making them more accurate as you go along. If you have to piece the backing, you could easily use up the ones that are too small on the back.

This is right on and when you take quilting classes they usually have you do the swatch to check that your seam allowance is correct.

I found one for my Janome at http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/sewing-feet.php They have them for many brands of machines, are easy to select and very helpful by phone if you need further help.

Someone once told me if you didn't notice when you rode by on a galloping horse it was good enough. Now I don't know if I exactly subscribe to that, but a little fudge factor is certainly built into all of my quilts and no one has ever refused one (yet). So have fun with it. You will get better as time goes by. Practice with a 1/4" foot and that will help a lot.

Use graph paper to measure an accurate 1/4 inch. Stick several pages of post-it note pages at 1/4 in. If you but your fabric against edge of pages when you sew you should have accurate quarter inch seams. Learned this from a quilting teacher. However, if within 1/8" I would go for it. If it is good enough for Eleanor Burns its good enough for me.

I am sure they will be okay. 1/8th is not much at all.