Quote Originally Posted by Fabriclovr View Post
It sounds like you are sewing ith inaccurate seam allowances. If you are using templates or are measuring correctly before you cut, its not the cutting that's the issue, its the seams or the pressing.

Do this test: Cut 3 strips of fabric, 2 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches. Sew them together on the long sides using the seam allowance and set up you are using now. Press the seams to one side and then measure. You should have a square of fabric that now measures 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches square. If you do not, something is wrong. If it is slightly smaller, its probably your pressing, repress and .
Thanks so much. I do pre wash all fabric and I don't use the steam on my iron..it doesn't work anyway! But I had heard that the steam can shrink a tad bit more.I tried this time to press the seams open instead of to the side...thinking that the pressing might be the problem, even tho before I would press to set, then pull open to press seam open but allowance to the side. I have done the needle test...I use a seam guide and butted it right to the pressure foot (all purpose one) and then sewed a straight line. I then, measured it from the raw edge to the line and from there would move needle to equal 1/4" inch. I have to set my needle at 6.1 for it to be 1/4" and with the seam guide, I get 1/4" allowances all but exact...I have written that on a piece of masking tape and taped it to the machine right in the area where the needle is threaded (so it kind of flags out for better notice!) so there is no way I can miss not seeing it to remind me...but so far, I have gotten pretty good at remembering it and doing it right off, but that tape stays there! I guess I'll just keep pluggin' along...the placemat are done, but they are so crooked, but I guess for every day use..I'll keep them. Having a yard sale at the end of the month..maybe I"ll put them in there and use what I sell them for to buy new fabric and try again!