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Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: Feb. 8, 2009, 8:17 AM
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I was having a hard time keeping track of the math when deciding how many rows and columns to use in edge-to-edge quilting. I want the patterns to fit fit perfectly on the quilt without being scrunched or expanded at the end. So, I sat down and reproduced my logic in a spreadsheet which allows me to put in length, width, desired borders on sides and ends, the inter-row distance, and an estimated number of rows and columns. It then gives me the dimensions to use to size the pattern so that I will have everything be the same size and fit neatly on the quilt.
I reproduced the program on my PDA so, it is always at the ready. I recently added a feature to enable me to enter the original patter height and width so it will tell me how close, percentage-wise, I am to the aspect ratio of the original pattern. I'm sure as I get better with the HQ Pro software, I'll figure out a way do it right there. If anyone is interested, I'd be happy to share it - MulyCat@gmail.com (be patient). It certainly has helped me avoid "logic" type errors in my measuring. Tm |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: Feb. 8, 2009, 10:11 AM
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| Wow, I am interested when you get the chance to share it with me. I have long suspected that additional pre-planning is necessary to avoid the crunch on the last row. Thanks again, Connie at KelseyQuilts@yahoo.com |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: Feb. 15, 2009, 8:38 AM
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Thanks for the interest. Sorry it took so long to get the spreadsheeet out to those who requested it. I did want to add a few instructions to it to make it more readable and useful. Hope it makes sense to you all.
Tom |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: Feb. 15, 2009, 3:09 PM
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"...keeping track of the math when deciding how many rows and columns to use in edge-to-edge quilting. I want the patterns to fit fit perfectly on the quilt without being scrunched or expanded at the end. So, I sat down and reproduced my logic in a spreadsheet which allows me to put in length, width, desired borders on sides and ends, the inter-row distance, and an estimated number of rows and columns. It then gives me the dimensions to use to size the pattern so that I will have everything be the same size and fit neatly on the quilt."
This sounds like a really neat idea, but I'm just wondering if you ever encounter "draw-in", that is the effect of the quilt being pulled in a bit so it is no longer original size once the quilting has begun. I am wondering how your spreadsheet would take this into account since the amount of draw-in is variable depending on the type of batting used and the quilt design that is used. I find that even the best laid plans will often not end as expected on a quilt due to the phenomenon called "draw-in". If you have thought of a way to predict how that might effect the quilting, I'd love to hear more. Thanks Kristin |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: Feb. 18, 2009, 1:11 PM
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Kristin
Very astute observation. "I am wondering how your spreadsheet would take this into account since the amount of draw-in is variable depending on the type of batting used and the quilt design that is used." The spreadsheet does not account for draw-in. It certainly should so, I'll think about how it might be done and incorporate it into my next revision. I suspect I will need some real life data to estimate the draw-in based on the parameters you outlined - batting being my start point. Is there a rule-of-thumb that experienced quilters use to estimate the amount of draw-in? That would be helpful. I realize that I actually do compensate for the draw-in when I am quilting by marking the center of the left side of the quilt and then checking my work when I get there. If I'm off, I make my height adjustment to compensate for draw-in on the lower half of the quilt plus the difference I'm off at center. Usually it's only a matter of tenths of an inch/row difference which is not noticeable (except to me :-). Again, great comment, Kristin. Thanks. Tm |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: Feb. 18, 2009, 4:19 PM
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There is no "rule of thumb" that I'm aware of because draw-in often depends more on the chosen quilting designs and density than on the selected fabrics and battings.
However, a good idea might be to expand upon your method of adapting when you reach the middle. Also, how do you "adapt" when your quilt shrinks across a single row. I mostly "wing it" by creating my border to border designs a tad shorter than the quilt measures. I do know of quilters who like to baste with water soluable thread, but generally speaking, I don't care to take that extra step. Other quilters will often stabilize the blocks by stitching in the ditch before they proceed with more decorative quilting. Again, not something I usually care to spend my time on. Again, thanks for your table; it is a great starting point. Kristin |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: Feb. 20, 2009, 8:53 PM
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Lately, I have been using QuiltCAD to put together 3 or 4 rows of patterns to speed things up a bit. This leaves me with less room for compensating for the draw-in. I'll have to begin paying more attention to it now and see what I can learn from observations and before/after measurements.
Tom |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: March 25, 2009, 9:08 AM
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Hi Tom,
I'd love to have your directions for computing rows and columns. My email is elaineslongarm@gmail.com Tnanks so much. Can't wait to try it. |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: March 29, 2009, 4:44 PM
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Tom,
I would also like to have your program for computing row/columns. I would appreciate it if you send it to me. My email address is jalardiere@gmail.com. Thanks so much and for your willingness to share. Seneca Quilter |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: March 6, 2010, 6:40 PM
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Tom,
I would love to take a look at your spreadsheet system for computing rows. I should be receiving my ProStitcher next week, and I will need all the resources I can get, I am sure. My email is mel2sew@aol.com. Thanks for your willingness to share your method. Melanie |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: April 3, 2010, 9:46 PM
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Nice work with your calculations! HQ has done such an awesome job so far, I am waiting for them to include a feature on the Pro Stitcher to do these calculations for us! So we can put in the height and the width of the quilting area and then wa lah!! The machine would give us the number of repeats across and down the quilt. What do you think guys?
wk |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: April 17, 2010, 6:54 PM
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I did something similar. It does make it easier even if it doesn't account for draw in or nesting patterns.
Need to think about the math for nesting. There should be a way to add it in. Draw-in would be tougher because it isn't uniform and hard to predict. Thanks to the PS crop function, you can handle that pretty easily at the end though. |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: Nov. 8, 2010, 11:32 AM
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this sounds like a great way to save some time. I would really appreciate it if you would send your spreadsheet my way - e.faubert@sympatico.ca.
Thanks, Effie |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: Jan. 27, 2011, 8:24 PM
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I am new to all of this. I tried to look at your orginal posting
was unable to review it. Maybe you can tell how to review the orginal postings. Thank You triggski |
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Re: Computing Number of Rows/Columns
Posted: Jan. 27, 2011, 8:34 PM
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I am new at this I would like a copy of your speadsheet.
Thank You Debra triggski@comcast.net |
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