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Sewhappygal 01-21-2012 04:54 PM

I could really use help
 
I've been looking for months for a nice, not to hard pattern to make a kings size quilt for my bed. I have the book, Encyclopedia of Classic Quilt Patterns and on page 250 there is a pattern called Repeating Crosses. I thought looks easy, I can do this. I went out bought all the fabric needed and now can't make the block. I can't seem to be able to get the triangle units cut correctly so that they line up. I even made a template. And yes I did starch the fabric before cutting. Can anyone share tips or tricks for making this block? I'm even open to different pattern ideas that would be easier. I'd really appreciate any help.

ckcowl 01-21-2012 05:02 PM

what is the exact problem? could you show us pics of where things are going wrong? sometimes it is easier to cut oversized squares- draw a diagonal line- sew a scant 1/4" on each side of the line- then cut on the line-which gives you (2) 1/2 square triangles which you can then trim to the correct size....bias edges are often a problem for lots of people- even those of us who have been sewing for decades. there are many easy (beginner friendly) patterns out there- and generally adding extra rows of blocks or additional borders to get them from a queen to a king is fairly easy- just means making extra blocks or borders....anyway- show us some pictures of what is going on and someone will be able to help you out with this.

Holice 01-21-2012 05:06 PM

will have to see the block to give informed opinion

auntpiggylpn 01-21-2012 05:22 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Is this the quilt you are making?

Sewhappygal 01-21-2012 05:34 PM

YES that's the quilt. Yours looks so nice. After you make the 3 1/2 in strip how did you cut it?

Jan in VA 01-21-2012 09:55 PM

1 Attachment(s)
How about looking at this quilt this way......

This graphic shows part of the quilt as four blocks set beside another four blocks.
As shown the top could be made of the individual segments shown below the 4 blocks.

Print out this graphic in multiples and cut it up, set it together to make the whole quilt. You'll see how theey join to use just the four little segments shown below the block graphic.

Jan in VA

virtualbernie 01-21-2012 10:43 PM


Originally Posted by Jan in VA (Post 4897975)
How about looking at this quilt this way......

This graphic shows part of the quilt as four blocks set beside another four blocks.
As shown the top could be made of the individual segments shown below the 4 blocks.

Print out this graphic in multiples and cut it up, set it together to make the whole quilt. You'll see how theey join to use just the four little segments shown below the block graphic.

Jan in VA

That's how I would do it to, except I don't think the quarter square triangle is needed.

Sewhappygal 01-22-2012 06:10 AM

So much for a simple block. Thank you Jan in VA for this diagram. I didn't even see it like this. The problem for me with this diagram is that I have no idea how to figure out the sizes of all these pieces. I'm so discouraged and feel so dumb.

amandasgramma 01-22-2012 06:33 AM


Originally Posted by Sewhappygal (Post 4898433)
So much for a simple block. Thank you Jan in VA for this diagram. I didn't even see it like this. The problem for me with this diagram is that I have no idea how to figure out the sizes of all these pieces. I'm so discouraged and feel so dumb.

DO NOT feel dumb!!! I've quilted for years and am still confused looking at that! The blame should be the author or designer that did NOT make the instructions easy to understand!!! If all else fails and you still can't "get it", take the instructions and pieces to the local quilt shop and ask for HELP!!! Usually there is someone (maybe not the store clerk) that is willing to help.

bertiequilts 01-22-2012 06:38 AM

The very simplest way would be to paper-piece the block. It could be done in 2 pieces which would be sewn together. Then trim them and then sew them together. It would also be easy to print them out in different sizes. I would be happy to design them on EQ and then send the papers to you.

Sewhappygal 01-22-2012 06:50 AM

amandasgramma that is a great suggestion. If all else fails I may just do that. bertiequilts I would be very interested in seeing and trying paper piecing the block. I haven't had much practice in paper piecing but you said it would be 2 pieces which I think I can handle. I'm willing to try anything but I'm not a confident quilter.

auntpiggylpn 01-22-2012 07:58 AM

Sent you a PM

CoyoteQuilts 01-22-2012 10:20 AM

What does your pattern say the finished size of your block is? Also, was that the 4 units together that Jan posted? Answer these 2 questions and there are several here that could give you the size of the squares and 1/2 triangle squares. There is another way to put this together and it is the 4 blocks together. Edges could be flying geese with rectangles, center is solid squares and 1/2 triangle squares. Less seams this way. Good luck on your project! Also, don't give up... you will be so proud of yourself when you get it all figured out. The other bonus is that you will be able to pick out the squares in the next quilt you fall in love with and be able to do your own pattern.

