Okay gang, I'm still working on the Perpetual Motion block. I finally got it to measure 12.5", but now I have a little less than a 1/4" left to attach it to the next block without cutting off my point. Any suggestions?

Here's what I working on:

http://delawarequilts.com/BOMs/Perpe...ion/index.html

Use scant seams to get it to work. On your next blocks use scant ¼" and see it this helps.:)

Can you sew a scant 1/4" ? :D:D:D

I would make my seam smaller than 1/4 inch ( even as small as 1/8 th inch ) BUT I would also use a smaller stitch lenght than normal. This will help hold the smaller seam together.

line up your two blocks you are joining- put a pin in the points you do not want to cut off- matching points on the two blocks- stitch one or two threads above the exact point---pulling the pin before going over it.

the way that i am seeing this pattern, the finished BLOCK should measure 12.5" which includes 1/2" for connecting the block to others, meaning two 1/4" seams, one on each side. when the quilt is finished, that block will only be 12". you should have a 1/4" seam allowance where your points are at the edge. does this make sense? please let me know if i have not explained it clearly.

or maybe i'm not understanding what you've written? if it is that your seam allowance at the points is not 1/4", then you have a different dilemma. if the allowance is almost 1/4", just sew across where the point is. then, when you press the finished quilt top square, that little bit of extra block will be absorbed.

it takes a lot of practice to get 1/4" seams at the edge points. it's because you are working with bias edges. did you starch the fabric well before cutting the bias edges? that helps a lot.

Oh my! I was thinking a 1/2" seam on each side to connect to the other blocks. If it's a 1/4", I'm almost there. I didn't use starch either so I'm sure the next block will be okay.

Thanks! :lol:

glad i could help!

I like this pattern, .....bookmarked it.
Thanks for the pattern link.

Sorry to say, but not very well. :oops:

I looked at the pictures in the link you have, and I can see why a beginner would have problems understanding the dimensions. The pictures show the FINISHED block without the 1/4" seam allowance around but repeatedly say that it's a 12 1/2" block, which is the UNFINISHED dimension. I think you're on the right track now though, with 1/4" seam allowance being used to join the blocks.

Thanks, I think I'm on the right track now. Not perfect but close to it. :thumbup: