I have a question for those that quilt with embroidery designs...Do you cut your squares to size b-4 OR after you stitch them??

Lots of answers here. I recut after doing the embroidery because I usually used smaller squares than I can hoop to piece the quilt. Good luck. I like the strip idea that someone provided. It would be a little less waste. Think I will try it.

I use larger pieces so that I can sometimes embroider two squares and then I cut to the size I need. I have also just cut a larger piece for hooping and trimmed when done.

I always cut my fabric into strips then embroider, then cut to size....

Sounds like you have a lot of great answers. A * for you and good luck. Can't wait to see the finished quilt!

you have great answers flower 4u

I embroider my blocks first an after that I cut tge squares in the size that I need. Thats is how I learned it and the embroidery does shrink the squares a little bit.

Always safer to cut to size after as some designs can drew up the material

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

THANX that is what I will do:)

Hi blhamblen (heheh) . It depends on the designs. I've just put a quilt together and then I've done some red work on it. It's fine. But then when the embroidery is more dense you may need to cut larger and then cut down to size. When I do on Point , that is another matter as the embroidery has to be put on the cross (stretch part of the block) ,I would suggest you do one ,say your block is 8"square,-cut it 9" and then make sure you centre the design before cutting back to 8" You can then see how much shrinkage usualy only on the sides Good luck.

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

I'm going with the cut the block bigger and then resize...THANX for your input:)

I've never done quilts but this post is interesting. I should try one these days. Hugs&*

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

I have stitched AFTER squares are together..but didn't know if it was the right way...NOW I KNOW:)

If I have a project in mind I cut them 1" larger and square them up to 1/2"larger after embroidering. But I do stitch-outs on 6" squares (for 4" embroidery designs) and have used the pretty ones afterwards for quilts.

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

I am doing redwork western theme...so I will try your way:)

I cut my squares and put batting at the back and then I overlocked it all around before I do embroidery, and most of the time the squares is then the right size that I want. love Marie

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

THANX..never thought bout that way:)

I always cut mine 1 inch bigger before embroidering

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

That seems to be the way to go...THANX:)

i cut my squares in the sizes that i need them before is start to embroider them

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

THANX for your answer!

I always cut after...but then i just really started this past year...

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

THANX this will be my first doing the squares then putting together!

Barb, I would do it after, if it were me trying to quilt - but sure that those that do it a lot more than me - have a better and smarter way. Hehehe!

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

THANX for the answer...I'll try (anything) once!

I always start out with my squares about 2 inches larger than I want the finished square. If I want an 8 inch finished block I cut my fabric 10 inches square. After I embroider them I press them and cut to 1 inch larger than the finished square.Remember you must trim your blocks from all four sides or your design will not be centered. I use 1/2" seams on my quilts, so the extra inch gives me my seam allowance on all sides. This method allows me to compensate for any stretch or pull caused by the embroidery stitches. Clear as mud?????

3 comments

by mpo14011 17 Mar 2009

If you want to do a finished size 12" block, cut your square 13", then, after embroidery square it of to 12.5". 1/4" seam all the way around a block is ample.

by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

Yes I understand...completely!

by maryjo 17 Mar 2009

My MIL is a quilter from way back and she does the 1/4 in seams. I have several of her quilts. They are georgeous but after years of wear and tear her seams start to seperate. That's why when I started quilting I used 1/2 inch seams. I figure it'll take longer to work loose that way.

I don't do quilts but can surely give you a *

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

Well, wish me luck this will be the first with redwork:)

I do both actually. Depends on the project.

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

OK thanx:)

I cut what ever size I'm going to use prior to embroidering but always have to square everything up before joining them. *

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

I appreciate you answering me...I'll be doing a lot of Redwork for this:)

I cut mine to 10 in squares Then I can do what ever I want.

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

THANX for the answer:)

I always cut mine about 9 1/2 " then do my embroidery and after I square them to the finished size I decide I want...it also makes it easier to hoop...that seems to work for me...

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

Thanx that is what I will try:)

Always cut them to size after you quilt them. That also applies to any quilting - hand, machine, or embroidery designs.
That also applies to applique or normal emroidery you wish to put on your quilt blocks.

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by blhamblen 17 Mar 2009

That seems to be what just about everybody says SO I will go that way! THANX