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Thread: When charm packs arnt the same size

  1. #1
    Louise is offline Senior Member
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    Default When charm packs arnt the same size

    I was trying to make a quitl using charm packs , they were 2 differnt manufactures so of course they are not quite the same size. It has made it difficult to sew all aorung to make half squares like jenny does so would you just cut yardage to make them the same size or trim the charms

  2. #2
    Vonnie is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: When charm packs arnt the same size

    Since you already have the charm packs, I would suggest trimming them to the same size.

    Several years ago I found out the hard way that all quilting fabric is not the same width. I was using QIAD Rail Fence pattern and the instructions said to sew four 2 1/2" strips of fabric (width of fabric) together, then cut five 8 1/2" blocks from each strip set. Well, the difference was so bad in the width of fabric that I only got four blocks. Even though I bought extra, it was not enough to make up the difference. Went back to the store and they did not have all the fabrics! Wound up having to put a large border around the quilt to make it big enough for my then 17 year old son.

    You will also find a difference in the same precuts. I did a layer cake quilt and was so surprised that not all of the squares were 10".

    The best thing about the precuts is that you get a variety of fabrics that coordinate with each other. And a lot of the tutorials that Jenny comes up with has you using a template to cut/trim the precuts.

    There are some times swaps going on here that you could participate in if you want a wider variety of a certain style of fabrics.
    Vonnie

  3. #3
    Carrie J's Avatar Carrie J is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: When charm packs arnt the same size

    Trim them, definitely and lesson learned...........sigh! So sorry, but have seen many posts regarding this. Variances seem to be prevalent amongst manufacturers, trimming is a pain, but one must do what they must. It is the main reason that I opt for yardage as opposed to precuts, but that's just me.
    Don't worry if plan A fails, there are 25 more letters in the alphabet!!

  4. #4
    Bobbi B is offline Junior Member
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    Default Re: When charm packs arnt the same size

    There is no need to trim. That's a lot of frustration and defeats the purpose of using precuts. Instead, center the smaller square on the larger square, then pick which square to use as your edge for your seam allowance. There is no harm in having a bit more of one fabric than the other in the seam allowance.

  5. #5
    coffeebreak's Avatar coffeebreak is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: When charm packs arnt the same size

    I don't get this... if a charm is 5x5....why are not ALL charms, 5x5? Why do manufactures make them different? I venture to say that 99% of quilters don't buy just one brand all the time and only that brand so they all match. We buy what we like, if we like a different designer etc.. we buy that. So why don't they get their measurements right, and ...if offering a 5x5 pre cut piece....make it 5x5. THis is one of the several reasons I dont like pre cuts...mostly charms and layers. FQ's are large enough for you to deal with, but the other two...just not right how they do that! I'll just buy yardage and cut my own....so they loose my business... and I am sure I am not the only one. I also don't like that once washed, they shrink. What if I don't want that crinkled look that happens with first wash? I have pre washed the charms and they shrink up to an inch (1/2 inch both ways) If I had 10 charms across....and they shrink that much...that could be almost up to 10 inches...either crinkled or shrunk, and then my quilt is not the proper size. So.. I don't buy them. I buy yardage, and cut my own. Doesnt' take that long and I get what I want and need and no surprises in the end!.....plus.. if you happen to need more of one color....you have to buy a whole other pack and just use the ones you want...and have the others left over.Cutting my own...I cut what I need of each color and have what I need. Just my rant...although factual with my use of pre cuts.

  6. #6
    Racing Nana is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: When charm packs arnt the same size

    Just another reason to buy yardage.....you are in control.

    I find it lessens the angst and anxiety and the disappointment and frustration.
    shirleyknot likes this.
    Sometimes I wake up Grumpy!
    Other times I just let HIM sleep.

    Lynn

  7. #7
    Terry L is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: When charm packs arnt the same size

    Never mind different manufacturers I had this issue with the same manufacturer. I no longer buy pre-cuts
    The best kind of sleep beneath Heaven above/ Is under a quilt, handmade with love

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