Layer cake trials and tribulations
 

I started working on a quilt today that requires two layer cakes, one print, and one solid. I have a few print layer cakes in my stash. Since I have a lot of solids I decided to cut the solid layer cake myself. What a mistake! I measured, and cut and checked every single square, all 42 of them and everything was fine until I went to sew the print to the solids. nothing lined up. My pieces were ever so slightly smaller than the purchased ones. I rechecked my squares and then it hit me - the pinking edges of the store bought layer cake are throwing the whole thing off. So I measured the layer cake and sure enough, it was larger than 10" because of the pinked edges. Live and learn!

GRRRRR - I hate it when stuff like that happens! Hope everything works out for you! :thumbup:

I've had problems too with the pinked edges on pre-cuts. Hang in there!

I am surprised. The layer cake I had with the pinking edges was ten inches to the edge of the fabric. It took me awhile to figure that out. If you had had my layer cake, the ten inch squares you made would have worked perfectly. Sorry yours didn't.

I just cut some 2 1/2 inch strips that were 2 1/2 on one edge and 2 1/4 on the other. I have to be more careful when I cut!! So I do feel your pain.

Dina

At least you got the problem solved.

Thanks for the post. Now I know to check the layer cake and 5" squares I bought before using them.

Feel your pain. Seems the pre cuts vary from one manufacturer to another, I found you don't usually get extra for pinking it's usually included in the size.. Goes to show that we need to check each one. I had a terrible cut from Free Spirits and am waiting on a replacement..over 1/4" short on one side and 1/2 of another side - so wonky too- disaster.
Good luck with completing your project.

.....measure before sewing...seems to be a new mantra for precuts lately.....I have a few unopened...I better make a note-to-self to measure before use....think I will start making my own from fat quarters

It's the same as using the pinking blade on your rotary cutter. You cut right up against the ruler edge just like you do with a regular blade. You line up the inside of the pinked edges.