Never learned to measure, Is that bad?
 

So I have shown you a couple of quilts and I love them when I get them together I have made several on and off for last 10 years but never learned to measure my fabric. I would call myself a free quilter because I look at the pattern get my fabric and go to cutting. I try to make sure all my fabric is cut the same length and weight, but I do have to trim at times or make a section bigger but I don't really mind a whole lot because I know it doesn't have to be perfect. I'm sure you think i'm silly and saying "What" How have you quilted all this time and never learned to to measure your fabric?" the fact is I can't rap my head around it to figure out how to learn it.

if you get the results that you want, measuring is not necessary. for me... i live with the ruler

Have you ever watch Eleanor Burns on her show Quilt in a Day? It might help you if you ever want to learn. I just mostly stick to strip piecing and sometime I make it up as I go especially when I see a photo. But I am lucky to have EQ to make sure my design is going to work.

I agree about Eleanor Burns. Her shows are free on her website. She has really taught me a lot and likes to simplify everything. Also, there are lots of You Tube videos that can show you how, if you want to, or, if you are happy with your results, don't worry about it.

As long as you stick to patterns or designs that are more 'free flowing' and don't have to fit together perfectly at seams or points, I say what you are doing is fine--especially if you like the results. There are a lot of modern quilts that are very spontaneous and fluid, the design rests more in the color/value choices rather than a fixed geometric designs. Just don't pick a pattern/design that requires exact cutting and sewing, or you might get really frustrated trying to put it together. That is what is nice about quilting, there is something for everyone!

You don't measure strip widths? I guess I'm not understanding how you can make blocks all the same size and not measure the fabric pieces.

If you don't measure, how do you cut your fabric to the "same length and width?" Do you cut the first piece then use that as a guide to cut the rest? if so, you are measuring, you just are not using a ruler. You are using your cut fabric to determine the size to cut the next piece(s). It's just like old fashioned quilters who used a cardboard template, not a ruler. If you are happy with the result, then you are all set. If eventually you do want to make a specific pattern you can always take a beginning quilting class at a quilt shop.

If it works for you, then go with what works.

It sounds as if you would really enjoy Gwen Marston's Liberated Quilter style. She has quite a few books out, traveling museum collections, workshops and teaching opportunities.

Quilting freestyle, that's what you do! My Mom was the same. I rarely follow a pattern, but do plan and cut carefully. One of my favorite quilts was the result of a cutting error. It took me in another direction and it turned out I loved it.

Just keep doing what makes you happy. Otherwise, what is the point?

I was thinking the same thing.

No, it's not bad, it's just the way you sew. I know several times (not necessarily quilts) I haven't bothered measuring fabric, by that I mean with a ruler. I compare a piece I want to cut to one I already have cut and trim the second to match the first. Or I'll think "I want this to be about this long (and lay out the fabric and cut it) and I want to cut it into four pieces (so I fold it in half twice and cut along the folds).

I've thought about this sometimes and decided that I AM measuring it - but instead of using a ruler to measure and transferring the size to the fabric - I'm measuring it with fabric. I don't do it this way as a rule, but sometimes. It's like playing the piano by ear and you can't read music. Here you're cutting by eye and you don't need a pattern. Further, some people can hear a piece of music once and play it, others can't. Some people look at a quilt and can't figure out how to duplicate without a pattern, you can. Ditto cooking.

This isn't better or worse, just different.

Tate

You know what? There aren't an quilting police and the only person you have to answer to is yourself. If you are getting the results you want then don't change a thing. If it ain't broke - don't fix it. If you want to learn to measure in order to take on a more detailed pattern in the future, sign up for a beginners class. Its all about you - you do what you want. :)

I am not sure I could piece a top without a ruler but if it works for you, that's great.

Try it...get a simple pattern, you don't have to "buy".... Visit your library or go "on line", a ruler, rotary cutter, cuppa, and read and do.....you will surprise yourself and open a new horizon for yourself......change can't to did!

If you are HAPPY, then go for it. You will find that some on this board LIVE or DIE by the RULER, others LIVE or DIE by the WASH BEFORE YOU CUT moto. This is all just part of quilting, NO one way is the same for everyone.

My mom was a carpenter and couldn't measure. Yet she made really nice things! She would use a ruler but she would say, "It's 3ft - and 6 marks". If it wasn't a half and inch, it was so many marks. While I know the measurements she called marks, I still hear her in my head saying " It's so many marks". Thanks for making me think of Mom this morning.

I'm working on a quilt now that I only used the yard stick for cutting a straight edge. I have absolutely no idea how big it will be but I already love it. It's for my SIL -maybe-

I have been watching crafty free classes and even purchased a few to learn new
Things. They have a free class on sewing machine feet, I keptsaying (out loud)
WHO KNEW?? I'm learning how to use some feet I had no clue!! If you want to learn
There are lots of resources out there

Hope you post a pic of your " yardstick" quilt when done......

Neat! I'm pretty picky about my cuts (I have decided I don't like Accuquilt dies for standard squares because MY cuts are more accurate!) but I've been trying to loosen up. I've bought a couple books that talk about freeform quilting, quilting without rulers...and it looks like FUN but so far I haven't tried it yet. I've done a lot of crazy quilts where I piece in random shapes, but to deliberately cut fresh yardage without a rulers is something I haven't quite done yet.

I'd love to see some pictures of your quilts, if you have any you'd like to share.

I keep thinking about the money I've spent on rulers and how lucky you are for the money you've saved so far. I commend you! Hmmm! Maybe mine would be better if I didn't use a ruler, after all it isn't like I'm going for "show". But then again, I spent the money on all those rulers and templates and should use them. Your quilt, your choice.

I bet you cook and bake like my mom did, measuring everything in the palm of her hand or by pinching it between her thumb and forefinger. She was a great cook, but trying to pass on her recipes to me was a challenge. Once I stood by her and each palm-full ( of flour or sugar or whatever) was dumped into a measuring cup so I could actually write out a recipe to follow. My cooking never was as good as she could make it. So, whatever works for you, keep doing.