Is that something you believe? I'm going to be controversial today and say that I am not sure I fully agree that "finished is better than perfect". I follow a couple of Facebook Groups, Sewcialites being one of them, and so I regularly see people proudly post pictures of their weekly blocks. Blocks where they have completely turned a unit around, or with seams that sadly are not even close to matching. Some other "helpful" readers love to point out the mistake to the poor chump who unwittingly posted the faulty block. "You might want to turn that upper left hst around…" or "You've attached the butterfly wings upside down…" However, in contrast, many people provide words of comfort such as "It's fine. Keep it as is. Finished is better than perfect".
I think if a mistake is a glaring one, such as a flying geese unit that is facing the wrong direction or a half square triangle turned wrong which spoils the intended star design of the block, it should be corrected. A minute with the seam ripper and that puppy can be set right and the block will be as it should be. And I don't mind if people point out my mistake in a kind way. I once made a Christmas quilt with one block turned the wrong way round that completely spoiled the quilt for me. Of course, I didn't notice it until it came back from the quilter. I would have loved it if someone pointed out that boo-boo to me in time to fix it.
I guess what I am saying is, that if an error is easily fixable, it should be fixed. Take pride in doing your work well. Finished is not better than perfect. Lazy is not better than perfect. Sloppy is not better than perfect.
On the other hand, let's look at my Family Reunion quilt in the photo above. I have got three out of four square in a square borders on that quilt top. It has taken me f.o.r.e.v.e.r to finish those units and get the borders made. And the bias edges of those borders are so wavy and rumpled it makes me crazy to look at it. Maybe it will sort itself out when the top is quilted, I don't know. But am I going to take those borders off and fiddle with them until they lie flat? Nope.
(Note to future self: square in a square blocks are fine when contained in an individual quilt block. They do not make good borders. At all).
So in this case is finished better than perfect? I think I may take a chance on it.
66 responses to “Is Finished Better Than Perfect?”
I agree. I would appreciate the same advice if it can be fixed. Especially if it’s simply a unit that can be rotated. If we are in these FB pages etc to learn then we should welcome the help. But i also agree there does also reach a point when it’s good enough. I hope a good hard press and the quilting take care of any of that bias stretch.
I agree. I would appreciate the same advice if it can be fixed. Especially if it’s simply a unit that can be rotated. If we are in these FB pages etc to learn then we should welcome the help. But i also agree there does also reach a point when it’s good enough. I hope a good hard press and the quilting take care of any of that bias stretch.
I agree. I would appreciate the same advice if it can be fixed. Especially if it’s simply a unit that can be rotated. If we are in these FB pages etc to learn then we should welcome the help. But i also agree there does also reach a point when it’s good enough. I hope a good hard press and the quilting take care of any of that bias stretch.
I am sure you will but just in case…
Stay stitch around the edge before sending to your quilter.
Yes, bias edges on a border are easy to stretch. So are small blocks on a border.
Congrats on the finish.
I am sure you will but just in case…
Stay stitch around the edge before sending to your quilter.
Yes, bias edges on a border are easy to stretch. So are small blocks on a border.
Congrats on the finish.
I am sure you will but just in case…
Stay stitch around the edge before sending to your quilter.
Yes, bias edges on a border are easy to stretch. So are small blocks on a border.
Congrats on the finish.
I totally agree with you. If a mistake is going to stand out and ruin the look of the quilt, such as a block flipped the wrong way, then I would like someone to point it out to me so that I can correct it before it gets quilted. It’s definitely worth the effort.
I hope that the rain and flooding in your state is not affecting you and your family.
I totally agree with you. If a mistake is going to stand out and ruin the look of the quilt, such as a block flipped the wrong way, then I would like someone to point it out to me so that I can correct it before it gets quilted. It’s definitely worth the effort.
I hope that the rain and flooding in your state is not affecting you and your family.
I totally agree with you. If a mistake is going to stand out and ruin the look of the quilt, such as a block flipped the wrong way, then I would like someone to point it out to me so that I can correct it before it gets quilted. It’s definitely worth the effort.
