Watson

and now I'm paying for it.

My rule is: Never make a pattern unless I see a picture of an actual quilt done from the pattern. Not a graphic..an actual quilt. That way, I know someone made the pattern and worked out any mistakes before I invest time and money in it.

Well, I started on a pattern where there was just a graphic and you guessed it: I can't get it to work.

It's a paper pieced pattern and when you sew the pieces together, the points don't make a point. They make an offset point. I've tried 1/4" seams, scant 1/4" seams, wider, narrower. There is just no way those points are coming together where they should. They meet pretty well at the top but the points are wrong in the same way at the bottom of each one. Then, paying too much attention to the points, I lost the side points.

If I had seen a picture of the quilt and they were perfect, I'd say it was just me, but having done two rows and them all being the same? It's only a panel for a tote, but I'm about to throw in the towel.

Watson

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bearisgray

Maybe they are supposed to be offset? The only reason I could see for it, might be to make the intersections a bit less bulky where they "meet" at the bottom/narrow end?

bearisgray

Can you redraft the pattern to get it closer to your standard?

Calmclam

It looks like the kites are not symmetrical - try folding a foundation in half to check
Once it's symmetrical, cut several out of paper and lay them out - do they work now?
Good luck!

Rhonda K

That does look frustrating. Can you check with the pattern designer for help? The angles on each side don't match either.

Tartan

Add some coordinated fabric yo-yos over the points and no one will ever know. Pretty diamonds!

SuziSew

Since it's only for a tote, I wouldn't worry about it, but if you were going to do it again you may be better off drafting a paper piecing pattern for it so you could get the sharp points you want. It's a really cute pattern too.

QuiltingVagabond

I know what you mean Watson! I made a Christmas quilt from a kit with a graphic pic on the cover. There is no way to make it look like the picture with the fabric/instructions given. I ended up making it "my own" lol

QuiltE

I hear you ....
I totally get hate patterns where there are no signs of a quilt ever being made.
Actually, more so, it is the designer I get annoyed with, for not actually making the quilt.
Yes, a bone of contention for me!

I've often taken PP patterns and "made" them in paper to see if they really do come together or not.

Watson

Well, when patterns give you lemons.....make a different block!

I'm going to make this block instead. Just need to square it up and add corners and I'll make my tote up with 4 of these on each side in all different colours.
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Watson

Editted to add: do I have one blade going the wrong direction? I'll have to check when I do the next one. I just sorta winged it.