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Anyone have any pointers on why this happens to me all the time? Especially notice the far right. Is it that I'm hurrying too much? Not being careful enough on my seam allowances? Any ideas on how I can make them better?
I almost hate doing sashings as this happens all the time. Grrrr. Off to take out the seam and try again... Thanks! Diana :) |
Have you double checked the size of the blocks? The top 2 on the right look bigger to me than the ones on the next row. If not, check your seam allowances. They might not all be the same.
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I pin rows, starting from the center. Sometimes things can be "fudged " into place or re-worked before too much ripping has to be done. Do you double check that all blocks are the same size before sashing?
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OK.. a couple of things.. have you re-checked your block sizes? gotta make sure they are exact. then re-measure the sashings to make sure they are exact. One thing I've taken to doing is whenever I sash blocks I always use "cornerstones" it makes a HUGE difference! and I no longer have trouble with rows coming out uneven.
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Don't despair, if you have the cash, treat yourself to a square ruler the size you mostly make your blocks, it makes it so much easier. And using corner stones really does make a difference, though with these narrow sashings, that wouldn't be very visually satisfying. When the blocks are all the same size, then pin the sashings at the 'crossing points' and at at least three more places in each block, until you are managing to get them together more to your liking. Also, if you have a walking foot, use that too, it will help a lot.
Lastly, keep trying, as your blocks are really nice. Those planes turned out a treat. |
I had this problem when starting out, and it is quite frustrating!
After reading and learning from ppl here, I sew a seam, and measure, sew a seam, and measure. I know it sounds tedious, but until I become adept at being able to just look at something and 'wing' it...(I'm not holding my breath on that one, lol!)...this is my method for accuracy. Let us know, what works. Accuracy is quite an issue in my cave :D |
looks like your airplane blocks may not be identical size. I always double check and square off my blocks before I sew the rows. Bought a large square ruler for that purpose.
It is a good idea to pin the rows as you put them together. That way you will see immediately if there is a problem. Sometimes, when the block is off just a little bit, it is possible to fudge the seam - but not when it's off by as much as you show. It will be pretty when done though. |
The airplane block in the middle of the row is not the same size, that's what it looks like.the blue is not lined up. you need to pin those first , and then you cans see where you are either too short or too long!
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I agree with others that it appears to be the block size. Sorry Hon. The first block looks fine with seams matching. The second block is definitely off and that should be a red flag. When you can't fudge and match seams you just need to stop and regroup. As you can see, a small mistake can be compounded enormously. Don't feel bad, I'm sure it has happened to every single one of us at one time or another. I know I've been there plenty.
I'm just editing to say that squaring each block as you finish it would have alerted you to a problem. Depending on the block, sometimes it's helpful to square each unit within a block. As a self-taught quilter, the squaring thing gave me fits at first as there is not a lot of info out there (or emphasis) on squaring, and there is a certain assumption that all will be square and you will know how to do this. So, my system is square each unit, square the block (seldom necessay if all units are square) square the top (seldom necessary if all blocks are square). I think you see where this is going :) |
Dianne, this has happened to me many times, and I just had to sit down with the ripper and go to work and figure out the size of my blocks. Take a break, and then go back to it when you are ready!
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Ok, I took it apart, re-measured..... The 2nd block was not quite 1/8th off on the seam, and that block was just a hair over 12.5". I was able to fudge it enough after that.
Thank you all for your input!!! I think I was mostly whinning, and that it's due to my going too fast, and carelessness. This happens to me every time I use sashings, one would think I'd learn. I don't understand how the corner stones would help? (I understand they look better with wider sashings). But wouldn't they make my uneven-ness look more pronounced? I've never tried using them, as I figured they'd just show off my messes more. Thank you all again! :-) I've just been re-reading through all your posts, and realized I never square up blocks! Have no idea how I missed knowing that! It also never registered in my mind that there was a square ruler thingy to check their sizes! 12.5" is a usual size for me. I'll have to look next time I run to the store!! Thank you all again!!!! :D :D |
There is a specific technique you can use to apply sashings accurately every time. All you need to do is mark your long sashings with where the seams should go.
If your rows consist of 12-inch blocks with 1-inch sashings, for example, you would mark your long sashing strip at 12 inches, at the next 1 inch, at the next 12 inches, at the next 1 inch, etc. You can use pencil on the wrong side of the sashing strip to make these marks, which should go from one cut side of the strip to the other. When you are ready to attach your sashing to a row of blocks, pin each intersection first. You will find that in some places you will need to ease in a block and in other places you will need to ease in the sashing. Most importantly, when you attach the next row of blocks, you again pin each intersection. That way the blocks in the 2nd row will be aligned perfectly with the blocks in the 1st row. When you are pinning, if you encounter a large discrepancy that can't be eased to fit, that is the time to fix the origin of the problem. Looking at the picture you provided, I think you would have found that the 2nd-to-end block in the top row was too large to be easily matched up to the block below (which might have been a bit too small). At that point you could probably have prevented the problem by unsewing the short sashing and re-sewing it so that top block was a little smaller. Cornerstones are actually a more elaborate solution to the problem. In effect, they create the seam intersections needed for matching rows. Marking the sashing accomplishes the same thing when cornerstones are not used. |
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Thank you, Prism! I think I'm going to print off all these ideas as I do do this every time! I need to hang them above my machine! :oops: :)
I have the top done now, except for putting an outer border on. You can see a few spots where the sashings aren't quite right on, but he's going to be 5 so I don't think he'll notice. This is the 2nd done (almost) of five I need to get done by around the end of the month. Number 3 is for my daughter, who doesn't really like quilts, so I'm copying one of her couch pillows. :wink: Notice all those lines I'll need to match? lol!!!! Measure every block, square them up, watch seam allowances..... Thanks again, all of you!!!! :-) Hunter's airplane top [ATTACH=CONFIG]43916[/ATTACH] Daughter's pillow I'm copying the pattern from for her quilt.... [ATTACH=CONFIG]43923[/ATTACH] |
Thanks for that link, Loretta! :-)
It looks like I would seriously have to be right on with my allowances/measurements to have the corner stones come out in the right place? |
Wow! that looks great now!!!
