Dina

I have almost got all of my fabric cut out for a Labyrinth Walk quilt and will start sewing soon. The instructions say to use a 1/4 inch seam, but I expected for it to say a scant 1/4 seam. It really does mean 1/4 inch, right? I guess I have just got used to the scant 1/4 seam being part of the instructions.

Do I quit worrying and just do what it says?

Dina

QuiltE

IMHO ... The wording is immaterial, but the results are what counts!

So .... the best way to get ready to sew is to take your fabrics and threads you are will be using and test your 1/4" seam. (Some fabrics and threads are heavier/thicker, so it's best to test with exactly what you will be using.)
Three 1-1/2"x3-1/2" strips sewn lengthwise together should equal a width of 3-1/2"x3-1/2".
Five 1-1/2"x5-1/2" ..... 5-1/2"x5-1/2"
etc.

If your seam is more than or less than 1/4" ..... your completed blocks will not be square.
Doing several different combos, with more strips leads to even more accurate results checking.

The importance of getting it bang on to start plays out when you assemble your quilt.

Clear as Mud?

Dina

Okay, thanks. I am glad to test my 1/4 inch seams. I am pretty sure mine are accurate, but I suspect my ironing isn't, but this method will help me figure out what to do. Your instructions are actually quite clear! No mud involved. Thanks again.

Dina

QuiltE

Thanks for the Thanks! .. TBH, I wasn't really sure if I had muddied it with my explanation!!!

Good catch ... for sure the pressing is part of the testing scenario ...
... set each seam, then flip the piece and press again.
It's too easy to not get it flipped right over, and that extra little bit caught in the fold can change
the end measurements too.

Good Luck .... I'll look forward to seeing your labyrinth and the fabrics you have chosen.
Those quilts fascinate me!

Dina

I have chosen purples. There is lots of cutting going on here though. Looks like it may not be tomorrow that I get started sewing. Our guild quilt show is this weekend and I did a lot of volunteering. Tomorrow I will be hanging quilts We have 200!) and then the next two days I will be at the admissions table. But, soon, I hope, as I am also anxious to see how it is going to look...

Dina

Dina

QuiltE

! sounds like a pretty impressive show.
Enjoy, every minute of it ... with lots of inspiration to bring home and sew up a storm!!

MamaLinda

I honestly can say that the Layrinth Walk was my favorite quilt to make and complete! But . . . every seam is important and must be accurate. With the 2 blocks joining top and bottom and side to side, even a small discrepancy shows up! Can't wait to see yours, always love your colors.

Dina

I find it very encouraging that you say this was your favorite quilt to make. I just hope I end up liking mine...

Dina

1stitcher

I really like the Labyrinth walk quilt very much. I just have to find the right measurements for the templates so I can start one.

tuckyquilter

QuiltE is right. Sew strips to test your machine - and use a seam guide if need be to keep the seams the same. Can't wait to see the finished quilt top.