Pattern problem or me?
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 259
I’m working on a Cozy Quilt Designs called Spangled. I’m hoping it is alright to post this. Careful cutting, careful seam allowance and I end up with blocks 10 3/4 by 10/1/2. Lay out creating the square in green center allowing for careful 1/4 inch joining seams leave me with 1/2 inch overhang. This, I don’t believe can just be cut off as that would ruin the pattern. Any ideas? Anyone done this pattern and run into this problem? Anyone figure out what I could have done wrong and a fix? Thanks for input.
[img]blob:https://www.quiltingboard.com/f39ae4a2-e661-4bfe-bf15-89a9e62c0ec6[/img]
[img]blob:https://www.quiltingboard.com/f39ae4a2-e661-4bfe-bf15-89a9e62c0ec6[/img]
Last edited by Reb; 07-20-2025 at 09:08 AM.
#3
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 259
Just what I have been following. She was a terrific teacher and I miss her. But she can’t give cut sizes because it’s not her pattern. So did I cut wrong? I’ve been over and over. I will watch the video yet again. Thanks for the reminder but I’ve practically got it memorized.
#4
might check the website. I don't see an errata link, but they may be able to quickly assess why your blocks are off?
https://quiltingbookspatternsandnoti...BoC-jIQAvD_BwE
https://quiltingbookspatternsandnoti...BoC-jIQAvD_BwE
#5
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 259
might check the website. I don't see an errata link, but they may be able to quickly assess why your blocks are off?
https://quiltingbookspatternsandnoti...BoC-jIQAvD_BwE
https://quiltingbookspatternsandnoti...BoC-jIQAvD_BwE
#6
I hope you get an answer to your email. You said your block measures 10 1/2 x 10 3/4. Which measurement is the LENGTH of the block and which is the WIDTH? If the WIDTH is the longer measurement, you need to adjust your seam allowance just a bit (make it slightly fatter) If the LENGTH of the block is the longer measurement, trim each strip to the exact length you need before sewing them together and remember that any diagonal seam can stretch a tiny bit. Ironing instead of pressing can also cause some stretching. If you are using WOF strips, they can also stretch a wee bit with handling--more than LOF strips.
In all honesty, I would not worry about 1/4 inch over a 10 inch length. Just put the longer piece on the bottom when sewing two blocks together, and let your feed dogs do their job.
In all honesty, I would not worry about 1/4 inch over a 10 inch length. Just put the longer piece on the bottom when sewing two blocks together, and let your feed dogs do their job.
#7
..... Careful cutting, careful seam allowance and I end up with blocks 10 3/4 by 10/1/2. Lay out creating the square in green center allowing for careful 1/4 inch joining seams leave me with 1/2 inch overhang. This, I don’t believe can just be cut off as that would ruin the pattern......
[img]blob:https://www.quiltingboard.com/f39ae4a2-e661-4bfe-bf15-89a9e62c0ec6[/img]
[img]blob:https://www.quiltingboard.com/f39ae4a2-e661-4bfe-bf15-89a9e62c0ec6[/img]
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 259
I hope you get an answer to your email. You said your block measures 10 1/2 x 10 3/4. Which measurement is the LENGTH of the block and which is the WIDTH? If the WIDTH is the longer measurement, you need to adjust your seam allowance just a bit (make it slightly fatter) If the LENGTH of the block is the longer measurement, trim each strip to the exact length you need before sewing them together and remember that any diagonal seam can stretch a tiny bit. Ironing instead of pressing can also cause some stretching. If you are using WOF strips, they can also stretch a wee bit with handling--more than LOF strips.
In all honesty, I would not worry about 1/4 inch over a 10 inch length. Just put the longer piece on the bottom when sewing two blocks together, and let your feed dogs do their job.
In all honesty, I would not worry about 1/4 inch over a 10 inch length. Just put the longer piece on the bottom when sewing two blocks together, and let your feed dogs do their job.
#9
measuring the seam is not the best way to judge your seam alloowance. you need to measure the units sewn together to see if you are hitting it. I have dozens of 3.5" unfinished 9 patches I've sewen over the years to check seam allowance over the years on different machines. .
I cut 1.5" strips (pressed fabric, unpressed fabric grows when pressed after sewing), sew 3 strips together, slice into 1.5" strips again and make your 9 patch and press. If at that point you have an exact 3.5" square you seam allowance is on the sweet spot.
I cut 1.5" strips (pressed fabric, unpressed fabric grows when pressed after sewing), sew 3 strips together, slice into 1.5" strips again and make your 9 patch and press. If at that point you have an exact 3.5" square you seam allowance is on the sweet spot.
#10
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 259
Just looked at the picture of the quilt - and if I am looking at the correct quilt (can not view your image??), you will need to trim before assembling.After you make a "strip", measure it and if it is too long trim the dark end - then you will not "loose" any points and each strip will be the correct length and match the others. If you wait till after you sew them all tog to trim them up, you will loose the points.
I had trouble with my picture. You are correct and that I understood when I looked at trimming. Fortunately I found it during my lay out and not during stitching it together. It’s still at block stage. Thank you for your response.

