franc36

I love the pinked edges because they don't fray. I also like the variety of fabrics that I get with precuts.

Jeanne S

I also sew my seam allowance from the outside tip of the zigzag edge. and Pennyhal, I think the size does refer to the tips of the pinked edges, not trimmed. But most charm packs I see are 5" square, not 6" square, but in either case I think it refers to the outside edges for measurements.

Tartan

I am just not comfortable with a 1/4 inch seam having only a few threads in the seam allowance on the inside V of the pinked edge so I measure from the inside of the edge.

Cari-in-Oly

No different than when in garment sewing you trim the seam down and clipping curves. I grew up pinking seams in garment sewing and sometimes the pinking could get awful close to the actual seam. I'd rather sew with an accurately cut pinked edge than a poorly cut straight edge.

Cari

Lovequilting22

I also use the outside of the zig zag. . Whichever you decide, though, if you are consistent, that's the ticket. Happy quilting!

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

This is another one of those times when being oblivious pays off. I never gave it a minute of thought. Now that I think about it, I use the outside of the zig zag. I like my 1/4 foot and using the inside would make it hard to use.

QuiltingHaven

Also, if you wash them before you use them, they will shrink. Not an issue if you need 4 1/5" squares but washed, most of them will shrink, same with jelly rolls and layer cakes. The layer cakes shrink even more so measure before washing and then measure again afterwards. Some shrink a little, some a lot, and some not at all.

coffeecozy

how do you wash charm packs? and jelly rolls? i always just figured that i had to use them unwashed and i hate doing that!

jitkaau

It wouldn't matter in my opinion, so long as you didn't chop and change.

Texas_Sue

To get a true 5" or 10" you need to measure from the point of the zig zag.

Susan