bearisgray

Several years ago I had bought some graphed template plastic. I was happily making templates and my square blocks weren't fitting together as nicely as I expected them to.

When I checked out my template, it wasn't square - even though I had very nicely cut along the "proper" lines.

Much to my consternation, it wasn't printed evenly.

When I measured the grids in one direction, I got one number. When I measured the grid in another direction, I got another number.

I'd say over the width of the 8.5 x 11 inch sheet, there was an 1/8 inch variation.

Point of this note - measure the graphs/grids before using just to make sure that the measurements are true.

It sounds trivial, but 1/64 inch variation (especially if there are many seams) multiplied by pattern inaccuracies, cutting/measuring variations, and seam width variation can add up to a noticeably different finished size from what the pattern said.

bearisgray

Thanks, Loretta.

I'm sure some of you think I'm a certified member of the quilt police - I'm not.

I'm just trying to share some of the things I've learned so that you don't have to "invent the wheel" for yourselves.

I've learned so much doing things bass-ackwards.

As my mom would say: Perfection is impossible. Excellence is possible.

And there are times when Good enough IS good enough!

Generally speaking, when doing a simple block, it takes no more effort to get it to measure the expected size and lay flat, then to have it be "wonky"

sewjoyce

You're the Quilt Police??? Nah, I think you're just trying to keep us from making the same mistakes you did -- and I thank you for that!!

I recently got the Go!Cutter and the 6 1/2" HST die. Well, I cut those babies out and was going to make a 12 1/2" block. Three sides on all my 6 1/2" pieced blocks were 6 1/2" -- the 4th side was always 6 1/8". So, my sewing couldn't be that off, right?? I even measured the die and it measures just like it should. So, I just changed needle position so that when I think I'm doing that 1/4" seam and wasn't, I will be now!! (My perception is awful!)
:oops: :oops:

Rhonda

When I try to explain to people that accuracy in miniatures is a must they think I am nuts!
I trim the corners after cutting out a square I look at seams and I tighten up seams. I tack seams joined instead of pinning because pins don't hold it tight enough for me.

I am a perfectionist but it pays in the end result. I would rather prevent than rip! I rip enough any way without adding any I could have prevented!

Nice to know I am not alone is this. i'm probably more obsessive than most tho as it show more in minis than full size quilts~~

bearisgray

okay, I admit - I can't cut accurately to 1/64th of an inch - I don't have the proper tools to do it.

But I do try to keep the accuracy between 1/8 and 1/16 of an inch - and I do check measurements after a few pieces are sewn.

Mary Ellen Hopkins had a nice way of putting it in her "It's Okay if You sit on My Quilt" (The title may not be exactly correct, but it's close)

It is really about getting it "right" using one's own methods.