yardage requirment

[Lilo B.]

I have never done a paper pieced quilt but do understand that there is fabric waste but the total yardage for this quilt seems extreme. Can someone explain why?

[Sarah V.]

There are several large areas of applique on this quilt. That is basically two layers of fabric. The yardage is accurate and not extreme - there will not be a whole lot left when you are done!

Kind regards,
Sarah :-)

[Annis C.]

I have never done a paper pieced quilt but do understand that there is fabric waste but the total yardage for this quilt seems extreme. Can someone explain why?

It does take a lot of extra fabric for paper piecing and applique. I tend to purchase more rather than less fabric when making quilts. There is a way to save fabric when paper piecing. I usually make templates on freezer paper or full sheet labels, place them on the fabric and add 3/8" or 1/2" seam allowance. You can cut several thicknesses at a time and only need one template for each shape. I won't be making this quilt as I have too many projects in the works right now, but I am downloading the instructions for future reference and I had a special request to make the templates half size. That would save a lot of fabric and stabilizer.

To decrease the size, open the PDF file in Photoshop Elements and decrease to 50% on the first screen by dividing the size by 2. Save as a jpeg. For multiple pages you have to open each one separately. Change the canvas size to 8 1/2 x 11. Then you can copy and paste to put them on 1 page if they will fit. You can fit 6 of template 4 on 1 page by rotating 2 of them 180 degrees. Keep in mind that the outer seam allowance will change to 1/8" so allow enough space between the templates. Flatten the image under layers when you are finished and save. Then save again as a PDF file. If you don't have Photoshop Elements or aren't able to figure it out I would be willing to share my templates. Just send me your email address.

[Annis C.]

I want to say thank you for the description on how to decrease the size of the templates. I will play around with this method and see how it comes out. Thank you for sharing your process!

Kathy

[Annis C.]

I have enough fabric in my stash to make this! Found 5 yards for a background and several yards more that will be a close match. I plan on following the Buttons and Blooms directions. If I find that I need a yard or half yard to accomplish what I want it will not break the budget. Besides for me it's all about being creative and hopfully it will look nice when done. :?

[Susan P.]

I agree - I am making it up as I go along - using my scraps, some serious maths to help with the cutting - trying to see if there is enough of an individual fabric. For one of the sides of the triangle, all I have left over was a 2 inch x 1 inch piece of fabric, so cutting it a bit fine - literally! Will be looking in the sale fabric at my LQS next week.