What am I doing wrong?

Deb

Don't be too alarmed. An 1/8 of an inch on a 12 1/2 inch block isn't too bad especially when there are a lot of seams. I don't know what pattern you are using, but probably all your 12 1/2 inch blocks will come out to be the same size and you won't have a problem. Anyway, you can fudge that much on such a big block. I recently did a schoolhouse block exchange--and the blocks were supposed to be 12 1/2 inches. Needless to say they all were a little different but went together fine in the quilt---there were two I couldn't use and that was because the maker had trimmed them---one to 12 inches and the other was way small.

Betty

Sorry - it's an 1/8 of an inch too small.

I thought the point of using a scant 1/4 inch is to accomodate for the loss when you press over the seam.

But I'll definitely take a look at the thread tension.

Thanks Deb

Thanks Betty, I realize you're right it's not that big a deal - however, (isn't there always a however?), I'm making these stars for a star swap and therefore I'm thinking they better be the right size!

DebZ

Are each of the parts the right size? Is the four patch 6.5 inches square? Are the geese 3.5 inches high and 6.5 inches wide? Sometimes a small amount off on each of the parts translates to a noticeable amount off on the whole.

I agree that an eighth is not a big amount to worry about especially if they're all the same size, but check the parts to see if they're off a bit also. Remember: parts is parts.

Linda F.

Deb: In another post you mention that the block is a tad small. This happens to me more often than I'd care to admit! Recently I decided to slightly change the way I position the cutting ruler on the fabric. BTW: I cut with right hand. I had usually just placed the line NEXT to the cut edge, (cut edge to the right of the line) thus making the strip just a tad inside the measurement. Now I place the line fully ON the fabric, so the cut edge is to the left of the line, so the line is included in the measurement. Another thing, when I work at the SM, I am more careful to place the fabric just *under* the right edge of the SM

1/4" foot, sew>

I was just doing that. The four square measures exactly what it should, so apparently that's not the problem.

I just measured the geese and lo and behold - it's right in one direction and short in the other! So, I took a slightly scantier 1/4 inch when I put the squares on either side - and now it measure the 12.5.

Now let's see what happens when I sew the geese to each side of the 4 square!

Pat,

I wish I could say that might help - but, I already cut the way you just described. My fabric is to the left of the line - so my line is fully in/on the fabric.

I have a feeling it's the flying geese - but I'll be darned if I can figure out why they're coming out short!

DebZ

If it's only 1/8" too small for a 12.5 inch square, you probably are in the top 5% of accurate quilters. I understand though, I have high standards too but don't always achieve them either.

To be exactly perfect, the 'scant' would have to be equal to what we lost from the 'turn of the cloth'. Fabric thickness varies, as of course how we press when we flip the fabric over and how flat we press the seam.

So lets say that the 1/8" holds for all your blocks. And your set is

7 blocks wide. You would only be off by 7/8" in a 84" wide (before borders) quilt. That's a one percent error. That would be outstanding!.

hey Pat and Debz,

is the one i use. made 150 in a weekend by assembly line/chain piecing.each one a master goose, honk honk.been offline for a couple of days, trying to get some applique done, defragthis damn machine (still aint working btw) and orgynize some paperwork here.i'm knackered. hth, jeanne*

Deb, if you are making the flying geese using the songle big square and 4 smaller squares to make 4 geese......... I always have a problem with those coming out a smidge on the small side. So I cut all my squares a bit larger and trim the geese down. It is usually in sewing the diagonal seams that I seem to have a problem. Try loosening your top tension just a tiny little bit, and check it after you sew the seam, before you cut and press it.

Pati, > Pat,

Hullo Deb

I absolutely agree with this, I was going to say just the same thing (I very often reply without reading on!!). But also, I have found that when a piece of work, of whatever size, is made up of subsections which are made up using *different* techniques - such as yours is - it is very difficult to get the size exactly right. I was making something with foundation paper piecing and English paper piecing and they just would not go together with all the points and junctions meeting correctly. I vowed to try never to do it again!! So, if you have found the tiny error, that's terrific; and remember that it could be the 'tolerances' of the two techniques which are slightly different.

In article , Pat in Virginia writes

oh geez, Polly, you know by now if ya need help with them honkers, ya gotta be a bit more specific than that girl. have you been burning the midnight oil or both ends of the candle lately and its frizzled ya into a wee ball of plasticy stuff as PE will do when the burn test is applied... ya really gotta do something bout that toots!! jeanne*

Geesemaster! New title for nzl*. I love it.

If she's anything like that thighmaster, you can just forget it!