Can someone check my math?
#1
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I'm fairly new to quilting and doing a BOM with a LQS in my area. I should know better than to trust the cutting and measuring instructions by now. They haven't been right yet. But here goes...
If I want a 4 1/8 square block made from 4 quarter sqare triangles how big should the squares the QST's come from be? My instructions told me to cut 4 QST from 4 3/4 inch squares and sew them together. I'm supposed to get a 4 1/8 inch block from that? I only get a 4 inch block. What am I doing wrong?
If I want a 4 1/8 square block made from 4 quarter sqare triangles how big should the squares the QST's come from be? My instructions told me to cut 4 QST from 4 3/4 inch squares and sew them together. I'm supposed to get a 4 1/8 inch block from that? I only get a 4 inch block. What am I doing wrong?
#7
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I measured the seam, it is a scant 1/4 inch, and I did press it well. I would be less concerned if this only happened to one of the blocks but ALL 4 came out to the exact same measurement of 4 inches. If nothing else, I'm consistent.
My inclination is to cut down as well and I think this is another of this person's poor directions. For a nine-patch block she had us cut 4 inch blocks and told us the final block would make a 12.5 inch square (really? She's been doing some fuzzy math). I really hate it when someone is obviously using a computer program to make up these things but doesn't take the time (or knows less than I do and this started out being my first quilt) to get it right. Frustrating.
Sorry for the rant. I just hate wasting the hour on something that will never be right.
My inclination is to cut down as well and I think this is another of this person's poor directions. For a nine-patch block she had us cut 4 inch blocks and told us the final block would make a 12.5 inch square (really? She's been doing some fuzzy math). I really hate it when someone is obviously using a computer program to make up these things but doesn't take the time (or knows less than I do and this started out being my first quilt) to get it right. Frustrating.
Sorry for the rant. I just hate wasting the hour on something that will never be right.
#8
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Originally Posted by bearisgray
Are you aiming for a 4-1/8 inch size finished or unfinished size block/unit?
(That does seem like an odd dimension for a unit)
(That does seem like an odd dimension for a unit)
My second theory is she uses this measurement so that no one can actually square their blocks accurately (you need a 1/16 and 1/32 mark for some of them) so if they don't work she blames you.
Last time I asked for squaring information she told me it should come out to whatever. She LIKES wonky blocks. This is one of the reasons I will never take a class from this particular place even though it is close to home.
#9
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When cutting a square into four triangles - QSTs - theoretically, add 1.25 inches to the finished size. (I would add 1-3/8 inches for a bit of wiggle room)
When cutting a square into two triangles - HSTs - theoretically, add 7/8 inch to the finished size. (I would add 1 inch for a bit of wiggle room)
It's easier for me to trim off a smidge than to try to work with skimpy square units.
When cutting a square into two triangles - HSTs - theoretically, add 7/8 inch to the finished size. (I would add 1 inch for a bit of wiggle room)
It's easier for me to trim off a smidge than to try to work with skimpy square units.
#10
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This is good information to know. My directions for my block told me to cut my QST's from a 4 3/4 inch block. I now am seeing that once again I should have trusted my instinct and made the block out of paper first to check her directions. After 9 months you would think I'd learn. In my defense, I made this pattern before in "normal" measurements so I knew how it went together. Silly me for trying to give the benefit of the doubt.
Finishing this darn quilt is now a matter of pure stubbornness on my part. Most of the other people quit months ago. December is the last block.
Finishing this darn quilt is now a matter of pure stubbornness on my part. Most of the other people quit months ago. December is the last block.
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