What is going on
02-16-2011, 03:15 PM
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: potato land
Posts: 16
I have been quilting for several years but i have a p roblem and was wondering if any one else has this problem. after i cut my pieces of fabric and sew them together,(If my block should be 12 1/2 unfinished), why are my blocks 12 1/4 unfinished?? I have checked my 1/4 seam and it is right on. I would say this happens about 95% of the time. Does this happen to anyone else?
02-16-2011, 03:19 PM
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: The middle of an IL cornfield
Posts: 7,014
Many block patterns require a "scant 1/4 inch" seam to work out correctly. Try moving you needle a couple of threads over.
Also, I've found that in many patterns it doesn't really matter as long as all the blocks are the same. If you have a stack of 12 1/4 inch blocks they will go together nicely.
Also, I've found that in many patterns it doesn't really matter as long as all the blocks are the same. If you have a stack of 12 1/4 inch blocks they will go together nicely.
02-16-2011, 03:23 PM
#5
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: western Pa
Posts: 4,569
Today I was making a block for someone else so I was EXTRA careful with my 1/4" seam allowance-kept measuring as I went, pressed and guess what!! It's 12 1/4" instead of 12 1/2". I'd like to know where all these extra 1/4" are going and what gremlin is hoarding them LOL!! I'm very frustrated, like you are.
02-16-2011, 03:25 PM
#7
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,322
I use a scant 1/4 inch also. Think about the fold of the fabric.
Also check to see when you cut your fabric that you are cutting square and not angling the blade along the ruler.
I also make sure I cut on the outside of the line of the ruler and double check your ruler.
Put those three things together and you will end up with the extra 1/4 inch.
Also check to see when you cut your fabric that you are cutting square and not angling the blade along the ruler.
I also make sure I cut on the outside of the line of the ruler and double check your ruler.
Put those three things together and you will end up with the extra 1/4 inch.
02-16-2011, 03:29 PM
#9
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 2,943
In baking it was called the meniscus - where you measured the liquid at the bottom of the liquid level for accuracy.
In quilting it matters where you measure the 1/4" from. Your check is the finished product.
ali
In quilting it matters where you measure the 1/4" from. Your check is the finished product.
ali
02-16-2011, 03:29 PM
#10
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: New England, USA
Posts: 2,970
I use a "scant" 1/4 inch - I have figured where that is on my foot after hours of sewing and checking. Try to measure each section.
The real fact is "so what" - if you are doing a quilt and they all come out at 12.25 it is OK - the only time it really matters is when your blocks will be mixed with blocks made by someone else!!'
The real fact is "so what" - if you are doing a quilt and they all come out at 12.25 it is OK - the only time it really matters is when your blocks will be mixed with blocks made by someone else!!'
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