I struggled with the Chain Link quilt for a number of reasons. Once was the charm square sizes. Charm squares are supposed to be 5″, right? The charm squares for Chain Link were “about” 5 inches. Some were less and some were more.
I try not to buy pre-cuts for this reason, but cutting charms into 2.5 inch squares is a quick way to make 16 patches.
I didn’t wash the Moda Grunge charms I bought recently even though I normally do. I happened to measure the first stack before I started to cut them up. I found they were larger than 5 inches. So I trimmed them, then cut them into 4 pieces. Why can’t charm squares be 5 inches?
I really think that cutting accurately is key. Having charm squares that are touted as being 5 inches NOT be 5 inches is false advertising. It also leads to a lot of problems:
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- designers assume 5 inches and write patterns for 5 inch squares
- there is an implicit suggestion not to wash the charm squares
- starting with an inaccurate size compounds problems across the quilt
- the above affects a quilt’s outcome and can affect the quiltmaking experience.
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I buy fabric to use. If pre-cuts are primarily made to look pretty on a shelf, they should be marketed that way. My advice: cut your own charm squares!
I feel your pain. And don’t get me started on precut strips! Some have pinked edges and some don’t. Both can be aggravatingly inaccurate in widths.
I’ve since stopped buying precuts and invested in a GoBig cutter. I prefer using it and feel my cuts are more accurate these days.
Now if only I could sew straight! hahaha
I agree and just wish pre-cuts were accurate. I should look up an article to see if it says anything about inaccuracy or maybe a book by someone who works almost exclusively in pre-cuts.
I do the same with my Accuquilt. I don’t buy jelly rolls, but do buy mini-charms and charm squares if I want a little bit of the fabric. I am trying to stop, though!