I hope that the rain and flooding in your state is not affecting you and your family.
Nicole, I see that it’s already been recommended that you stay stitch the edges of your quilt before sending it to your quilter…one more suggestion I have is that you can also stay stitch the blocks as you go…a little more time consuming yes but it will help the bias edges to cooperate.
I fall into the camp of it’s better to take your time and do it right. The industry of course wants us to whip through our projects and move onto the next keeping us constantly buying more however I enjoy the journey and the satisfaction of a job well done.
As a longarm quilter I do gently teach and guide my customers if they are open to my help…most are. I have also been known to turn block and fix errors with permission of course …no charge other than the feeling of helping.
Nicole, I see that it’s already been recommended that you stay stitch the edges of your quilt before sending it to your quilter…one more suggestion I have is that you can also stay stitch the blocks as you go…a little more time consuming yes but it will help the bias edges to cooperate.
I fall into the camp of it’s better to take your time and do it right. The industry of course wants us to whip through our projects and move onto the next keeping us constantly buying more however I enjoy the journey and the satisfaction of a job well done.
As a longarm quilter I do gently teach and guide my customers if they are open to my help…most are. I have also been known to turn block and fix errors with permission of course …no charge other than the feeling of helping.
Nicole, I see that it’s already been recommended that you stay stitch the edges of your quilt before sending it to your quilter…one more suggestion I have is that you can also stay stitch the blocks as you go…a little more time consuming yes but it will help the bias edges to cooperate.
I fall into the camp of it’s better to take your time and do it right. The industry of course wants us to whip through our projects and move onto the next keeping us constantly buying more however I enjoy the journey and the satisfaction of a job well done.
As a longarm quilter I do gently teach and guide my customers if they are open to my help…most are. I have also been known to turn block and fix errors with permission of course …no charge other than the feeling of helping.
Perfect philosophy, Nicole. Pun intended.
Perfect philosophy, Nicole. Pun intended.
Perfect philosophy, Nicole. Pun intended.
Boy do I sympathize with you! I bought the book for the Family reunion pattern. When I read the pattern, I said nope😊
I went with Lori HOLTS Great Granny quilt which I had made before.
I had barely started mine when my daughter in law asked me to make
A version of the pattern by French General. King size . It looked like a fast easy pattern. No again. I started last fall an still have only about half the blocks done. (Lots of trimming). Now that the birthdays and holidays are over I am getting a little faster.
Your comment about quilting it out cracked me up. Have you heard
Cathy Millers song about “quilting it out?”
Boy do I sympathize with you! I bought the book for the Family reunion pattern. When I read the pattern, I said nope😊
I went with Lori HOLTS Great Granny quilt which I had made before.
I had barely started mine when my daughter in law asked me to make
A version of the pattern by French General. King size . It looked like a fast easy pattern. No again. I started last fall an still have only about half the blocks done. (Lots of trimming). Now that the birthdays and holidays are over I am getting a little faster.
Your comment about quilting it out cracked me up. Have you heard
Cathy Millers song about “quilting it out?”
Boy do I sympathize with you! I bought the book for the Family reunion pattern. When I read the pattern, I said nope😊
I went with Lori HOLTS Great Granny quilt which I had made before.
I had barely started mine when my daughter in law asked me to make
A version of the pattern by French General. King size . It looked like a fast easy pattern. No again. I started last fall an still have only about half the blocks done. (Lots of trimming). Now that the birthdays and holidays are over I am getting a little faster.
Your comment about quilting it out cracked me up. Have you heard
Cathy Millers song about “quilting it out?”
Nicole this is an advanced quilt pattern and one I would not try. (due to all those bias edges) YOU are Marvelous for even giving a go and also for finishing it. My friend showed me one day how to use a bit of steam to shrink the stretch back to the original size. I was amazed that you could do such a thing. I usually do not use steam in my iron but that was an eye opener. I like to be “perfect” as best as can be in my blocks or quilt. But finish is better! Bravo to another finished Quilt!
