grandmasquilting

I am making the 365 block challenge quilt and am having problems with the 16ths cuts. It seems I can't get the correct bloc k size when done. Do you think I could cut bigger and and then cut down. eg 1 15/16 strip cut as two inches and sew block then trim to size. Any suggestions would sure be helpful. Rulers are hard to find although I did find one on Amazon that I ordered and see if that works bettter than eyeballing like they suggested.

grandmasquilting

So if it was 3/16ths would i do a 1/4 inch etc.

ckcowl

Yes, and 7/16 cut 1/2”. You probably won’t even have to trim the blocks.

Macybaby

when I did mine, I always cut larger and then sewed and trimmed afterwards.



I do have a creative grids ruler that has 1/16th increments, but ended up not using it much since it's marked opposite of the direction I normally cut.

I would joke that some of these blocks have no business finishing at 3"

Onebyone

I would cut 2" and sew a smidge larger seam allowance.

grandmasquilting

Thats what I was thinking also.. Thanks

redstilettos

Yup, cut larger and trim down.

I've tried Kathryn Kerr's challenge and it beat me

Iceblossom

A 16th of an inch is barely a smidge over the seam line when you count that your inaccuracy is doubled by either side of the seam. It's why having a consistent seam is one of the most important things you can do to improve your quilting skills, you can learn how to work if things consistently come out a bit too big or too small, but those tiny little increments really add up by the time you get to blocks and rows.

I have vision issues and I've never fussed about 1/8" much less 1/16th (old rule for cutting triangles was add 7/8th to desired finished size -- 1 inch was close enough!). Cut big and trim down. Buy some clear/grid plastic if you need to. I also make what I call "snubs" and those are templates to use to trim with so often rather odd shapes. Typically I use the cardboard that comes in some fat quarters or on the back of paper pads to make them, draw out the shape on graph paper and tape that to the cardboard, makes it thick enough to hold a ruler in place. I write on the snub saying exactly what to do and what it is for, lol with arrows and such if I feel the need for reminders.

nativetexan

who requires 16th's ?? for goodness sake and your sanity, cut larger and trim.

peaceandjoy

Creative Grids Itty Bitty Eights rulers might also help. Kind of like using a 1/4" mark and splitting it, you would have 1/8" marks you could split. I almost think some of them have a 3/16" mark on them, but am not home until later in April so cannot check for you.

My biggest tip when making tiny little squares from small pieces is to starch (or starch alternative such as Best Press) before cutting. I found when doing 3 or 6 inch blocks with 30 or 40 pieces - and yes, you will have blocks with that many pieces - the pressing before cutting really helped.