Cutting Tips
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Subject Author Date
Cutting Tips felwyn 08-14-2008
| `--> Re: Cutting Tips Leslie & The Fu...08-14-2008
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Posted by felwyn on August 14, 2008, 5:50 pm


I will try that, thanks. It's a good way to see where the problem might
be. Actually adjusting the seam allowance to a scant 1/4 in. is probably
the easiest way to correct the problem, and it might not be the cutting at
all.

I think I will make a habit of doing this test each time I start a project
and set up my machine.
Thanks
felwyn
>
>> Does anyone have any rotary cutting tips? My finished blocks are always
>> a
>> little smaller than I planned, not much, maybe a 1/16th of an inch
>> smaller, but over the length of the quilt, it makes a difference. All
>> the
>> blocks are equal, so accuracy is not the problem, but I wonder if I
>> should
>> cut a tiny bit more generously to correct this.
>> My seam allowances measure 1/4 inch, so I think the problem is cutting.
>>
>> I would love to hear any suggestions and advice.
>> felwyn
>>
>>
>
>
> Felwyn, I'm another who suspects your seam allowance of being just a
> trifle off, rather than your cutting technique. As Leslie said, you are
> so consistent that it should be a simple matter to figure out how to
> adjust. Here's how I was taught to check my seam allowance:
>
> Cut three strips of fabric at 3" x 1.5".
> Sew the three strips together along the 3" sides, pressing each seam, so
> that you now have one pieced "block".
> Now measure your block. It should measure exactly 3" square.
>
> If it's a hair too small, you know that your 1/4" seam allowance is a
> trifle too wide. That's where we get the "scant 1/4" seam allowance"
> you'll hear about so often. We all have to adjust for the thickness of
> the seam itself in order to create precise blocks.
>
> HTH! :)
> --
> Sandy in Henderson, near Las Vegas
> sw.foster1 (at) gmail (dot) com (remove/change the obvious)
> http://www.sandymike.net



Posted by Polly Esther on August 14, 2008, 10:09 pm


Nah, once you get the hang of 'scant' you won't need to continually test.
And please do consider Patti's very good advice and measure your rulers. I
have one here that is reserved for whacking naughty gators and cleaning
under the refrigerator; it certainly is no good for cutting.
The absolute worst are the free yardsticks that may or may not be
anywhere close, and a tape measure that has stretched just any at all. If
I'm going to get crazy about accuracy, my favorite is a very long metal
ruler from DH's shop. That fine tool will let you play with the 64ths.
Polly


"felwyn" <wrote >I will try that, thanks. It's a good way to see where
the problem might
> be. Actually adjusting the seam allowance to a scant 1/4 in. is
> probably the easiest way to correct the problem, and it might not be the
> cutting at all.
>
> I think I will make a habit of doing this test each time I start a project
> and set up my machine.



Posted by Bonnie Patterson on August 15, 2008, 7:56 am


Right Polly,
I carry a 10" or 12" metal tape measure with my sewing kit, it is
accurate. Those cloth tapes that are pushed on us ladies stretch and
are not accurate, yes you can measure your waist with a metal tape.
Another tip for accuracy, never measure from the very end of a ruler,
for example, when measuring 12" measure from the 1" mark to the 13"
mark, ends of rulers get banged up. If you look at a draftsman's scale
you will see that the measurements don't start at the end of the scale
for that very reason. Our rotary cutting rulers don't get banged up on
the edges because we are very careful with them, right?
Bonnie, in Middletown, VA



On Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:09:56 -0500, "Polly Esther"

>Nah, once you get the hang of 'scant' you won't need to continually test.
>And please do consider Patti's very good advice and measure your rulers. I
>have one here that is reserved for whacking naughty gators and cleaning
>under the refrigerator; it certainly is no good for cutting.
> The absolute worst are the free yardsticks that may or may not be
>anywhere close, and a tape measure that has stretched just any at all. If
>I'm going to get crazy about accuracy, my favorite is a very long metal
>ruler from DH's shop. That fine tool will let you play with the 64ths.
>Polly
>
>
>"felwyn" <wrote >I will try that, thanks. It's a good way to see where
>the problem might
>> be. Actually adjusting the seam allowance to a scant 1/4 in. is
>> probably the easiest way to correct the problem, and it might not be the
>> cutting at all.
>>
>> I think I will make a habit of doing this test each time I start a project
>> and set up my machine.
>

Posted by Sandy on August 14, 2008, 10:30 pm



>
> > Does anyone have any rotary cutting tips? My finished blocks are always a
> > little smaller than I planned, not much, maybe a 1/16th of an inch
> > smaller, but over the length of the quilt, it makes a difference. All the
> > blocks are equal, so accuracy is not the problem, but I wonder if I should
> > cut a tiny bit more generously to correct this.
> > My seam allowances measure 1/4 inch, so I think the problem is cutting.
> >
> > I would love to hear any suggestions and advice.
> > felwyn
> >
> >
>
>
> Felwyn, I'm another who suspects your seam allowance of being just a
> trifle off, rather than your cutting technique. As Leslie said, you are
> so consistent that it should be a simple matter to figure out how to
> adjust. Here's how I was taught to check my seam allowance:
>
> Cut three strips of fabric at 3" x 1.5".
> Sew the three strips together along the 3" sides, pressing each seam, so
> that you now have one pieced "block".
> Now measure your block. It should measure exactly 3" square.
>
> If it's a hair too small, you know that your 1/4" seam allowance is a
> trifle too wide. That's where we get the "scant 1/4" seam allowance"
> you'll hear about so often. We all have to adjust for the thickness of
> the seam itself in order to create precise blocks.
>
> HTH! :)


Oops! My math was a bit off. Your finished block should measure 3"
(length) x 3.5" (width), since you haven't yet used the seam allowances
on the outside. Sorry!

--
Sandy in Henderson, near Las Vegas
sw.foster1 (at) gmail (dot) com (remove/change the obvious)
http://www.sandymike.net

Posted by Pati C. on August 14, 2008, 10:13 pm


Actually, if your seam allowance measure an exact quarter inch, they are
probably a thread too large. <VBG> A tiny amount is taken up when the
seam allowance is pressed, the fold of the fabric is about a thread or
two, so your blocks end up being a tiny bit off.
To test, cut 3 strips of scrap fabric about 6 inches long and exactly
one and a half inches wide. Sew together the long edges so you have a
"3-rail" block. Press seams in one direction. Measure the center. It
should measure exactly 1". Just for fun, press both seams to the center
strip and remeasure, then press them both away from the center and check
the measurement again. You may be surprised. <VBG> The "thickness" of
the fabric and the diameter of the thread all play a part in this.

Pati, in Phx

felwyn wrote:
> Does anyone have any rotary cutting tips? My finished blocks are always a
> little smaller than I planned, not much, maybe a 1/16th of an inch
> smaller, but over the length of the quilt, it makes a difference. All the
> blocks are equal, so accuracy is not the problem, but I wonder if I should
> cut a tiny bit more generously to correct this.
> My seam allowances measure 1/4 inch, so I think the problem is cutting.
>
> I would love to hear any suggestions and advice.
> felwyn
>
>
>
>

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