Make over-sized and then trim to size vs. no excess trimming
 

Hi,

I would like to get your opinion of when you make units or blocks do you over-size them so they can then be cut to the perfect size versus "getting it right to the correct size the first time". For example, when making a 4" finished size half square triangle, do you prefer just to add 7/8" to the finished size and hope to get a perfect 4 1/2" unfinished HST, or do you prefer adding 1" (or ,more) to the finished size, get a bit bigger than 4 1/2" unfinished HST, and then trim it to be the perfect 4 1/2" unfinished HST?

The follow-up question, regardless of your answer to the first question is, do you follow patterns to make your quilts, or do you prefer not using patterns when you make quilts?

Thanks.

The fastest technique for me (for triangles) is to use the Accuquilt Go! to die-cut the pieces. The cuts are very accurate and the "dog ears" are nipped off which makes it very easy to line up triangles precisely for sewing.

The add 7/8" technique is pretty old now. If I were to use that technique (which I never would, now that I have the Go!), I would add an inch and cut down just because it is so hard to *accurately* cut a square, then *accurately* cut diagonally along the bias to create triangles, then *accurately* line up the bias edges of the triangles and not stretch them when sewing. If I had to use that method to create half-square triangles, I'd probably look for other patterns.

I do both -- use patterns and not use patterns. It depends on the type of quilt and the mood I'm in.

For HST, I add the inch and trim. For flying geese, I use the special Quilt in a Day ruler which is essentially a cut down ruler. Most other things I try to get right without cutting down.

I loosely follow patterns. Generally, I end up changing something along the way.

I also add an inch on HST and trim. On others I tend to cut to correct size on the first block but if that doesn't work out, I cut my pieces a little larger or try to find an easier way to make the block.

As a scrappy quilter, I rarely follow patterns but I am that way also for life in general ..... who wants to walk with the crowd?

I've given up the hoping thing and have opted to cut slightly oversized and trim down. Those bias seams on half square triangles and squares in a square just seem to ask for it when I'm making them.

For hst's I generally dobthe inch thing and trim. Just about everything else I cut true size.

I always use patterns. Not confident enough in my abilities to do anything other than that and not a fan of scrappy. Just me.

If it is something that can be made oversized then trimmed down, I do. Not everything can be done that way though. Then I paper piece. More than once I've drafted a paper piecing pattern to get the precision I want with out being overly fussy with rotary cutting it.

I use Deb Tucker's methods of making a little larger then trimming with her rulers. I have trouble with being a perfectionist and like the accuracy. Also as a longarmer I have less time to piece and find it faster in the long run to trim for accuracy and a lot less frustrating for me.

i use the trim down on the hst's and geese... those are so difficult to get exactly right that i think i actually save time to use the trim down method.

i only use patterns as a general guide, if i even use a commercial/online pattern. i often put the pattern/idea into my EQ to make it my own and the exact size that i need.

I overcut HST and Flying geese. I use bloc-loc rulers for the HST. They have come out with rulers for flying geese, but have not tried them. Oh, I also over cut the squares for 'flippy corners' like snowball blocks.
I often start with a pattern, but when I'm done it's sometimes hard to tell it's the same quilt!

I paper piece units I don't have a Go die for. I get perfect results unless I screw it up along the way.

Over-sizing and trimming down just makes life easier, and we're supposed to be having fun with this, right? Patterns are great but so is venturing out on your own to create something uniquely yours.

I don't have an accuquilt of any kind and no plans for one so my method is slightly larger and cut down. Yes a tiny bit of waste but then I am sure the blocks are the right size and I don't have to make extra ones.

Ditto on HST or use my GO...on most other cuts I will follow measurements given in pattern......but I truly hate those that direct....cut piece ----3/8" or some other off the wall dimension.....why not keep things at easy fractions like 1/2,3/4,1/4.......

I don't try to design patterns....I just follow the instructions of ones I like...changing colors most of the time...why try to design something when someone else has already done a pretty good job of doing that......I guess that's why I have a ton of books and mags.......but have learned much from experimenting with/ doing things in them.....

I prefer to oversize my blocks, press and starch them carefully (I don't pre-wash) then trim them down to perfect size. Most of the quilts I make are strip piecing but if I am using a pattern, I skim over their direction and then do it my way. I notice that most designers don't tell me what direction to press my seams so that they will nest when sewn together.

