Flying_V_Goddess

I'm finally getting started on the Ninja Star quilt. I finished a couple of test blocks (I'll post pictures of them later). I kind of run into a couple problems.

1. My blocks are supposed to be 8 1/2", but they're coming out to 8 3/8". I'm not sure why. My seams are coming out right.

2. My cardboard templates are already wearing out. I have another print-out of the templates and enough cardboard to do another set, but I don't think they'll last through the 500+ pieces of this quilt. I was thinking of maybe going to the hardware stores and getting Plexi-glass templates cut out, but when I asked my mom about prices she told me it would cost an arm and a leg.

amma

You can use plastic lids, too :D They will not wear out when you repeatively trace around them.

Flying_V_Goddess

Oh, sweet! There's like 100 plastic lids from ice cream buckets in one of the cupboards :mrgreen:. The only thing is they're not big enough for the square for the middle of one of the blocks and the other square for the corners of the quilt. But I think cardboard will work okay for those since I only need about 20 for both of them.

Flying_V_Goddess

Here's the test blocks I made for the first block. I should have pictures for the second block tomorrow.

I still can't figure out why they came out to 8 3/8".

mgshaw

sometimes I have betterluck using a scant 1/4 in in blocks that have so many pieces to it. sometimes even with a perfect 1/4 in you loose a little in the pressing, you might try it on another test block. those look really great! perfect points in the center! give yourself a pat on the back cause i cant reach you!!

amma

Good Job Flying_V!!!! :D :D 8) :D :D As long as all of your blocks come out to the 8 3/8 you will be fine! Did you use the same ruler to cut out all of your pieces and measure the completed blocks?

Flying_V_Goddess

I never really understood a scant 1/4" seam...its supposed to be like a hair shorter than 1/4", right? How can you tell if you sewn a scant 1/4" seam anyways?

mgshaw

my machine has many needle positions and i just set it over 1 notch to the right so it is just a tiny bit less than a 1/4"

amma

I was told that it is 2 threads short of a 1/4" :shock: Not a good thing for me and my old eyes :lol:

mgshaw

i think that is what i heard too