Nicole this is an advanced quilt pattern and one I would not try. (due to all those bias edges) YOU are Marvelous for even giving a go and also for finishing it. My friend showed me one day how to use a bit of steam to shrink the stretch back to the original size. I was amazed that you could do such a thing. I usually do not use steam in my iron but that was an eye opener. I like to be “perfect” as best as can be in my blocks or quilt. But finish is better! Bravo to another finished Quilt!
Nicole this is an advanced quilt pattern and one I would not try. (due to all those bias edges) YOU are Marvelous for even giving a go and also for finishing it. My friend showed me one day how to use a bit of steam to shrink the stretch back to the original size. I was amazed that you could do such a thing. I usually do not use steam in my iron but that was an eye opener. I like to be “perfect” as best as can be in my blocks or quilt. But finish is better! Bravo to another finished Quilt!
This is an interesting topic. I have thought of posting a block or a finished top that I’ve been pleased to have accomplished. However, people can be really critical and harsh in their opinions and I don’t want to be disheartened about my work. Pointing out an error in a non-critical way is one thing but belittling is discouraging.
This is an interesting topic. I have thought of posting a block or a finished top that I’ve been pleased to have accomplished. However, people can be really critical and harsh in their opinions and I don’t want to be disheartened about my work. Pointing out an error in a non-critical way is one thing but belittling is discouraging.
This is an interesting topic. I have thought of posting a block or a finished top that I’ve been pleased to have accomplished. However, people can be really critical and harsh in their opinions and I don’t want to be disheartened about my work. Pointing out an error in a non-critical way is one thing but belittling is discouraging.
If I had a piece or block in a quilt that was turned the wrong way before it was quilted, I would want someone to tell me. The problem with telling someone online is that there is no voice, no tone to their words, no feeling coming across. Maybe some are just being mean or critical, but sometimes maybe not. Your quilt looks beautiful to me, Nicole.
If I had a piece or block in a quilt that was turned the wrong way before it was quilted, I would want someone to tell me. The problem with telling someone online is that there is no voice, no tone to their words, no feeling coming across. Maybe some are just being mean or critical, but sometimes maybe not. Your quilt looks beautiful to me, Nicole.
If I had a piece or block in a quilt that was turned the wrong way before it was quilted, I would want someone to tell me. The problem with telling someone online is that there is no voice, no tone to their words, no feeling coming across. Maybe some are just being mean or critical, but sometimes maybe not. Your quilt looks beautiful to me, Nicole.
As I’m unpicking quilting stitches at the moment – I feel I’m in the same camp. I tried to do finished is better than perfect, but it drives me crazy! Learning on a longarm and oh boy is it totally different. But I can’t live with a glaring error. I might give up when the fabric looks like it won’t take any more unpicking, but at least I now have the tension right. As for points meeting I feel I must get them nigh on close as possible because it will only throw the finished top out of kilter! I haven’t finished many quilts yet – but practice makes perfect-ish! I think your quilt top looks just fine! We are always more critical of ourselves. Thank you and all the best!
As I’m unpicking quilting stitches at the moment – I feel I’m in the same camp. I tried to do finished is better than perfect, but it drives me crazy! Learning on a longarm and oh boy is it totally different. But I can’t live with a glaring error. I might give up when the fabric looks like it won’t take any more unpicking, but at least I now have the tension right. As for points meeting I feel I must get them nigh on close as possible because it will only throw the finished top out of kilter! I haven’t finished many quilts yet – but practice makes perfect-ish! I think your quilt top looks just fine! We are always more critical of ourselves. Thank you and all the best!
As I’m unpicking quilting stitches at the moment – I feel I’m in the same camp. I tried to do finished is better than perfect, but it drives me crazy! Learning on a longarm and oh boy is it totally different. But I can’t live with a glaring error. I might give up when the fabric looks like it won’t take any more unpicking, but at least I now have the tension right. As for points meeting I feel I must get them nigh on close as possible because it will only throw the finished top out of kilter! I haven’t finished many quilts yet – but practice makes perfect-ish! I think your quilt top looks just fine! We are always more critical of ourselves. Thank you and all the best!
