LGJARN52

I had cut a bunch of fabric out for these quite a while ago, making the finished size of 2"x4". Was trying to use up some jelly roll strips and half charm pieces from my scraps. I'll be using my BlocLoc template for trimming. Seems that cutting a 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" and a 2 1/2"x 2 1/2" barely will give me room to sew above the point to combine these into strips, some will be ok, others will be a tight fit. Should I have cut 4 1/2"x 2 3/4" and 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" to give me some extra wiggle room and then trim down? Of course I can't use jelly rolls then, but have other scraps I can use.
Need to cut more and want them to have a little more room.

GingerK

I am assuming that you are using the stitch and flip method. You draw a diagonal line on the 2 1/2 inch square piece, sew along it and trim. Very accurate drawing and sewing is needed. Instead of sewing directly on the line, try sewing beside the line, on the side to be trimmed. Also, before trimming, gently press the seam and make sure the wing that you folded up covers properly. I have been known to draw my seam line on slightly too small blocks. That gives me a visual reference when sewing blocks together.

It would be a shame not to use what you have already cut.

LGJARN52

GingerK....this is exactly what I do.

patricej

i', very, very lazy, so i despise any process that requires the extra steps of drawing lines. icky yuck, stinky poo.

however, GingerK is spot-on about not wasting what you already have and the work you've already done.
they make a tape you can lay down on the machine bed. align the corner points of the squares with the center line on the tape. use your favorite foot/method to stitch a hair more than 1/4" from the center of the tape.

you can get the tape on amazon or from several other sources. just search on "seam guide tape for sewing machines" or a similar phrase. one purchase should last a long time.

LGJARN52

Patrice....I already have the tape. It's been a staple on my machine bed for over two years....probably needs a new strip by now! But I use this for all my piecing. Starting to think I just cut the pieces out wrong.

eparys

Your measurements are correct for the method you are using but using a slightly larger smaller square would give you a tad more room for trimming. Since you are using precuts, one of my biggest beefs is that some are pinked on the edge and some are cut straight, I have a dreadful time aligning the two types. If I cut from yardage, t find the 2 3/4" is too large - I usually go with 2 5/8"

I too suggest not to waste your cut squares and after carefully marking your line to sew on them, sew ever so slightly on the right side of the line which will give you some extra room to trim. Also once I sew the diagonal, I often quickly fold up the piece to see if it is sewn straight (not that would ever happen lol!!). Last resort if I am in a rush and have messed up a few, I will still use them and crank down the stitch length when sewing them in so they are secure and do not pull.

You've got this!!

Mkotch

I use the tape method, too, but recently also lay a ruler down corner to corner, measuring 1/4” out and cut. Then I sew using my 1/4” foot. I then found a little ruler to do this cut. All these methods work for me.

SueZQ from MN

Received this email today from All People Quilt about flying geese. Maybe it will help someone. Includes a cutting chart. https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/no-wa...53c293512cf58c

Minnesewta-sam

Thanks for the information. There's lots of other helpful hints and stuff on that site also.

bj

I like to paper piece flying geese. The point is always perfect!