What is going on
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Anchorage, AK
Posts: 1,393
in addition to the scant quarter inch and the cuttin outside the line issue, most fabrics shrink up a little when steam pressed, which many of us do. Put all three things together, and especially if you have lower quality fabrics, the disappearing quarter inch happens.
#13
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Enid, OK
Posts: 8,273
first was your fabric washed prior to sewing?
are you steaming the blocks?
The fabric will shrink with enough steam and heat!
However if your blocks are all the same size, then why let it bother you...just widen your border if you need to be exactly XYZ size.....
are you steaming the blocks?
The fabric will shrink with enough steam and heat!
However if your blocks are all the same size, then why let it bother you...just widen your border if you need to be exactly XYZ size.....
#14
I am thinking if all are 12 1/4 not to worry, also maybe the pattern pieces could be measured first to see if the block will actually be 12 1/2" ... another thing if they have it marked off (stitching line) I would measure that to see if it is 1/4" ( that is if you are using a pattern that has it's own templates).
#15
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sturbridge, Ma
Posts: 3,992
always measure after the first two pieces are sewed together and see how you might need to adjust. We tend to assume everything is ok but might not be. Also chedk to make sure you have cut correctly. I find it better to cut a smiddgen larger than smaller. Watch which line of the ruler you are lining up with the edge of the fabric. some rulers have fatter lines and that can make a difference.
But the best thing I have learned is to measure regularily to make sure you are accurate.
But the best thing I have learned is to measure regularily to make sure you are accurate.
#17
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Bikini Bottom
Posts: 5,652
Originally Posted by connie_1936
finally figured out that each seam in a block takes up a small fraction of an inch. no matter how perfectly you cut you loose that tiny amount to the seam.
Billy
#18
I thought I was acccuraately cutting, until someone pointed out this, Is your blade straight up and down when you cut. I found myself tipping the blade in slightly, so my cuts were slightly short :lol:
So the way I cut, sew, piece and press, a scant 1/4" is necessary for me to get a correct sized block :D:D:D
So the way I cut, sew, piece and press, a scant 1/4" is necessary for me to get a correct sized block :D:D:D
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