This is a very thought provoking post today. I’m a slow piecer & pin heavily so it takes me awhile to finish. If I have points to deal with I will rip & re-sew until it looks the way it should. But, that’s just me. If someone else is happy with their piecing, who am I to criticize? I would, however, tell someone if I noticed something upside-down or backwards–to me that’s different than pointing out poorly matched points or intersections. Our fiber arts group had a program about kindness when critiquing. There is a big difference in the tone & intent when it’s presented to the maker, especially if it’s an original art quilt rather than one from a pattern. In any case, it’s important to consider the maker’s feelings!
This is a very thought provoking post today. I’m a slow piecer & pin heavily so it takes me awhile to finish. If I have points to deal with I will rip & re-sew until it looks the way it should. But, that’s just me. If someone else is happy with their piecing, who am I to criticize? I would, however, tell someone if I noticed something upside-down or backwards–to me that’s different than pointing out poorly matched points or intersections. Our fiber arts group had a program about kindness when critiquing. There is a big difference in the tone & intent when it’s presented to the maker, especially if it’s an original art quilt rather than one from a pattern. In any case, it’s important to consider the maker’s feelings!
This is a very thought provoking post today. I’m a slow piecer & pin heavily so it takes me awhile to finish. If I have points to deal with I will rip & re-sew until it looks the way it should. But, that’s just me. If someone else is happy with their piecing, who am I to criticize? I would, however, tell someone if I noticed something upside-down or backwards–to me that’s different than pointing out poorly matched points or intersections. Our fiber arts group had a program about kindness when critiquing. There is a big difference in the tone & intent when it’s presented to the maker, especially if it’s an original art quilt rather than one from a pattern. In any case, it’s important to consider the maker’s feelings!
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
An easier method for the border is to use Seminole patchwork, which is a variation of strip piecing. It looks similar but is not as labor intensive as square in a square.
An easier method for the border is to use Seminole patchwork, which is a variation of strip piecing. It looks similar but is not as labor intensive as square in a square.
An easier method for the border is to use Seminole patchwork, which is a variation of strip piecing. It looks similar but is not as labor intensive as square in a square.
I respectfully disagree, although I’m a perfectionist at heart. When I look at antique quilts, it is just so wonderful, a lovely surprise, to find a “mistake”– these quilts are so often celebrated as well. Consider it a glimpse of a person’s humanity we all share across time. It gives a quilt “personality.” I saw a photo of a Quaker woman from the 1800s in a museum years ago– the buttons on her sweater were all mismatched. I immediately felt a connection- haha– here I am, still thinking about her all these years later. Why make everything look like a machine did it? Just a few random points to argue for the less than perfect in life. It is life. Embrace it. xoxo
I respectfully disagree, although I’m a perfectionist at heart. When I look at antique quilts, it is just so wonderful, a lovely surprise, to find a “mistake”– these quilts are so often celebrated as well. Consider it a glimpse of a person’s humanity we all share across time. It gives a quilt “personality.” I saw a photo of a Quaker woman from the 1800s in a museum years ago– the buttons on her sweater were all mismatched. I immediately felt a connection- haha– here I am, still thinking about her all these years later. Why make everything look like a machine did it? Just a few random points to argue for the less than perfect in life. It is life. Embrace it. xoxo
I respectfully disagree, although I’m a perfectionist at heart. When I look at antique quilts, it is just so wonderful, a lovely surprise, to find a “mistake”– these quilts are so often celebrated as well. Consider it a glimpse of a person’s humanity we all share across time. It gives a quilt “personality.” I saw a photo of a Quaker woman from the 1800s in a museum years ago– the buttons on her sweater were all mismatched. I immediately felt a connection- haha– here I am, still thinking about her all these years later. Why make everything look like a machine did it? Just a few random points to argue for the less than perfect in life. It is life. Embrace it. xoxo
I agree with your philosophy that
at if its a big error, then it should be
fixed. On the other hand, I worked at a quilt shop for 10 years and it would give me crazy when customers would bring beautiful quilts in and the first words out of their mouth was its not perfect or there’s some mistakes. Most of the time only they knew where the mistakes were. We are our own worst critics. If the process is enjoyable to you and you can live with a humility block, quilt on!
I agree with your philosophy that
at if its a big error, then it should be
fixed. On the other hand, I worked at a quilt shop for 10 years and it would give me crazy when customers would bring beautiful quilts in and the first words out of their mouth was its not perfect or there’s some mistakes. Most of the time only they knew where the mistakes were. We are our own worst critics. If the process is enjoyable to you and you can live with a humility block, quilt on!
I agree with your philosophy that
at if its a big error, then it should be
fixed. On the other hand, I worked at a quilt shop for 10 years and it would give me crazy when customers would bring beautiful quilts in and the first words out of their mouth was its not perfect or there’s some mistakes. Most of the time only they knew where the mistakes were. We are our own worst critics. If the process is enjoyable to you and you can live with a humility block, quilt on!
Honestly, I don’t see how a stay stich on that small outer border will help. a stay stich is used to keep seams from coming undone on the outer most seams. (where you have blocks but not sashing/border)
this quilt has a small border/sashing that is 4 long strips sewn on. if you stay stich those 4 corners where those seams come together it won’t do anything except keep those seams from coming undone. it won’t help anything else?
I guess I don’t see the logic of those suggestions?
Honestly, I don’t see how a stay stich on that small outer border will help. a stay stich is used to keep seams from coming undone on the outer most seams. (where you have blocks but not sashing/border)
this quilt has a small border/sashing that is 4 long strips sewn on. if you stay stich those 4 corners where those seams come together it won’t do anything except keep those seams from coming undone. it won’t help anything else?
I guess I don’t see the logic of those suggestions?
Honestly, I don’t see how a stay stich on that small outer border will help. a stay stich is used to keep seams from coming undone on the outer most seams. (where you have blocks but not sashing/border)
this quilt has a small border/sashing that is 4 long strips sewn on. if you stay stich those 4 corners where those seams come together it won’t do anything except keep those seams from coming undone. it won’t help anything else?
I guess I don’t see the logic of those suggestions?
I did post a block once with a piece turned, and was glad it was pointed out to me- they were very kind in what they said. I hope all works out for you on that quilt. I wonder if her other patterns have difficult borders?
I did post a block once with a piece turned, and was glad it was pointed out to me- they were very kind in what they said. I hope all works out for you on that quilt. I wonder if her other patterns have difficult borders?
I did post a block once with a piece turned, and was glad it was pointed out to me- they were very kind in what they said. I hope all works out for you on that quilt. I wonder if her other patterns have difficult borders?
I’m a fix it girl. It always bothers me too much to leave a mistake. That being said, your borders are not that wavy (IMO). Bias can be unfriendly. Once your quilt is quilted, I bet all will be forgotten about the wave.
I’m a fix it girl. It always bothers me too much to leave a mistake. That being said, your borders are not that wavy (IMO). Bias can be unfriendly. Once your quilt is quilted, I bet all will be forgotten about the wave.
I’m a fix it girl. It always bothers me too much to leave a mistake. That being said, your borders are not that wavy (IMO). Bias can be unfriendly. Once your quilt is quilted, I bet all will be forgotten about the wave.
FYI square in a square can be made with the straight edge on the outside of the block. If I run into a pattern finishing a block on the bias I alter it’s construction so it is a straight edge. In this case the triangles should be cut as half-square triangles. You might be able to contain the stretch with a second solid border cut on the straight grain.
FYI square in a square can be made with the straight edge on the outside of the block. If I run into a pattern finishing a block on the bias I alter it’s construction so it is a straight edge. In this case the triangles should be cut as half-square triangles. You might be able to contain the stretch with a second solid border cut on the straight grain.
