Seam allowances in quilt patterns

by Vicki
(Atlanta, GA)

I'm using a pattern I found in a quilting magazine and am not sure whether the seam allowance is included in the measurements? Can some one help? So if the pattern says I need 3 inch strips, do I cut them 3.5 inches or 3 inches?

Thanks!

Reply

If the measurements are listed under the cutting instructions and are rotary cutting instructions (strips are virtually all cut with a rotary cutter and ruler unless one of the new fabric cutting machines like an AccuQuilt are specified).

Now if templates for applique shapes are shown in a magazine, these are generally shown without seam allowances added. You would add a seam allowance of between 1/8" and 1/4" for applique with turned edges or no seam allowance if you chose to use a fusible applique technique.

If you are uncertain, and some pattern instructions aren't the clearest, then grab a sheet of graph paper and build the block out with the information from the pattern and a pencil. That way you are confident before you cut your fabric. Though it takes extra time, it will help you verify there are no other discrepancies in the instructions.

I apologize for the lateness of my response to you. There was a glitch with my hosting company and a large backlog of questions suddenly appeared in my dashboard.

Piecefully,

Julie Baird
Editor

This article was printed from Generations-Quilt-Patterns.com