Date: 10/12/09 7:04 PM

Hi,
Refer to this thread to get started with. http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/topic/44425

Ok, I have my subsets cut and I have one of the 5 sixteen patch blocks sewed together. I have to make the sashing strips, the short ones.

To assemble the row then it should be a short sashing piece, the 16 block, then another short sashing piece the the picture block.

What length do I cut the short sashing strips and how big do I cut my fabric picture block? My completed 16 patch as it sits is 6 1/4 by 6 1/4. Which should be correct because there is another seam yet on each side. However if I cut my fabric block 6 1/2 by 6 1/2, it is too big .

What am I missing here? I know this will be an easy project once I have all of these measurements figured out.

Thanks so much again in advance.

Jolene

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Jolene

Reply to Harleyjo
Date: 10/12/09 7:45 PM

Quote:

My completed 16 patch as it sits is 6 1/4 by 6 1/4. Which should be correct because there is another seam yet on each side.

If you sew a 1/4inch seam on each side of this, your finished block will be 5 3/4 inches. 1/4inch off one side makes 6 inches. Another 1/4inch off the other side makes 5 3/4inches. If the finished block is meant to be 6 inches, then the picture block is correct and your pieced block is out somewhere. Check that your seam allowances are exactly 1/4 inch. Even the tiniest difference on each seam makes a big difference overall when you have many seams.

When trying to figure out how big to cut blocks or sashing, it might help you to draw up a completed unit on paper. Rule all the lines straight and the exact measurement you want it to be. So you might start out with a 6 inch square and divide it into the number of blocks you want and then add the sashing around the outside. Cut out each component carefully. Then, lay each different size/shape piece on another sheet of paper, draw around it and this time add the seam allowances all round. This will be the size you need to cut your fabric.

It's a good idea, too, to make up a sample block before you cut all your fabric. If the measurements are out even a little, it can save you wasting a lot of fabric and time. You can use scrap pieces for these sample blocks. You can use them for potholders, doll quilts or whatever.

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chris

"We were put on this Earth for a reason- turns out mine was to unpick things"
Leigh - Project Runway Australia

Reply to misschris
Date: 10/12/09 10:00 PM

I am going to have to think about this because I know my measurements were right on the money. I also have a quarter inch foot for my sewing machine.

Thanks Chris

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Jolene

Reply to Harleyjo
Date: 10/12/09 11:44 PM

I wonder if I sewed the block wrong. I found this...http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/funsquares.04.16patch.htm

Reading this I did it the second way and I bet that is why my squares are smaller.

So do I sew 2 or 4 strips together and then cut it at 6 1/2 inches?

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Jolene

Reply to Harleyjo
Date: 10/13/09 11:45 AM

Quote: Harleyjo

I am going to have to think about this because I know my measurements were right on the money. I also have a quarter inch foot for my sewing machine. Thanks Chris

A warning about 1/4 inch feet. I was having a lot of problems with my blocks being too small even though I was very careful with my measuring, cutting and the placement of the fabric along the guide of my 1/4 inch foot. After ripping out a seam for the zillionth time, I was very frustrated. Then I realized that the guide on my foot did not line up with the 1/4 mark on my machine. I started lining up my fabric with the
marking on the machine and now I have much better results. I was pretty bummed about that because it is so easy to line up the fabric with the guide.

Reply to Harleyjo
Date: 10/13/09 4:39 PM

Quote:

I did it the second way and I bet that is why my squares are smaller.

If you started out with 2inch squares, then yes, your finished block will be smaller.

Quote:

he guide on my foot did not line up with the 1/4 mark on my machine.

And as SewGraceful, points out, you need to measure very carefully to ensure your foot and needle are lined up correctly to give 1/4 inch seams.

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chris

"We were put on this Earth for a reason- turns out mine was to unpick things"
Leigh - Project Runway Australia

Reply to misschris
Date: 10/13/09 4:49 PM

Then what is the way that you would construct a 16 patch block so I have a finished 6 in square block that is made out of 2 fabrics?

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Jolene

Reply to Harleyjo
Date: 10/13/09 5:56 PM

Ok, I got it and I did do it correctly the first time. I also checked my 1/4 " foot and sure enough it is off just a little bit. That is so dissappointing because it made it so nice but I am not going to be able to use it now. Thanks ladies!

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Jolene

Reply to Harleyjo
Date: 10/13/09 7:03 PM

Quote:

I also checked my 1/4 " foot and sure enough it is off just a little bit. That is so dissappointing because it made it so nice but I am not going to be able to use it now.

Can you adjust the needle position?

Good luck with your quilt. I'm sure it will turn out beautifully, and what a great learning experience it has been for you.

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chris

"We were put on this Earth for a reason- turns out mine was to unpick things"
Leigh - Project Runway Australia

Reply to Harleyjo
Date: 10/13/09 7:36 PM

duplicate
-- Edited on 10/13/09 7:37 PM --

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Jolene