Ready for Some Quilt Math?
I was making something from one of my patterns the other day, and I strayed away from my own cutting instructions (yardage) because I wanted to use up scraps that I already had on hand. While I was able to cut good number of different-sized pieces for my project just from my scraps, did I worry that it would throw off my plans for cutting the rest of the pieces from yardage?
No.
Here’s why….
- All of my patterns include Piece Count Columns that allow me to keep track of the number of pieces I have cut or am about to cut.
- My knowledge of Quilt Math has me easily calculating and re-calibrating how I will cut the rest of my pieces from yardage in my head.
After designing and writing several quilt patterns, there are certain numbers that I know right off the top of my head. It’s like I’ve learned a quilter’s version of the Multiplication Table.
Check out this table, and I’ll explain more below:
What Does that Chart Mean?
I made that chart for you to help visualize important numbers in my mind. These numbers work for those who work with 42″ WOF. I used images of squares, but really, the height of each of those pieces can vary.
So, take this scenario: I need to cut (48) 3 ½” squares.
When I think 3 ½”, the number 12 immediately comes to mind. So, without thinking much, I go ahead and cut (4) 3 ½” x WOF strips and start subcutting.
Make sense? Ok let’s get a little more complex.
What if I need (18) 2 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles?
This might need more mind flexibility to make sense of with the chart because we are now talking rectangles…so let’s see if this helps.
Should I cut (2) 2 ½” x WOF strips, OR (2) 4 ½” x WOF strips?
I would go with the (2) 2 ½” x WOF strips, and here’s why:
- I would be able to cut (9) 2 ½” x 4 ½” from each 2 ½” x WOF strip. And since nine of those cuts would take up most of the WOF, there would be little waste.
- Cutting (2) 2 ½” x WOF strips would take up 5″ from my yardage, while cutting (2) 4 ½” x WOF strips would take up more (9″) from my yardage.
- If I did go with the 4 ½” x WOF option, I would be able to get
(16) 2 ½” x 4 ½” pieces from the first strip. That means I would only need to cut (2) more from the second strip, and that would leave me with more scraps.
If you’d like a PDF version of this chart to print out and keep, please consider purchasing a copy here for $3 to help support my business =)
Does this make sense at all?! I hope it helps if you enjoy this kind of stuff. BUT if this kind of stuff hurts your brain, then no worries! That’s why I’m here as your pattern designer! =) Let me know what you think. Should I share more? Because I can go on like this forever!