This is a good tip :D :D

To see what the fabric will look like cut into small squares. Cut out the center of the cardboard or fabric ( needs to be white in order to show up) to the size you need. For example cut a 2" , 4" or whatever size you need.

Take it to the fabric store, and then lay it on the
fabric, what shows through the center is what your squares
will look like.

You can do the same for tru=iangles just cut the size you need.

That's a neat tip. I have a tendency to buy just prints that are small because I worry that larger ones might not look good when I get to cutting.

Good tip!

Hey great tip thanks

This is a really great tip since larger patterns can look different in different areas. You may need to fussy-cut, or maybe it's a welcoming variation for each block.

For me, it's a welcoming variation for each block.

Jeeze, I've been doing that for years! You mean to say I was on the leading edge of something and no one told me!!?? :shock: Drat, it'll probably never happen again. :(

Glad that some of you could use this tip!!!!! :D :D

Your tip is great for in the store

This is what i do after I get it home:

I had plastic templates cut in half-inch increments - 2 through 6 1/2 inches - and taped the outside edges with 1/4 inch masking/quilting tape. That way I could see better the "finished" piece.

I've found not all fabrics cut up equally well in all sizes - especially the I Spy/Novelty type fabrics.

I like this tip. Thank you.

I had these "special" templates cut at the local Ace Hardware store.

Caution: It is hard for them to cut acrylic (or whatever they use) to exact size. The squares can be sanded down to get closer to what you want.

Also: Some have much more cooperative people than others. And more precise.

They weren't exactly cheap, but I thought they were worth it.

I also think I saw some sets available at Keepsake (?). I got hooked on the idea when I had purchased a set of them, but I also wanted the "missing" ones. I think the original set was 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 and maybe 6.5 inches.

The reason for the other ones was Amy Simms book of I Spy type quilts - and she had these 5 inch templates that were "oversized" for 4.5 inch cut squares. Well, I wasn't going to waste all that fabric in those 5 inch squares that I had cut!