Hi

I think I am headed for the same problem with my extra king size quilt which took me a very long time to make and I also have a pattern that would be difficult to adjust. Haven't sewn it together yet but I am having trouble already with squaring off the 15-1/2 inch squares as I press them individually.

I could not see your pix of quilt that you said you posted. Can you try it again or am I the only one not being able to. Could you email the pix to me. Am encouraged about the squaring up solutions and would love to see what sort of pattern you are talking about. Thanks
Victoria [email protected]

Hi again!

Sorry nix doing the special work on getting me the pix of your quilt - I didn't realize there were more replies on page 2 - 3 etc. so I just found your quilt.

It is beautiful and worth all the effort you've put in it.

Victoria

Here is a link to a Youtube video by Sharon Schamber that shows how to shrink a lop-sided block to the necessary dimensions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6aplw_tVZc

She also has one on how to stretch a block that is too small:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQkF02vpVuw

It is much easier to "block" each block to size like this before sewing them together, than it is to have to deal with a huge quilt top that is lopsided (although that can be done too).

Mary

Mary

Thank you so much for your recommendation - I have just watched both the stretching and shrinking of a block and found it to be invaluable!

I sincerely appreciate all this help and know how. Again, thank you

Victoria [email protected]

Just another small hint...Once you've got them closer to the same length and ready to sew on your borders, put whichever is the fullest on the bottom when you sew. Typically your machine pulls the bottom fabric next to the feed dogs through a little faster. At least that's the way it seems to me.

doggone it, I forgot who posted this reply, oh, think it was bj, lol. just wanted to give you credit. Fons and Porter say you are right about this. Always sew with a baggy bottom, lol!

The last quilt I made was a king size. I measured it so perfect but it was longer on one side. Went back, checked everything. It still measured right but when I put it all together was still longer on one side. I figured since it was so big & going on a king size bed I wouldn't worry about. It doesn't show so I don't care. Only I know. If it isn't that bad don't sweat it.

Beautiful quilt!!

I agree with others, for me, measuring through the middle is essential.

That is correct. In garment construction, we were taught to put the fullness to be eased on the bottom (nearest to the feed dogs).

I use that technique when sewing bindings, t-shirt quilt blocks, etc. Even when I'm piecing. Sometimes the pieces to be stitched aren't the exact same measurement, so I use this technique.

I also use lots of pins when working with an easing problem. Just remember to remove the pins as you approach them.