bearisgray

Is this the effect you are trying for?

For the first section - is your template/pattern right?

My units have turned out better when I would mark each piece where I have placed a dark circle and then matched the dots.

I do lop (cut) off some of the long tails on the unit - but I usually leave about 1/2 inch seam allowance on them. They are easier for me to handle and usually turn our better when I leave that extra amount on the tails.

The chevron - I would deal with it in whatever manner I usually do flying geese units - some people use squares and trim - some people use the "exact" shape - I would probably do squares and trim.

the difference being that the center ends up being a parallelogram instead of a triangle.

RedGarnet222

I think I would redo the offending side of the block so it matched up. I think they shorted the angled tip to end at the wrong place. It looks like you could re-draw the temple by laying a piece of templet plastic over the old one and re-drawing the angle. Do this for both pieces add the seam allowances and then it should match up perfectly.

Rosasta0

The star point was a template and paper pieced. The chevrons were squares and then trimmed to 2"x3.5". I am wishing I hadn't trimmed them and waited until they were pieced together w/the star points. Oh well, I guess you live and learn.

Thanks for all of the responses - greaty appreciated.

Tartan

​Looking at the corner section, it looks like the seam allowance is closer 1/2 then 1/4 inch. Since the match is about 1/4 inch off, that might be your problem.

bearisgray

What is the "finished" and "unfinished" size of each unit supposed to be?

After looking at the picture more carefully - it looks to me like the left side of the chevron unit was cut narrower than the right side.

I measured the unit "on-screen" - and even allowing for seam allowances, I am thinking that the left side is cut about 1/4 inch narrower than the right side of it.

How are you making the chevron units?

Rosasta0

Each side of the chevron was 2"x3.5 and when sewn together block measured 3.5" square. Maybe it looks like the left side is narrower because it has already been sewn to the star point w/1/4" seam? I think I have learned that in the future I should actually make an entire block in its entirety before cutting and sewing all of the units. I am thinking that had I not trimmed my chevrons prior to sewing them to the star points I could have trimmed them After sewing them together and saved a bit of the unevenness. But I truly appreciate everyone's hints/impressions, as I am not a pro-quilt maker and have major issues with math/measurements and am totally open to learning from others and greatly appreciate the feedback. This is such a wonderful board and everyone is very generous in trying to help others.

Rosasta0

I think it looks bigger because it was paper pieced and that's where I trimmed it. In my mind, I'm thinking that since it was paper pieced That piece should be perfect and something's off w/the darned chevrons.

bearisgray

Theoretically then, your pieces should match up.

Are you matching orange dot to orange dot?

I don't see puckers or gathering on your seams - so I am also puzzled.

cindyb

I use a glue stick. Put a little smudge on the bottom fabric and roll back the top fabric until it matches. Then just finger press it down. I haven't had a problem since I took a class that showed this.

Barb in Louisiana

A lot of good advice here. What is the name of the pattern you are doing? I use Peckish's method of pinning where it is matching and then carefully sewing and still don't always get the best fit. And, I agree with the theory about not trimming the block down until all pieces match up and are sewn. It sure makes it a lot easier to square up.