patterns- Instructions
#12
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,563
I have learned NEVER to cut out the entire project before making a block first. Sometimes I find a mistake in the measurements or directions. Sometimes I don't like the fabric(s) I picked and switch them out.
#13
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 4,688
I agree Peckish -- sometimes those measurements just don't work. I prefer to know how many pieces are needed as well as the size of strips, but I have made a whole 3 color twin sized quilt and the largest piece was a fat quarter. If I find a fat quarter I like on sale I will sometimes buy several yards worth of fat quarters.
#15
Like Cindi, I do not cut anything until I have read through all the pattern and cutting instructions and I usually do as Peckish does... make a trial block before cutting all the fabric.
I took a class from Doug Leko last spring (designer for Antler's Design) wherein he had us precut all our fabric pieces prior to class... I crossed my fingers during the assembly but they came together nicely.
I took a class from Doug Leko last spring (designer for Antler's Design) wherein he had us precut all our fabric pieces prior to class... I crossed my fingers during the assembly but they came together nicely.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Keller, TX
Posts: 1,937
If you are working with a kit...better follow the cutting exactly....a Craftsy Fassett kit left me with a 16th of an inch slice off final strip.....that was scary. IF you are confident the pattern gave you "fudge" room, cut the way you want.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Heart of Colorado's majestic mountains!
Posts: 6,026
There are many things to consider when cutting the pieces for a quilt. I prefer that the pattern say I need 400 4 inch squares. I prefer to cut lengthwise borders on the lengthwise grain; therefore, when I cut crosswise pieces to subcut my tally will be different. Also, if I have scraps of that fabric I will try to cut pieces from the scraps before cutting into the bigger pieces. I carefully label all cuts and groups of cut pieces so I don't make silly mistakes as I work. I use plastic bags to store my labeled pieces in. When I have stitched components I put the labels in the upper left corner and use a bigger plastic bag to store them in. I need all the help I can give myself to avoid goofs. I keep lots of notes and reminders as I go.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Midwest
Posts: 5,051
Sandy
#19
Lady Diana, I agree with you about the Craftsy kits. While very nicely priced (especially when you get them on sale), when the kit list says 3/8 yard of Fabric A, there will be exactly 3/8 yard and not a thread more. Very scary if you have to straighten the fabric too. I found myself actually skimping on strips--just by a thread or two each time--and I still had less than an inch left at the end of cutting 2 yards worth of strips.
Just a heads up for anyone planning on using their kits.
Just a heads up for anyone planning on using their kits.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: western Pa
Posts: 4,569
I don't like when a pattern assumes I'm using FQ's and tells me to cut a strip WOF or LOF then sub-cut. I have all different sizes of fabric so I have to add up all the squares then cut according to my WOF or LOF. I'd prefer to have them say "cut x number of 2" squares."
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