Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • Help needed to downsize pattern >
  • Help needed to downsize pattern

  • Help needed to downsize pattern

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 09-30-2011, 05:31 AM
      #1  
    Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Posts: 71
    Default

    I am making some table toppers for Christmas Gifts. The final (Hexagon) size is 24 x 24 from flat side to flat size. I need to decrease the size to about 18 by 18. I decreased each piece by 1/2 inch (on the width and the length) however, when I piece it, it does not match up (I have triple checked my cutting sizes for exactness and accuracy of 1/4" seam. I need help. The pattern is called, "Table Grace" in a book from This & That called Northern Botanical. Sorry no camera to take pictures at present.

    Any suggestions appreciated.
    tanderbear is offline  
    Old 09-30-2011, 05:50 AM
      #2  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Dec 2010
    Location: Michigan
    Posts: 11,276
    Default

    The way you change a pattern is subtract a half Inch from the size of the piece, to remove the seam allowance, adjust the size of the piece, then add the half inch seam allowance back on. Is this how you resized?
    PaperPrincess is offline  
    Old 09-30-2011, 05:56 AM
      #3  
    Senior Member
     
    qbquilts's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Posts: 767
    Default

    Since you want the finished size to be 3/4 or 75% of the original size (18/24 = 3/4 or 75%), you need to resize each piece to be 75% of the original size. Like a PP said, subtract the seam allowance first, resize each dimension of the piece, and then add back the seam allowance.

    For example: To take a 12" 9-patch block to a 9" 9-patch block. 9"/12" = 3/4 or 75%. Originally, you cut 9 squares 4 1/2" to make the 12" block.

    4 1/2" - 1/2" (seam allowance) = 4" (original finished size)
    .75 * 4" = 3" (new finished size)
    3" + 1/2" (seam allowance) = 3 1/2" (new cut size).

    This formula works whether shrinking or enlarging a pattern piece. Just make sure to do each dimension by the same percentage.
    qbquilts is offline  
    Old 09-30-2011, 06:47 AM
      #4  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jan 2011
    Location: Ocean Springs, MS
    Posts: 9,287
    Default

    Thanks for this helpful tip.
    Sewfine is offline  
    Old 09-30-2011, 06:48 AM
      #5  
    Super Member
     
    dglvr's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jan 2007
    Location: Eastern Washington
    Posts: 3,807
    Default

    Originally Posted by qbquilts
    Since you want the finished size to be 3/4 or 75% of the original size (18/24 = 3/4 or 75%), you need to resize each piece to be 75% of the original size. Like a PP said, subtract the seam allowance first, resize each dimension of the piece, and then add back the seam allowance.

    For example: To take a 12" 9-patch block to a 9" 9-patch block. 9"/12" = 3/4 or 75%. Originally, you cut 9 squares 4 1/2" to make the 12" block.

    4 1/2" - 1/2" (seam allowance) = 4" (original finished size)
    .75 * 4" = 3" (new finished size)
    3" + 1/2" (seam allowance) = 3 1/2" (new cut size).

    This formula works whether shrinking or enlarging a pattern piece. Just make sure to do each dimension by the same percentage.
    This is good to know. Thanks for taking the time to share this. :thumbup:
    dglvr is offline  
    Old 09-30-2011, 08:15 AM
      #6  
    Senior Member
     
    oldpiglady's Avatar
     
    Join Date: May 2011
    Location: N E OHIO
    Posts: 343
    Default

    great tip, thanks.
    oldpiglady is offline  
    Old 09-30-2011, 03:02 PM
      #7  
    Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Posts: 71
    Default

    Thanks for the information. i think I calculated correctly. It called for a 2.5 x 8.5 rectangle, so I cut it down to be a 2 8....If that is correct, then I must have done something wrong in calculating measurements (my math) or somewhere my measurements are off.

    The information you provided was very helpful...thanks to everyone. If I get it figured out I will get a picture posted.

    Blessings Everyone
    tanderbear is offline  
    Old 09-30-2011, 07:14 PM
      #8  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Dec 2010
    Location: Michigan
    Posts: 11,276
    Default

    Originally Posted by tanderbear
    Thanks for the information. i think I calculated correctly. It called for a 2.5 x 8.5 rectangle, so I cut it down to be a 2 8....If that is correct, then I must have done something wrong in calculating measurements (my math) or somewhere my measurements are off.

    The information you provided was very helpful...thanks to everyone. If I get it figured out I will get a picture posted.

    Blessings Everyone
    I don't know what size you were aiming for, but cutting the rectangle down the way you indicated did not keep the original proportions.
    If you want the small side to go from 2 to 1.5 (finished) then the Long side should go from 8 to 6. The new rectangle should be cut at 2 X 6.5 inches, not 2 X 8.
    PaperPrincess is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    chrisdim
    Main
    10
    12-30-2018 03:05 PM
    AliKat
    General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
    10
    03-26-2016 05:06 AM
    ArchaicArcane
    For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
    59
    04-23-2014 09:02 AM
    bebe
    Main
    113
    06-10-2011 04:52 PM
    TeriD
    Pictures
    83
    05-28-2011 05:06 PM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter