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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Thanks for the advice - much appreciated

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!

koko wrote: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.

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.

Thanks again for the advice

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.

~threadbear~ wrote: I use Mabel.

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

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!