I make oversized and trim down. I am still awful at anything that involves triangles so that's the only way I can get them to turn out right at all. :rolleyes:

I don't like to trim down -- it seems extremely difficult to do accurately, and is so time consuming. I cut fabric to get the exact HST size I want without trimming.

So far I have only worked with patterns (quilting for three years). If I ever get through all the pattern quilts I have planned, I'd like to try designing and piecing in the way of Ruth McDowell. I don't see myself ever creating geometric patterns of my own. I have not had the patience to learn drafting.

That's what a handpiecer, template, scissor only, guild member thought until she used one. Now she has branched out and is hooked on Inklingo. You never know.

I am a trimmer - I use the June Tailor hst qst ruler and it works great. For Geese I use the Deb Tucker Wing Clipper, which is awesome. But on real pieced blocks I don't do any more than just "crumb patrol" along the edges.

I make them oversized and trim. I bought a loc block ruler for HST and my sister is going to try the Loc block for flying geese and if she likes them, I might get those too.

Since I do a lot of hand applique, I cut them larger & then trim down to size because sometimes the applique will slightly distort the fabric & then I'm off by 1/8" somewhere. Much better to cut larger & trim down, imho.

For piecing without applique, I cut to the exact size. I have a triangle ruler & it has been a godsend. Haven't had any issues with my triangles since I bought it.

I make my HST's bigger, then trim down, because I think they are more accurate that way........and easier!

I make bigger and cut down, but it's really only a trim. I hate to waste fabric, so it's really just a trim.

I agree!! The Bloc Loc ruler is the absolute best for HST's! They have great templates for perfection. The ARE pricy but worth it.

I use Triangulation software when I have a lot of HST to make. When I made my Bonnie Hunter Celtic Solstice King Size quilt, it called for 1.5" finished HST. I needed an enormous amount for the pinwheels. With Triangulations I made about 23-24 sheets of 24 per sheet of HST at a time. Every HST came out perfect, no trimming needed. I LOVE that software!

I add the inch and then trim after pressing. I make up my own designs (sort of...there are many old blocks using these.) with blocks using squares, HST's and a block I read about on this group called, "Boston Blocks". The possibilities are endless. I would rather do a good job on a simple design, than a poor job on a difficult block.

I add an 1" and cut down. I rarely use a pattern as I like to create my own quilts.

I've done both. I get frustrated with the "wasted time" with the trimming, then get frustrated with the "imperfect blocks" and go back to trimming. I've followed a lot of patterns and I've created my own. The patterns are a lot easier as I've spent WEEKS with the design wall trying to figure out how to put them together!

I've only done the 7/8 but 1inch sounds like a plan!

I sew the HSTs oversize and trim. It may add some time and effort to the project but it is worth it to me in the end. I have tried the 7/8 and it never came out square or the right size.

Not sure what you are asking about the pattern. I often use the "It's OK if you sit on my quilt" book to pick out blocks. From there I decide on the size and the fabric. So I use a pattern but I also put my own spin on it. There have been occasions when I used a regular pattern but then I either made a booboo or ran out of the fabric and had to get creative.

I use the easy angle rulers, Bonnie Hunter introduced me to them during one of her mysteries. No guessing, no trimming, no weird lengths. Love 'em.

Took the words right out of my mouth!!

I agree with everything you said NJ Quilter....I make them a bit bigger & trim down & I'm still learning so better to trim it down than it being a waste & doing a completely new one!

Thank you all for your responding and weighing in on this issue. Vast majority are just like me - wanting to make the block/unit just a bit extra big, even though I, too, hate trimming, for the benefit of getting the perfect size unit/block. Like some others, I have found Bloc-Locs to be the most awesome ruler for trimming HSTs. I also have some of their other rulers, and love them all! They are a bit pricey, and for that reason I recommend people getting a bit bigger ruler, so it can be used to trip many different sized HSTs. However, I believe it is still money really well-spent to buy one!

Last Friday I was at a quilt show and came across a ruler I hadn't seen before - it is called a "V" Block Ruler by Deb Tucker (someone mentioned one of her other rulers on this thread). I had been writing a new pattern, and it uses V Blocks. I have always used Tri Recs Tools for that, and while I was writing this pattern I was trying to "over-size" the pieces to make them "trimmable", with not much success. So I was very pleased to see the V Block Ruler demoed, as it makes perfect V Blocks with ease! Now I just need to adjust my patterns, as in order to get a finished 3" block you start with a 4" strip, rather than 3.5" strip. Just so nice to see more and more tools that help us make pretty quilts come out!