Squaring up blocks
07-30-2011, 06:09 AM
#11
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Sherman Tx
Posts: 327
Originally Posted by ckcowl
after making your blocks- measure them all- find the smallest measurement- trim all the blocks to that size.
line up you ruler on the block getting lines straight with a little to trim on the right & top- then turn the block-line up ruler again with lines of the block so everything is nice and straight/even- trim the other 2 sides.
if there are diagonal lines in your block line up the diagonal on your ruler-
hope that helps a little
line up you ruler on the block getting lines straight with a little to trim on the right & top- then turn the block-line up ruler again with lines of the block so everything is nice and straight/even- trim the other 2 sides.
if there are diagonal lines in your block line up the diagonal on your ruler-
hope that helps a little
07-30-2011, 07:25 AM
#12
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 674
Originally Posted by mimicrystal
I need some help with squaring up blocks. Mine never seem to come out the same size. What do you guys use to square them up so they are all the same size?
I started out as an embroiderer and everytime I tried to square up I had a mess. Finally went to my LQS and learned how to square - it is very important to do it right.
Judi
07-30-2011, 07:32 AM
#13
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: home again, after 27 yrs!
Posts: 19,388
you must use the 45 degree line on your ruler when trimming hst's. or at least make sure the center measurement you want is in the center of your block, like a four patch. watch that and trim one side, well two if you can. then turn the block, replace your ruler watching the degree line or measurements and trim the other two sides. you should have an even block then.
also ck your seam allowance sewing. perhaps you aren't consistent.
also ck your seam allowance sewing. perhaps you aren't consistent.
07-30-2011, 07:38 AM
#14
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,438
Originally Posted by mimicrystal
Ok thank you all very much for the help. I need to buy a square ruler. That seems like a real helpful tool. I've gotten way better at my 1/4" seams. It is amazing though how much difference it makes if your blocks are a tiny bit off in size.
For me -
washing fabrics before cutting - I have heard some people say that some of their unwashed fabrics shrank or changed shape when they were pressed
Doing a "practice run" with three strips of 2 x 5 inch fabric - to see if I end up with a 5 x 5 inch square - this is where I can see if my seam allowances are "right" - do I need to make them wider or narrower?
Accurate and consistent cutting
Accurate and consistent sewing of the seams
Using the same ruler for cutting and sewing machine (and settings) for sewing of all the blocks
Usually my blocks end up "close enough" - 12-1/2 x 12-5/8 for example for a 12.5 x 12.5 block
07-30-2011, 07:48 AM
#15
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Georgia
Posts: 3,563
Thanks Jan, I have the long posting pad and cut it to be the Length of my Bernina moved my needle until it was 1 /14 of a inch. But I had to use two rubber bans one on each side. Hope this will help me. :XD:
07-30-2011, 07:48 AM
#16
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Georgia
Posts: 3,563
Thanks Jan, I have the long posting pad and cut it to be the Length of my Bernina moved my needle until it was 1 /14 of a inch. But I had to use two rubber bans one on each side. Hope this will help me. :XD:
07-30-2011, 09:04 AM
#17
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: La Grande, OR
Posts: 2,457
Originally Posted by EasyPeezy
Hope this helps.
http://www.quiltuniversity.com/squaring_up.htm
http://www.quiltuniversity.com/squaring_up.htm
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