Make over-sized and then trim to size vs. no excess trimming
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
Since I do a lot of hand applique, I cut them larger & then trim down to size because sometimes the applique will slightly distort the fabric & then I'm off by 1/8" somewhere. Much better to cut larger & trim down, imho.
For piecing without applique, I cut to the exact size. I have a triangle ruler & it has been a godsend. Haven't had any issues with my triangles since I bought it.
For piecing without applique, I cut to the exact size. I have a triangle ruler & it has been a godsend. Haven't had any issues with my triangles since I bought it.
#24
I overcut HST and Flying geese. I use bloc-loc rulers for the HST. They have come out with rulers for flying geese, but have not tried them. Oh, I also over cut the squares for 'flippy corners' like snowball blocks.
I often start with a pattern, but when I'm done it's sometimes hard to tell it's the same quilt!
I often start with a pattern, but when I'm done it's sometimes hard to tell it's the same quilt!
#25
I use Triangulation software when I have a lot of HST to make. When I made my Bonnie Hunter Celtic Solstice King Size quilt, it called for 1.5" finished HST. I needed an enormous amount for the pinwheels. With Triangulations I made about 23-24 sheets of 24 per sheet of HST at a time. Every HST came out perfect, no trimming needed. I LOVE that software!
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central NY
Posts: 859
I add the inch and then trim after pressing. I make up my own designs (sort of...there are many old blocks using these.) with blocks using squares, HST's and a block I read about on this group called, "Boston Blocks". The possibilities are endless. I would rather do a good job on a simple design, than a poor job on a difficult block.
#28
I've done both. I get frustrated with the "wasted time" with the trimming, then get frustrated with the "imperfect blocks" and go back to trimming. I've followed a lot of patterns and I've created my own. The patterns are a lot easier as I've spent WEEKS with the design wall trying to figure out how to put them together!
#30
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
I sew the HSTs oversize and trim. It may add some time and effort to the project but it is worth it to me in the end. I have tried the 7/8 and it never came out square or the right size.
Not sure what you are asking about the pattern. I often use the "It's OK if you sit on my quilt" book to pick out blocks. From there I decide on the size and the fabric. So I use a pattern but I also put my own spin on it. There have been occasions when I used a regular pattern but then I either made a booboo or ran out of the fabric and had to get creative.
Not sure what you are asking about the pattern. I often use the "It's OK if you sit on my quilt" book to pick out blocks. From there I decide on the size and the fabric. So I use a pattern but I also put my own spin on it. There have been occasions when I used a regular pattern but then I either made a booboo or ran out of the fabric and had to get creative.
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07-02-2011 09:59 AM