Room around project

[rachdun]

I was wondering if someone could help me please. How much room do you leave to the edge of a project? I have bought some material recently that has been cut so badly that it starts off at around 3 inches all round but ends up being just under 2 Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Rose]

For me it depends on how the project will be finished. If framing I try to leave 3 inches. If I am going to stitch it into a fabric pillow or quilt I leave much less. Even as little as 1/2 inch. So it will depend on how you choose to finish it off.

[Sarah Gixxer]

I usually leave between 2 and 3 inches all the way around, although I find 2 inches sufficient if I'm working on Aida - for my HAEDs I make sure I leave at LEAST 3 inches around. If it's a little project like a card or a biscornu or something like that, about 1.5 inches is ample.

[rachdun]

Thanks for the advice both of you - it is for a HAED actually Sarah. There is plenty of room at the top and bottom (around 6-7 inches each) but the sides go from 3 to 2. I just never expected the material to be cut so badly and am a little concerned about framing it afterwards

[Rose]

It does seem very odd that they did a poor cutting job. Was it a local shop that you bought from or was it an internet site?. I think which ever it was I would make a complaint to them it is not right to have such a difference.

[rachdun]

It was the local branch of Hobbycraft in my home town - I was thinking of taking it back actually - do you think I could?

[Rose]

I wouldd at least take it in and show them the problem and see if they have one that some that is cut properly. It can't hurt to try.

[rachdun]

Thanks for the advice - much appreciated

[koko]

I usually do 2 - 3 inches on a bigger project. But I am terrible at math and figuring out how much fabric to buy, so I use this calculator. It has helped me so much!

[~threadbear~]

I use this calculator. It has helped me so much!

I use Mabel.


As to the fabric, I'd take it back and show them I think.

[andrea42]

I leave 2 or 3 even on my haeds it depends on the amount of fabric i have on hand. I would definately take it back and complain though. Im like Kim I use the calculator.

[rachdun]

Thanks again for the advice

[Sarah Gixxer]

I agree too, I would certainly take it back and see if they can replace it with a decent piece. Fabric isn't cheap and the least you can expect is a piece with straight edges.

[koko]

I use Mabel.

I agree with the others though, I would take the fabric back to the shop too!

[Serinde]

Yup, if it's convenient, take the piece back. They can use it to cut smaller pieces, and you can get a piece that's useable for your HAED. It's such a commitment, you don't want to start out worried about the fabric!