You learn fast!! |
Thank you, Ninnie!!!! I really appreciate that! :D
Needless to say, I am done sewing for the night! lol!!!!! :wink: |
Yes, I did, Loretta! Thanks! :D
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Diana, that top looks great! You are a quick study, lol! j/j, I know you know how to quilt. We all have these days.
For some reason, when I do something right once, I get the idea, I should never mess up again...uh-huh. I have to be careful, 'every' time. I envy these speed-quilters on here. :D |
Thank you, Quiltncrazy!! :-)
That's one of my problems, trying to be a 'speed quilter'. I was just looking at pictures of the quilts I've made in the past couple of years, and every seam matches up perfectly. For some reason this is a newer issue for me. Am guessing from trying to go too fast.... Sigh..... I am now officially slowing down and checking every measurement! lol!!!! :D |
i just mark my sashing strips like a PP mentioned.
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Originally Posted by Prism99
There is a specific technique you can use to apply sashings accurately every time. All you need to do is mark your long sashings with where the seams should go.
If your rows consist of 12-inch blocks with 1-inch sashings, for example, you would mark your long sashing strip at 12 inches, at the next 1 inch, at the next 12 inches, at the next 1 inch, etc. You can use pencil on the wrong side of the sashing strip to make these marks, which should go from one cut side of the strip to the other. When you are ready to attach your sashing to a row of blocks, pin each intersection first. You will find that in some places you will need to ease in a block and in other places you will need to ease in the sashing. Most importantly, when you attach the next row of blocks, you again pin each intersection. That way the blocks in the 2nd row will be aligned perfectly with the blocks in the 1st row. When you are pinning, if you encounter a large discrepancy that can't be eased to fit, that is the time to fix the origin of the problem. Looking at the picture you provided, I think you would have found that the 2nd-to- end block in the top row was too large to be easily matched up to the block below (which might have been a bit too small). At that point you could probably have prevented the problem by unsewing the short sashing and re-sewing it so that top block was a little smaller. Cornerstones are actually a more elaborate solution to the problem. In effect, they create the seam intersections needed for matching rows. Marking the sashing accomplishes the same thing when cornerstones are not used. This is exactly what I do! It works. I also check my blocks to get an "average" size - I'm usually within 1/8 inch or so on a 12 inch block |
What an improvement on the second picture! Yippee!
Cute quilt. |
The airplane quilt looks lovely! You CAN learn. I think these kinds of problems show up when we try to skip a step, or think we have been doing it fine, it will work this time, too! Measuring, squaring up blocks and watching that dreaded quarter inch seam make for a happy quit!
Happy flying! :lol: |
Cute Quilt! Congratulations on getting all that applique done! I haven't tried an applique yet, it seems so hard to me. But I sure love yours!
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The airplane quilt turned out really nice! He is going to love it!
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Well done for persevering - it looks great now you have it all lined up. I find using cornerstones are easier to line up and get pinned in place, as you have those two seams to line up with each time.
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Originally Posted by katier825
Have you double checked the size of the blocks? The top 2 on the right look bigger to me than the ones on the next row. If not, check your seam allowances. They might not all be the same.
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Originally Posted by motomom
Cute Quilt! Congratulations on getting all that applique done! I haven't tried an applique yet, it seems so hard to me. But I sure love yours!
Thank you, for all the kind words!!! :D :D |
wow what a turnaround, in such short time. The quilt came out darling and I know you'll be happy you spent the time to fix it. Glad everyone was able to help you - isn't this board great??
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Thank you, Esqmommy! :-)
Yes, this board is wonderful!!! I was just about ready to toss the thing in the garbage, read the all pointers, and regrouped.... You all are truly great!!!! And my heart appreciates every one of you! :D |
Looks great now Diana! Sometimes as beginners we don't know which tips are important and which tips are just extra.
I have an extra measuring tape I cut up into pieces and I keep a 15 inch strip handy so I can use it for a quicky measure w/o getting out a big ruler. |
Thanks, Carol!! Good idea on the measuring tape too! :D
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The rework looks great.
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Thank you, Martina!! :-)
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The pillow and quilt are great!
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Your quilt turned out great. Glad you were able to fix it. I have had that problem in the past (several years) but then I started to be better at squaring up my blocks and using corner stones to help me line it all up. Isn't it great we have this forum to come to and get some help and answers!!!
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You fixed it, looks great! Love the airplanes as I'm sure your little lad will too.
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Wow! You did a great job getting it all lined up now! Good luck with the rest of your quilts. I learned alot by this thread too!
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Thank you Sewsewquilter, Jim'sGem, ddrobins1956, and Grammatjr!! I so appreciate your words!! :D
I still don't understand though, how using corner stones helps? |
I love your quilt. May I copy for my GGSs?
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