block too small

[Carol R.]

Sigh... I finished the A block yesterday only to find that it's 1/2" too short - both ways. I was really careful and measured each and every step of the way so can't figure out how it ended up short. Now, I can either add the 1/2" on by sewing on an additional 3/4" strip onto two sides OR I can 'scrap' it and start again. I'm a little worried about doing it a second time for fear that the same thing will happen.
Did anyone else have the same problem? Please tell me I'm not the only one.

[wendy w.]

I would wait and see how the other blocks turn out around it before deciding what to do and then you'll see what looks best. It's exasperating when you've tried to do it just right

[Lois B.]

That's so frustrating. Perhaps if you retrace your steps now after having stepped back for a while you may find your error. If you do choose to do it again I'd measure and remeasure each little component every step of the way. Good luck.

[Lois B.]

I think it would be a good idea to figure out why it happened. Otherwise, you might have the same problem with the next block. It is possible that if you have the same problem--it will all work out ok but if not--then you are back to seeing what is wrong. Double check your 1/4" seam. I found out my needle position makes my seam .5 short of a quarter inch which made my block too big.

[Susan B.]

I agree with Ritzy. It's better to find out why now, than when the quilt sections won't fit together. Margo has a great class:
learn/classrooms/

There are many ways to get your quarter inch consistent. I love a Collins Style ruler where the needle goes into the quarter inch mark, and then put a dam of tape to help direct the fabric, only mine is a Prym-Dritz from Joann's. There are other whole forum sections on this topic, but I think we'd all agree...that quarter inch is crucial in all of the BOM's.

I repeatedly make the mistake of cutting on the wrong cutting line of the ruler...I've learned to put a post-it or piece of tape at the right line.

Janet, I didn't see a measurement in the Jan PDF for the raw edge to raw edge of the finished panel, after all the sashings, etc are sewn together. Am I just missing it?

[Janet S.]

Susan, the whole panel (A - F - G) raw edge to raw edge, with the sashings should be 16 1/2"' x 23 1/2". I don't think that was in the original instructions, and I never thought to add it, but thanks for asking!