Sewhappygal 01-22-2012 03:44 PM

repeating crosses
 
1 Attachment(s)
Here's the diagram of the block and the cutting strip. I hope you can see it ok.

Sewhappygal 01-22-2012 03:49 PM

I can't believe I actually was able to post a picture. I didn't think it was allowed to post a pattern so I covered all the instructions. If I can figure out how to cut this with accuracy it would be easy. The finished block is 12x12.

auntpiggylpn 01-22-2012 03:52 PM

Okay, now I see. They are not 1/2 square triangles (HST) they are 1/4 square triangles (QST)

Here is a link that I think will help you.

http://quilting.about.com/od/quickpi..._squares_2.htm

Sewhappygal 01-22-2012 05:00 PM

Ok I'll try this but I don't exactly see it. Another question what size square should I start with to end up with a 12 x 12 (or so) quilt block. Can't wait to try it.

kwiltkrazy 01-23-2012 09:11 AM

Jan and Auntpiggy you are such sweethearts. Isn't this board the greatest!!!!

GrannieLOU 01-23-2012 09:28 AM

Blocks on Point?
 
I see this as a simple X block set on point - alternating dark/light fabric positions in the block.

Sewhappygal 01-23-2012 10:44 AM

Quarter square triangles didn't work. I'm off to make the simple X block. I totally appreciate all the help and recommendations. I'm going to keep trying so please hang in there with me.

onemoe 01-23-2012 11:45 AM


Originally Posted by Sewhappygal (Post 4900190)
Here's the diagram of the block and the cutting strip. I hope you can see it ok.

in the list it must say what size triangle ruler to use to cut up your strips. Then you join 2 of same for each side.

Sewhappygal 01-23-2012 11:59 AM

Hip Hip Hooray!! The simple X block worked. The simple X block has a few more steps in it than the directions with the pattern I have but there was no way I could get the accuracy doing it their way. I can do this! Thank you ladies for all your help.

There is one little problem. The tutorial I found for the simple X block has a finished block of 14x14. My pattern calls for a 12x12. I don't have EQ so I have no idea how to downsize this pattern. I guess what I'll just make up less blocks. I think that will be fine.

Again thank you everyone for your help. You are all so wonderful and talented. I'm so excited to get started. I will post a picture when I'm done.

spiffy 01-23-2012 12:21 PM

Just a quick note: If you are making a quilt with half square or quarter square triangles, the June Tailor half square triangle ruler can't be beat. I've just finished making the top of the "Wildflower Rhapsody" quilt that took Best of Show in Texas, and I couldn't have done it without this ruler. Love, love, love it. I bought mine for $15.00 at Walmart. (Also like Bertie's suggestion above using EQ templates. I've used this method but I think this ruler is faster and easier.)

auntpiggylpn 01-23-2012 02:07 PM

We are here for you!!!!!

annies-best 01-23-2012 07:06 PM

Those half square triangles are so hard to cut and fit together a nice short cut is just make squares 1/4" on each side bigger than your finished triangle draw a line on across where you would have cut sew 1/4 in each side of line then cut on line .... don't iron seam open press to one side and but them together......perfect half squares triangles everytime

chuckbere15 01-23-2012 10:47 PM


Originally Posted by bertiequilts (Post 4898526)
The very simplest way would be to paper-piece the block. It could be done in 2 pieces which would be sewn together. Then trim them and then sew them together. It would also be easy to print them out in different sizes. I would be happy to design them on EQ and then send the papers to you.

What a thoughtful jester. Are you able to do foundation piecing with EQ? I just took a class with foundation piecing and found it much easier to do versus paper piecing. Another thing is those half square triangle paper thingys. I haven't used them, but some people swear by them.

Sewhappygal, have you done foundation or paper piecing? With those two methods, your points are spot on and it helps control the bias edge. The first quilt I made, and at the time did not know what a bias edge was and why to keep bias edges in the inside seam. You have come to the right place for help and I'm sure half the battle is our fear of the quilt police opinion. In my humble opinion, "mistakes" give the quilt character and when they are made out of love, well that is all that matters. Can't wait to see your progress and quilt!

Sewhappygal 01-24-2012 04:36 AM

I don't have EQ software. I haven't had much practice with foundation or paper piecing but I am open to doing it. Someone here offered to help with that but I haven't hear from her yet.

Anna O 01-24-2012 06:13 AM

I've gotten myself in the same situation. Hang in there and keep trying. Jan's info was helpful.

GrannieLOU 01-24-2012 07:31 AM

Happy to hear the simple X worked - at 14x14 only 6 blocks will cover as much space as 7 of the 12x12. Also, if you would like to eliminate the center square (I think I checked out the same tutorial) just add the finished center sq size to two of the cross arms and cut as one long strip. Then only cut two short cross arms and sew the quartered square triangles to them. Make sense?

Sewhappygal 01-24-2012 09:28 AM

Great idea. I should have seen that. That's what I'm going to do. I'm glad I haven't started cutting yet.

Sewhappygal 01-24-2012 09:58 AM

Well I just tried a sample and I may leave that little square in the center. Having it there will help keep everything lined up and accurate for me.

GrannieLOU 01-24-2012 02:11 PM

Sound good to me - do whatever works for you. Can't wait to see a few blocks assembled.


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