MollieSue

Anyone have any pointers on why this happens to me all the time? Especially notice the far right. Is it that I'm hurrying too much? Not being careful enough on my seam allowances? Any ideas on how I can make them better?
I almost hate doing sashings as this happens all the time. Grrrr.
Off to take out the seam and try again...
Thanks!
Diana :)

katier825

Have you double checked the size of the blocks? The top 2 on the right look bigger to me than the ones on the next row. If not, check your seam allowances. They might not all be the same.

Moonpi

I pin rows, starting from the center. Sometimes things can be "fudged " into place or re-worked before too much ripping has to be done. Do you double check that all blocks are the same size before sashing?

Tippy

OK.. a couple of things.. have you re-checked your block sizes? gotta make sure they are exact. then re-measure the sashings to make sure they are exact. One thing I've taken to doing is whenever I sash blocks I always use "cornerstones" it makes a HUGE difference! and I no longer have trouble with rows coming out uneven.

Lacelady

Don't despair, if you have the cash, treat yourself to a square ruler the size you mostly make your blocks, it makes it so much easier. And using corner stones really does make a difference, though with these narrow sashings, that wouldn't be very visually satisfying. When the blocks are all the same size, then pin the sashings at the 'crossing points' and at at least three more places in each block, until you are managing to get them together more to your liking. Also, if you have a walking foot, use that too, it will help a lot.
Lastly, keep trying, as your blocks are really nice. Those planes turned out a treat.

Mousie

I had this problem when starting out, and it is quite frustrating!
After reading and learning from ppl here, I sew a seam, and measure, sew a seam, and measure.
I know it sounds tedious, but until I become adept at being able to just look at something and 'wing' it...(I'm not holding my breath on that one, lol!)...this is my method for accuracy.
Let us know, what works. Accuracy is quite an issue in my cave :D

MadQuilter

looks like your airplane blocks may not be identical size. I always double check and square off my blocks before I sew the rows. Bought a large square ruler for that purpose.

It is a good idea to pin the rows as you put them together. That way you will see immediately if there is a problem. Sometimes, when the block is off just a little bit, it is possible to fudge the seam - but not when it's off by as much as you show.

It will be pretty when done though.

Ninnie

The airplane block in the middle of the row is not the same size, that's what it looks like.the blue is not lined up. you need to pin those first , and then you cans see where you are either too short or too long!

CindyBee

I agree with others that it appears to be the block size. Sorry Hon. The first block looks fine with seams matching. The second block is definitely off and that should be a red flag. When you can't fudge and match seams you just need to stop and regroup. As you can see, a small mistake can be compounded enormously. Don't feel bad, I'm sure it has happened to every single one of us at one time or another. I know I've been there plenty.

I'm just editing to say that squaring each block as you finish it would have alerted you to a problem. Depending on the block, sometimes it's helpful to square each unit within a block. As a self-taught quilter, the squaring thing gave me fits at first as there is not a lot of info out there (or emphasis) on squaring, and there is a certain assumption that all will be square and you will know how to do this. So, my system is square each unit, square the block (seldom necessay if all units are square) square the top (seldom necessary if all blocks are square). I think you see where this is going :)

Ninnie

Dianne, this has happened to me many times, and I just had to sit down with the ripper and go to work and figure out the size of my blocks. Take a break, and then go back to it when you are ready!