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Cutting LARGE from Small Rulers
by Helen Howes
One of the things we discovered in four years of hanging Challenge quilts, is that 20 inches is not always quite 20 inches. While we cheat (we have a 20-1/2 inch ruler) it's perfectly possible to measure a big square in other ways. You can make a template (newspaper is cut square!) or you can use a pair of rulers to make a bigger cut. And, if in doubt, measure, mark with a pencil or pins, and double-check.. You'll make yourself popular with your Exhibitions Officer this way..
So. If you have a long ruler, cut one side straight to start with. Put your smaller ruler exactly on this line and the long ruler on one side of your quilt - if you are right-handed, on the right side. If left-handed, on the left.. Logical. If the smaller ruler (or you can use two long ones, of course) is exactly on the first cut edge, and the second butts up to it precisely, the angle will be a perfect 90 degrees.. Cut the second side, and measure and mark this and the first side for your desired size. Turn the whole thing a quarter-turn and repeat the exercise. Now, before you cut the third side, fold the quilt - if anything has diverged in angle, you will be able to see this.. Measure the third side, join up the points, and cut the last side..
And, PLEASE make the sleeve shorter than the top width of the quilt. If you cut the sleeve exactly to the finished width of the quilt, then turn a double 1/2" hem on each end before folding and attaching, there will be room to get the battens in without them showing, and without making irritating little holes in your sleeve...
Happy sewing!
Helen Howes
4, The Raveningham Centre, Beccles Road, Raveningham, Norfolk, NR14 6NU. United Kingdom