Help! Measurement problems
#1
Help! Measurement problems
Hello! I am hoping that someone can help me. I am going to make the Quilter's Puzzle. I wanted to increase the size of each unit by 1/4" so that I can cut the block down to exactly 6 1/2" once everything is sewn together.
When I cut the pieces out I cut each 1/4" bigger.
The 2 x 2 inch square I cut 2 1/4 x 2 1/4. (Piece A)
The 2 x 3 1/2 inch rectangle I cut 2 1/4 x 3 3/4. (Piece B)
The last piece 2 3/4 x 6 1/2 I cut 3 x 6 3/4. (Piece C)
I sewed one piece A to each end of piece B.
That piece should be sewn to piece C. However, the combo piece A/B is too long.
What have I done wrong? For the life of me, I can't figure this out. Can you tell I didn't do well in math at school?
Thanks for your help.
Debby
When I cut the pieces out I cut each 1/4" bigger.
The 2 x 2 inch square I cut 2 1/4 x 2 1/4. (Piece A)
The 2 x 3 1/2 inch rectangle I cut 2 1/4 x 3 3/4. (Piece B)
The last piece 2 3/4 x 6 1/2 I cut 3 x 6 3/4. (Piece C)
I sewed one piece A to each end of piece B.
That piece should be sewn to piece C. However, the combo piece A/B is too long.
What have I done wrong? For the life of me, I can't figure this out. Can you tell I didn't do well in math at school?
Thanks for your help.
Debby
#2
I don't have a picture of that quilt block. However, if you added 1/4 inch to two pieces and sewed them together, then you now have a piece that is 1/2" larger than the original pattern. You're trying to sew that to a piece that's only 1/4" larger, so there is a mis-match.
#4
I assume your last piece - 2 3/4 x 6 1/2 I cut 3 x 6 3/4 - is supposed to go right across the quilt. There's your problem. A 6 1/2" finished square needs a 7" piece to make the length.
I'm trying to piece together your puzzle (pun intended ) from your description and some photos. I believe you have 2 A's, 1 B for the center strip, and 2 C's for each end, right? The pieces you mention actually make a 6 1/2 (unfinished) square. So I'm confused on what you want.
If you really want 6 1/2 finished, then you need a 7" unfinished square. You need to cut:
2 1/4 x 2 1/4. (Piece A)
2 1/4 x 4. (Piece B)
2 7/8 x 7. (Piece C)
I'm trying to piece together your puzzle (pun intended ) from your description and some photos. I believe you have 2 A's, 1 B for the center strip, and 2 C's for each end, right? The pieces you mention actually make a 6 1/2 (unfinished) square. So I'm confused on what you want.
If you really want 6 1/2 finished, then you need a 7" unfinished square. You need to cut:
2 1/4 x 2 1/4. (Piece A)
2 1/4 x 4. (Piece B)
2 7/8 x 7. (Piece C)
#5
Hi. I don't know the block you are referring to. However, if I understand your goal, you want the finished block to be bigger so you can trim it down to to the intended size of 6-1/2 (which will be 6 inch when finished). Again, not knowing the block, you need to add your extra 1/4 length to the OUTSIDE pieces only. I.e: If A, B, C are sewn in a horizontal sequence, then only A and C should get the extra 1/4. That will allow you to trim off the OUTSIDE of your block and maintain the original scale of the inside fabrics. I hope I understood your goal and that this helps!
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 314
Following up on JudyTheSewer's post, you should cut your "squares" 2 x 2-1/4. Leave the rectangle (b) at its original size, 2 x 3-1/4. Then you can cut your "c" pieces 3 x 6-3/4, and everything should match up.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Small town in Northeast Oregon close to Washington and Idaho
Posts: 2,795
Are you trying to make it bigger because you are afraid that if you cut it the correct size, you might accidentally sew it bigger than 1/4" and it will end up being a hair too small?
#10
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
How about making a practice block with the pattern piece sizes as given ?
If it ends up 'small' - make narrower seams.
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