FYI square in a square can be made with the straight edge on the outside of the block. If I run into a pattern finishing a block on the bias I alter it’s construction so it is a straight edge. In this case the triangles should be cut as half-square triangles. You might be able to contain the stretch with a second solid border cut on the straight grain.
At one time, I believe it may have come from the Amish, quilters would put a “humility block” in their quilts. A block with a intentional “mistake” because only God is perfect so their quilts couldn’t be. Just a thought.
At one time, I believe it may have come from the Amish, quilters would put a “humility block” in their quilts. A block with a intentional “mistake” because only God is perfect so their quilts couldn’t be. Just a thought.
At one time, I believe it may have come from the Amish, quilters would put a “humility block” in their quilts. A block with a intentional “mistake” because only God is perfect so their quilts couldn’t be. Just a thought.
I always try to have a quilt come together as intended. Why not, it is possible. I get satisfaction when my blocks come together and my points and seams fall into place. Slow and steady wins the race. Doing it right in the beginning saves you from headaches down the road. I have a friend who likes “fast”. Get it done move on. Things don’t line up or always come together. It doesn’t bother her in the least. She sells her quilts and says the people buying it won’t know the difference. We can agree to disagree, and I don’t have to buy her quilts. She is happy and so am I.
I always try to have a quilt come together as intended. Why not, it is possible. I get satisfaction when my blocks come together and my points and seams fall into place. Slow and steady wins the race. Doing it right in the beginning saves you from headaches down the road. I have a friend who likes “fast”. Get it done move on. Things don’t line up or always come together. It doesn’t bother her in the least. She sells her quilts and says the people buying it won’t know the difference. We can agree to disagree, and I don’t have to buy her quilts. She is happy and so am I.
I always try to have a quilt come together as intended. Why not, it is possible. I get satisfaction when my blocks come together and my points and seams fall into place. Slow and steady wins the race. Doing it right in the beginning saves you from headaches down the road. I have a friend who likes “fast”. Get it done move on. Things don’t line up or always come together. It doesn’t bother her in the least. She sells her quilts and says the people buying it won’t know the difference. We can agree to disagree, and I don’t have to buy her quilts. She is happy and so am I.
I’m with you on this one. My very first quilt was broken dishes…….in batiks, my sister and I both loved it and never noticed the mismatched points etc. My second also had mismatched angles etc – no matchy matchy for me. Some time later I became a super duper quilt maker and matcher – one day I could stand it no longer, I got my hand on the batik broken dishes – it was unpicked regardless of being quilted. A few pieces had to be recut or replaced, and the whole quilt had to be re-quilted, but it no longer annoys me. The second quilt is out of sight – but not out of mind – one day……. as for selling ones which aren’t perfect – I’d be returning mine. Elaine in UK
I’m with you on this one. My very first quilt was broken dishes…….in batiks, my sister and I both loved it and never noticed the mismatched points etc. My second also had mismatched angles etc – no matchy matchy for me. Some time later I became a super duper quilt maker and matcher – one day I could stand it no longer, I got my hand on the batik broken dishes – it was unpicked regardless of being quilted. A few pieces had to be recut or replaced, and the whole quilt had to be re-quilted, but it no longer annoys me. The second quilt is out of sight – but not out of mind – one day……. as for selling ones which aren’t perfect – I’d be returning mine. Elaine in UK
I’m with you on this one. My very first quilt was broken dishes…….in batiks, my sister and I both loved it and never noticed the mismatched points etc. My second also had mismatched angles etc – no matchy matchy for me. Some time later I became a super duper quilt maker and matcher – one day I could stand it no longer, I got my hand on the batik broken dishes – it was unpicked regardless of being quilted. A few pieces had to be recut or replaced, and the whole quilt had to be re-quilted, but it no longer annoys me. The second quilt is out of sight – but not out of mind – one day……. as for selling ones which aren’t perfect – I’d be returning mine. Elaine in UK