Using directional fabric, can we talk?
10-01-2021, 07:58 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 127
Using directional fabric, can we talk?
Hi gals. I have all of this directional background fabric and it doesn't work for many patterns. I want to do this Houndstooth pattern but as you can see, the strip sets are turned 90 degrees. I know this isn't rocket science, but I suppose I would have to cut the strip sets vertically instead of selvage to selvage to get it right in the end? Does anyone have any thoughts? What would you do? Thank you!!!!
Last edited by littledentist; 10-01-2021 at 08:05 AM.
10-01-2021, 08:05 AM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,127
I had a thread talking about some of my directional challenges recently too... each project has a different set of decisions to make!
Our help section here has some good FAQS on pictures:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/qb-help-center-f27/
It took me months to figure out the challenges of my older digital camera and browser choice, and found that for me the big issue is that the file sizes are too large. I go to this site, use their defaults and I'm good to go. No affiliation, but it is easy and doesn't set off my protection settings.
https://www.reduceimages.com/
And then, once you do get your pictures attached, about half the time I forget to resize the window to where I can see the "upload" button in the far right corner that has to be clicked in order to actually attach everything together... No pressure, but there is a time limit too.
Our help section here has some good FAQS on pictures:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/qb-help-center-f27/
It took me months to figure out the challenges of my older digital camera and browser choice, and found that for me the big issue is that the file sizes are too large. I go to this site, use their defaults and I'm good to go. No affiliation, but it is easy and doesn't set off my protection settings.
https://www.reduceimages.com/
And then, once you do get your pictures attached, about half the time I forget to resize the window to where I can see the "upload" button in the far right corner that has to be clicked in order to actually attach everything together... No pressure, but there is a time limit too.
10-01-2021, 08:06 AM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 127
I had a thread talking about some of my directional challenges recently too... each project has a different set of decisions to make!
Our help section here has some good FAQS on pictures:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/qb-help-center-f27/
It took me months to figure out the challenges of my older digital camera and browser choice, and found that for me the big issue is that the file sizes are too large. I go to this site, use their defaults and I'm good to go. No affiliation, but it is easy and doesn't set off my protection settings.
https://www.reduceimages.com/
And then, once you do get your pictures attached, about half the time I forget to resize the window to where I can see the "upload" button in the far right corner that has to be clicked in order to actually attach everything together... No pressure, but there is a time limit too.
Our help section here has some good FAQS on pictures:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/qb-help-center-f27/
It took me months to figure out the challenges of my older digital camera and browser choice, and found that for me the big issue is that the file sizes are too large. I go to this site, use their defaults and I'm good to go. No affiliation, but it is easy and doesn't set off my protection settings.
https://www.reduceimages.com/
And then, once you do get your pictures attached, about half the time I forget to resize the window to where I can see the "upload" button in the far right corner that has to be clicked in order to actually attach everything together... No pressure, but there is a time limit too.
10-01-2021, 08:18 AM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,127
I really like the color flow in that project... am thinking I have a couple pieces of fabric that might go well in something like that.
But what is your fabric like? if you cut it small and then turn it sideways or cut it small the "right" direction, it might lose the design either way. I'm thinking the main thing is to get the squares set how you want them and maybe the strips will be just fine.
Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with changing the cutting direction from across to up and down -- but I say that as someone who prewashes.
Edit: I think you would just be turning 90 degrees. 45 degree would probably be more trouble than worth.
But what is your fabric like? if you cut it small and then turn it sideways or cut it small the "right" direction, it might lose the design either way. I'm thinking the main thing is to get the squares set how you want them and maybe the strips will be just fine.
Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with changing the cutting direction from across to up and down -- but I say that as someone who prewashes.
Edit: I think you would just be turning 90 degrees. 45 degree would probably be more trouble than worth.
Last edited by Iceblossom; 10-01-2021 at 08:21 AM. Reason: late thought!
10-01-2021, 08:53 AM
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,481
Sometimes I fussy cut directional prints and sometimes I just cut and let the chaos happen. It fun to play with stripes and intentionally cut them so the triangle angles make new designs that go around a corner. It depends on the look you are going for. If all else fails, directional prints make great backing fabrics.
10-03-2021, 07:55 AM
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 1,900
I used to avoid stripes, but I kept finding fabric that I love. So, I started a section in my stash for collecting them. Then, I waited for a pattern to interest me. I've made one quilt with them.
