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Quilting Math Question

Quilting Math Question

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Old 10-12-2011, 10:24 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by scraphq
For quick no-math measurements I measure diagonals on my cutting mat. Quick and easy, no brain strain. Don't forget to add seam allowances.
This is exactly what I do!!!
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Old 10-12-2011, 10:27 AM
  #12  
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Take a quilt square ruler and measure from 8" to 0 diagonally across the ruler.
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Old 10-12-2011, 10:29 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by qbquilts
You need to add in the seam allowance before doing the math. So the 8" finished block becomes 8.5". Plugged into the formula, you get 12.02. Just to demonstrate that you can use the formula OR the "Multiplying by 1.414" trick, multiplying gives you 12.019. Round UP to the nearest 1/8 for ease in cutting, so sashing strips would need to be cut at 12 1/8.
No, the formula is used on FINISHED sizes/measurements.

The seam allowances are either added to or subtracted from the sizes, after or before the calculation, depending on what you're trying to figure out.

If I've got an 8" square block and I want to know how wide it will be on point, it's 8" x 1.414 = 11.3" (then round up).
The unfinished size will be ~12", but that has nothing to do with the calculation.

Let's say I've got a design where I want six on-point blocks/squares that are ~10" across (because I want a 60" wide top).
I take 10" divided by 1.414 = 7.07" (and round up or down).
I would THEN add the seam allowance to cut my squares.
For blocks, I'd want them to be the 7" (or 7.125" or 7.25", depending on your round) FINISHED.

The seam allowance is always a constant .5".
You wouldn't want to perform the calculation by including it.
Actually, you'd pretty much exclude it for any calculation (not just this example).
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Old 10-12-2011, 10:36 AM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by lee_stitches
Pythagorean Theorem? A squared + B squared = C squared is the formula for a right triangle. 8 squared + 8 squared = C squared. 64 + 64 = C squared. 128 = C squared. The square root of 128 = 11.3
correct.
The theorem can be written as an equation relating the lengths of the sides a, b and c, called the Pythagorean equation: where c represents the length of the hypotenuse (the diagonal), and a and b represent the lengths of the other two sides.
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Old 10-12-2011, 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by lee_stitches
Pythagorean Theorem? A squared + B squared = C squared is the formula for a right triangle. 8 squared + 8 squared = C squared. 64 + 64 = C squared. 128 = C squared. The square root of 128 = 11.3
Sorry, but that does not take the seam allowance into account. We just had that discussion on the German forum. It appears that Mrs. Pythagoras had it figured out, but her husband didn't listen. So the seam allowance is not part of the Pythagorean Theorem.
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Old 10-12-2011, 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by lee_stitches
Pythagorean Theorem? A squared + B squared = C squared is the formula for a right triangle. 8 squared + 8 squared = C squared. 64 + 64 = C squared. 128 = C squared. The square root of 128 = 11.3
:? math major???? Totally impressed. :thumbup:
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Old 10-12-2011, 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by lee_stitches
Pythagorean Theorem? A squared + B squared = C squared is the formula for a right triangle. 8 squared + 8 squared = C squared. 64 + 64 = C squared. 128 = C squared. The square root of 128 = 11.3
Show off! LOL huh??
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Old 10-12-2011, 10:59 AM
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Middle School Math teacher, lol. You caught me!
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Old 10-12-2011, 01:45 PM
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This works. Just have a calculator handy as it is much safer.

ali
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Old 10-12-2011, 02:39 PM
  #20  
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Oh Boy, Do I have to understand all this. I'll wait until I need to know and ask or I'll bookmark this one!!!! EEEIKKEES
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