What do you do???
 

I don't typical work with precut 2.5" strips but I bought this patriotic package from a major manufacturer and they are NOT 2.5" from tip to tip of their tiny pinked edges. They are about 1/16" too narrow. I am doing something like a quarter log cabin that are then sewn together so the seams need to match. The only thing I can think of is to cut numerous lightweight fusible strip to add the needed 1/16", but that is going to take so much time. I am also using some of my fabric that I have cut to use in this charity quilt (homeless vets). Any suggestions will be very much appreciated.

PS. I did complete a quilt top for ME using Hoffman 2.5" strips and had absolutely no problems.

How are you measuring the strips? Typically, for pinked edges, you line up the tips with your other fabric for the seam. If the strips are indeed 1/16" too narrow, then you simply place the pinked edge a smidge (1/32") from the edge of the other fabric. You need only 1/32" because you will also be seaming the other side and 2/32" = 1/16".

Edit: The above assumes you are sewing a pinked edge to a straight edge fabric. Since you are pulling from stash, this might be a good option for you. Even if you are sewing two pinked strips together, I don't think making the seam 1/32" smaller will hurt. It does require attention while piecing, though.

This was posted a while back.

I remember seeing your design for this quilt and it was beautiful. This may not be a helpful suggestion, but I am thinking since this is a charity quilt and short of time, I wonder if you might regroup and change the pattern to something more adjustable like a rail fence or nine patches for the strips. If they sew up a little narrow you can adjust the size of your crosscut square accordingly and just "gett'er done!". I hate precuts too! When I saw your design I thought you must have had a nice stash of patriotic prints---something I hardly ever have but often wish I did!!

I'd use them on something where the width being a bit smaller wouldn't matter, like Jeanne suggested. Pretty as they look all packaged up I try to resist precuts because I like to prewash due to allergies. This just adds to my reasons to try to resist temptation!

Thank you, Easy Peezy, I hadn't seen that. Good advice, if we can do it.

Ezey Pezey, that was great!

Here's an easy way to deal with this issue:

http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2012/...gly-smart.html

thank you EP for posting that little advice page... it may come in handy at some point in my sewing adventure.

This is the way I deal with irregularly cut strips and squares-even the ones I don't cut right.