four patch blocks
 

Easiest thing in the world to make, right: sew the strips together, subcut the strips and sew them together, and voila - a four patch unit. Well, not for me. No matter how carefully I cut, sew, and press, my 4-patch never seems to come out square or the right size. Sometimes they're as much as 1/8 inch too small. I'm making the 54-40 or fight block and I need them to be the right size. I've tried moving my needle and using thinner thread. So my question is: has anybody used this method:

http://www.fonsandporter.com/article...ch_quilt_units

Or does anyone have another "sure-fire" way to make the perfect 4 patch. I'm tired of "fudging" or "making do". I want my 4 patches to be right, darn it.
Thanks

are you able to determine why they are not coming out right? if they are always a bit too small maybe you should cut your strips 1/4" wider than needed, make your 4-patches- then line up your ruler & trim each side to make the perfect size. that seems like the easiest solution beyond figuring out what the problem is & fixing that. are you sewing with a 'scant' 1/4" seam? often the easiest way to fix is to cut larger & trim to size. :) good luck

Don't use full width of fabric for your strip sets - cut them in half. Cut the segments BEFORE you press them open as pressing can make them wonky, especially if you are using steam. And if all else fails, cut them over size and trim back to exact size.

it does depend on your accuracy on cuts but also on your 1/4 inch seams. test yourself on those on some scrap pieces. cut, draw seams if necessary and sew. measure. test, test,test and then try again.

Bonnie Hunter has some helpful advise...... http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/...rter-inch.html and
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2012/...-saturday.html

And it always pays to double check your seam allowance. Here's a good method:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...ce-t89997.html

Also, make sure that you are not pressing a tiny fold in the seam. I seem to have an issue with this!

I agree making them a tad bigger and cutting down is the answer, more time consuming but accurate. If they seem to shrink maybe your iron is to hot? If using steam, DON'T. The method in your link I've used, and it works if you can get that middle seam correct.

thanks for the suggestions. I've checked my seam allowance, I've tried both exact and scant 1/4 inch . I cut my strips in half prior to sewing. I make sure there is no fold at the seam, I don't use steam, iron on cotton setting. The one thing I didn't do, is cut my segments prior to pressing them open. Making them too big and cutting down to size seems to be my best option.

Be sure you have an accurate 1/4" seam and press the stripsets to the darker color. Then when you put the two strips together, the seams will lock together, ensuring that your seams will match. Be sure your cutting is accurate, too.