new and questions
 

Hi I am very new to quilting. I am in the process of doing the top part of my quilt. My diagonal blocks are the right size 3 1/2" my center block is 3 1/2" just like they should be. But, my stripes ( a purple strip 1 1/2" sewn to a floral strip of 1 1/2" sewn to another purple strip of 1 1/2" ) are not coming out to 3 1/2". I have checked the seam allowance they appear to be 1/4". my strips seem to be 1 1/2" as well. Could it be my pressing? I should have my center strip ( floral) an inch after the 1/4" seam allowance on both sides of it. But it isn't an inch.

Have any of you got a place to start checking for errors? I don't want to waste material. I am willing to re measure and recut more. Just don't want to do the same mistakes. Trying to learn from the ones I have made. It is a simple block pattern to do. It is called "friendship" block or sometimes called the Paths and Stiles block.

Thank you for any help you can give me.

Could you possibly post a picture of your two blocks side by side? It would be easier to figure out what the problem might be.

Oh just re-read your post and also checked a picture of paths and stiles block. Yes it very well might be your pressing. Is the striped block the same size or narrower than the others? You might have to make your seams on the striped block a thread or two smaller.

it is narrower by 1/2" . when you press. should I press tightly so the seam stitches are barely noticeable or not at all noticeable. New to the site. So, I am going to spend some time reading up on posts :).

Having multiple shapes in a single block usually requires the scant 1/4" seam rather than the "exact 1/4" as just a thread or two multiplied several times can eat up overall measurement.

welcome to the QB and happy quilting

I shall try that later after I check out this fantastic site more. I have all day so no rush. My first quilt I am really excited about doing. I love learning how to craft different things. I love the color of fabrics. I love making things to give away. No better way to keep family and friends warm than a quilt. Thank you so much for the suggestion.

Thank you for the warm welcome

Hi and welcome to the QB. If your strip pieced blocks are coming up 1/2 short that is quite a bit more than would be taken up by pressing. First double check are your strips cut correctly at 1 1/2"? Measure your center strip in the pieced block it should measure 1" finished and your two side strips should measure 1 1/4" each in the unfinished strip set block. If it does not you need to work on your 1/4" seam allowance, it sounds like it is too large so you will need to make adjustments. You may need to sew a scant 1/4". How thick is your thread? Thread can take up room in a seam allowance, especially a very heavy 100% cotton like a 40 wt 3 ply.

In general, there are 3 main things that can make your blocks come out wrong. Cutting is the first one. Make sure that you are accurately measuring & your ruler isn't slipping. Use the same ruler for the entire project, but if you do need to use different rulers, try and use all the same brand.
Then next is pressing. Make sure that you are not pressing a tiny pleat into the seam allowance when you press. Also, press, not iron. An up and down motion will keep the pieces from stretching. And finally we talk about the size of the seam, however, you don't measure the seam you measure the resultant patch . If you use a quarter inch foot, you may still have to adjust your needle position. Also, fabric and thread weight will affect your seam so it's a good idea to check at the beginning of every project. Here's how to check:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...ce-t89997.html

Thank you all for the suggestions. I used a scant 1/4" and I now have perfect 3 1/2" strips. I did not realize that thread does take up room. I am using 100 % cotton.

Now working on matching seams. I have made a couple of blocks. Paying close attention to stitching, pressing ( don't want to distort those stitches) , and matching seams. I find it relaxing and fun. I will admit, I hope the next one comes out a bit better. This one is for me so a few mishaps are going to happen and I shall learn. Patience is something else I am working on. Plus pressing seams to the proper square so the sewing machine doesn't have a fit. lol. So much to learn. I wish our local craft store had quilting lessons at a more convenient time. I would go. It would be worth the money and oh the knowledge. But, I shall learn. I will succeed. Right now I am just having fun.