Stuck!!!
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 4
Stuck!!!
Hi Everyone. I am new to this forum and I am hoping someone can give me some insight! I am working on a quilt that the directions read as follows.
Cut from 4 different fabrics 1 1/2 x 42
Sew four pieces together using a 1/4 inch seam
According to my calculations this will equal a 5" panel.
When I have it put together it is measuring at 4"
So...it has skewed all my other pieces.
I took one panel apart to make sure I had measured and cut correctly. I did.
My only other thought is I recently started using a new 1/4 foot. Could that be it?
Thanks in advance!!
Cut from 4 different fabrics 1 1/2 x 42
Sew four pieces together using a 1/4 inch seam
According to my calculations this will equal a 5" panel.
When I have it put together it is measuring at 4"
So...it has skewed all my other pieces.
I took one panel apart to make sure I had measured and cut correctly. I did.
My only other thought is I recently started using a new 1/4 foot. Could that be it?
Thanks in advance!!
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,165
If I'm following this correctly, 4 pieces of fabric each 1.5" x 42", sewn together the long way. Using a quarter inch seam allowance means the pieces finish at 1", so 4" finished, but your sewn size of the four strips should be 4.5, not 5" -- but not 4" either Good luck!
1.25" (one seam, one raw edge)
1" (two seams)
1" (two seams)
1.25" (one seam)
1.25" (one seam, one raw edge)
1" (two seams)
1" (two seams)
1.25" (one seam)
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9,299
Are you saying you’re sewing 4 strips (1.5 inches each) together? When you use 1/4 inch seam, it takes 1/4 inch off each piece, or 1/2 inch per seam.
So you should end up with 4.5 inches wide. (1.5 x 4 = 6. 6-.5-.5-.5 =4.5. That’s your unfinished block width. When you see it into the quilt, your seams will subtract rei more 1/4 inches (so 1/2in). 4.5-.5 = 4. So your finished block (that is, once it’s in your quilt, will have 4 inch blocks. Unfinished will always be 1/2” more than finished.
Does that make sense?
So you should end up with 4.5 inches wide. (1.5 x 4 = 6. 6-.5-.5-.5 =4.5. That’s your unfinished block width. When you see it into the quilt, your seams will subtract rei more 1/4 inches (so 1/2in). 4.5-.5 = 4. So your finished block (that is, once it’s in your quilt, will have 4 inch blocks. Unfinished will always be 1/2” more than finished.
Does that make sense?
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 4
Thanks so much everyone. I'm still not sure why I am losing the width though. I have given this way to much thought today. I think I'll go back at it again tomorrow with a fresh mind.
I do appreciate all your responses!!
I do appreciate all your responses!!
#7
Could you please post a link to the actual pattern? Often there is some other factor involved and it will not be apparent if we are given only parts of the pattern.
1 1/2 inches times four strips will equal an unfinished panel that should be 4 1/2 inches wide.
Try a sample to make sure that your 1/4 inch foot is accurate on your machine. Take two scraps with a specific measurement. Now sew them together with your 1/4 inch foot. Press and measure again. The measurement should be 1/2 inch less than the combined total of the width of the two scraps.
I have one machine that has a 'problem'. I actually did not notice it until I made some blocks for the same quilt on it and on another machine. My 'problem' machine does not have an accurate 1/4 inch and it took a bit of trial and error until I figured out what change I had to make on the needle location (left/right) to achieve that perfect seam width.
1 1/2 inches times four strips will equal an unfinished panel that should be 4 1/2 inches wide.
Try a sample to make sure that your 1/4 inch foot is accurate on your machine. Take two scraps with a specific measurement. Now sew them together with your 1/4 inch foot. Press and measure again. The measurement should be 1/2 inch less than the combined total of the width of the two scraps.
I have one machine that has a 'problem'. I actually did not notice it until I made some blocks for the same quilt on it and on another machine. My 'problem' machine does not have an accurate 1/4 inch and it took a bit of trial and error until I figured out what change I had to make on the needle location (left/right) to achieve that perfect seam width.
Last edited by GingerK; 02-27-2019 at 06:30 PM. Reason: more info
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,571
Yes, after sewing your strips together you should have a 4.5" wide strip set. And your new 1/4" foot could indeed be the culprit. My machine has a 'scant' 1/4" setting which is what I use. Long ago I had purchased a 1/4" foot w/guide and my seams were waaaay off! I also find that most of today's patterns - even if not specified - are referring to that elusive 'scant' 1/4" seam - which is a thread or 3 short of a 'true' 1/4" measurement.
And, yes, if your blocks are set 'on point' - i.e., the points are top/bottom; side to side - your 'setting triangles' are going to be huge by comparison. It's always safer to waste a bit of fabric for your setting triangles and have the need to trim vs not having enough fabric. Most times by the time you are finished sewing your rows together and getting your borders on, there really isn't an excess of much fabric at all in the setting triangles.
Good luck. If you like, post a link to your pattern or some photos and we might be able to give you some more hints/clues when your mind is a bit more fresh.
And, yes, if your blocks are set 'on point' - i.e., the points are top/bottom; side to side - your 'setting triangles' are going to be huge by comparison. It's always safer to waste a bit of fabric for your setting triangles and have the need to trim vs not having enough fabric. Most times by the time you are finished sewing your rows together and getting your borders on, there really isn't an excess of much fabric at all in the setting triangles.
Good luck. If you like, post a link to your pattern or some photos and we might be able to give you some more hints/clues when your mind is a bit more fresh.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,847
Measure your seams. Bet they’re a tad wider than 1/4 inch. It adds up. Also check your pressing to make sure there are no tiny folds.
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