Phillips Fiber Art: Frequently Asked Questions

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Jewel Box Patterns

What is the correct size for the Moroccan Tile project or the Water Wheel?

The project listed on the pattern IS correct, 45" x 47". It is listed differently in the Keepsake catalog.

I'm having problems getting the center to match. Any tricks?
When you sew the ten sections together, be sure to match the dots. Then press the seam open. Add another section, again matching, and again ironing the seam allowance open. Sew five together to make a half. Repeat for the other half. Sew the two halves together, carefully matching the center points. I usually sew the center portion (about 2") first with long stitches, then check for matching, especially if I'm having problems.
I hope these suggestions are helpful!

I'm having problems with the Template page inserts. What should the height of the Gem Five tool really be?

Some of the included template pages have a Gem Five tool shown that is too large. The height of the Five tool should be 5 inches. If not you have an incorrect template. Click here for the correct one. I hope this hasn't caused anyone too many problems.

Simple Curves

For straight edges for the Table Runner Bonus pattern, click here.

For cutting narrow Simple Curves pieces, click here.

For cutting wide Simple Curves pieces, click here.

For Block Options with 1,2,3, or 4 Simple Curves, click here.

Squedges

For 22.5 graph paper and block suggestions, click here.

What size rotary cutter do I need with the various Cut A Round tools?

Use a regular 45 mm rotary cutting tool with the large and standard Cut A Round tools. Use a small 28 mm rotary cutting tool with the mini Cut A Round tool.

Are the Cut A Round tools breakable?

Yes. Although the tools are made with High Impact acrylic, they can be broken. We suggest you avoid uneven pressure and dropping. Hang the tool for storage. If your tool does break, you can mend it with an acrylic plastic glue similar to Super Glue. These glues weld the plastic back together.

What is the best way to hold the rotary cutter?

Hold the rotary cutter erect, more vertical than you cut strips. This helps glide the cutter and give you the smoothest cut. See correct placement in this diagram.

Questions about the New York Beauty Book

Cutting Corner Frames page 6: The square should be 10 1/4" rather than 9 3/4". We are sorry for this error.

The corner frame template printed in the back of the book (page 15) is incorrect. Check your book inside cover. Reprints in 2009 have been corrected.
(Print the following addendum)

New York Beauty addendum

Questions about the Circle A Round Book

Setting in circles sounds too hard; is it?

Absolutely not. The “trick” is in the accuracy of your cutting. If the circles are cut precise, they will sew together perfectly.

I think the method of folding both circle and frame into eighths, then pinning at the matching folds is helpful in assuring the circles lie perfectly flat.

Of course exact 1/4" seams is always important.

Questions about the Rings That Bind Book

The book looks overwhelming. Where do I begin?

This is indeed an odd technique, yet it does work. It’s just different from most quilting methods. I suggest you begin with a small project--a table runner or even a one block wall hanging. Use some muslin or fabric from your stash to learn before cutting into your “good stuff” or starting a big project. You need to follow the book step by step. Its not one you can flip through and do without referring to the book. Even though it seems like a lot of details, when you walk through the process, you‘ll find it works great.

Can I buy just the arc tool?

No, you will really need the book for the process. Diagrams are provided for each step, often two diagrams so you can see both the front and back view.

Why do I cut the batting square a smaller size than the drawn square and the interior square?

Cut your batting 11 1/2” square. The batting square is smaller to compensate for the fabric taken up in folding and in the seam. Cutting directions are found on page 29. What are scallops and when are they added? The curved edges of the quilt are the scallops. These pieces are added to the blocks in a similar fashion to the way the blocks are joined together. When we make a wedding ring, we choose to do the scallops first. Although this is our preference, you may find it easier to learn how the blocks are assembled before trying the scallops. You’ll find the scallop instructions on pages 33-36, and block assembly on pages 37-40.

Why does it take so much fabric to make this quilt?

When you’re looking at the yardage charts, remember the amounts are for both the front and back of your quilt. The backing folds to the front side from the back. Also keep in mind, circle designs are probably not the most efficient use of fabric.

Can I make different sized blocks?

You can make a 9” wedding ring using the smaller arc and a 14 1/2” wedding ring using the larger arc. See the tool page for more information.

Questions about the Treasured Star Pattern

What is Timtex?
Timtex is a heavy, thick stabilizer recently used inside fabric bowls. It was originally developed for hat brims, so it’s good and sturdy.
I have used heavy interfacing (it was a bit too flexible for my tastes) and even cardboard (this was what was used in the antique one--about cereal box thickness).

Questions about the Wedgeworks I and II Books

What are the two tools included in the Wedgeworks II book?

An 11.25 degree wedge and an insert tool are included in the book. Thirty two wedges make a circle. You can make Mariner’s Compass blocks with 16 or 32 points. The insert tool makes the points.

What makes the Wedgeworks II technique different from other Mariner’s Compass blocks?

Rather than setting in points with difficult Y-seams, the points are made by folding fabric and sandwiching it between wedges. The folded pieces are then opened to form the points.

What is the difference between Wedgeworks I and Wedgeworks II?

Wedgeworks I has a 15 degree wedge included in the book. Twenty four wedges are sewn together to make a circle. There are fifteen designs in this book. One design, the Sunflower Seed Packet was featured on episode 313 of Simply Quilts. The Wedgeworks II book has two tools included, a 11.25 wedge and an insert tool. Wedgeworks II makes a 3-D Mariner’s Compass.

Which one is easier, Wedgeworks I or Wedgeworks II?

One isn’t easier than the other. They’re about the same in degree of difficulty. Choose whichever appeals to you, or try both.

Is the Wedgeworks II Mariner's Compass book still in print?

No, it is now out of print, but the technique has been polished and the templates have been improved. You can find these in the new & improved 3-D Mariner's Compass pattern. Click here.

Questions about the Butterfly in the Round pattern

I am missing the corner template. (Print the following page)

Butterfly corner page

Questions about the Bargello Color Wheel Book

I didn't get the corner template for the Bargello Color Wheel or the copy I received was incorrect. (Print following documents)

Corner Page
Want to see how it works? Watch our video demonstration.
I am confused about making the figure eight swirl. (Print the following addendum)

Figure eight addendum

Is there a free pattern for using the Color Wheel Bargello wedge?

Yes! Click here for a free pattern download.

What angle is this wedge tool?

It's a 15 degree wedge and makes a 27" circle.

Quilts without Corners Book

Ten Degree wedge

Questions about the Quilts Without Corners Book

Which wedge tool do I need, a nine degree or a ten degree wedge?

Both wedges will work with the designs in Quilts Without Corners. A nine degree wedge uses 40 pieces to make a circle and the ten degree uses 36 pieces. You can see more about the ten degree wedge on the tool page. We do not sell a nine degree wedge.

Ironing Tips
When I wrote Quilts Without Corners Encore I made an interesting discovery. The ironing instructions from QWC have you press each 1/4 section, where I found it much easier to wait until you had the whole circle sewn BEFORE pressing. When you do press, press the center first and stabilize the opening before ironing the rest of the circle. Here is a portion of the QWC Encore book that discusses pressing. Click here to download.

Can you miniaturize the Quilt Without Corners designs?

Making half size versions of typical patterns follows this formula: Subtract 1/2” from the strip width; Divide by 2; then Add 1/2” to the strip width.The problem with doing this for the circular quilts in Quilts Without Corners is the wedge tool. The center "hole" stays the same size, 5 1/2". The wedge always starts at the same point, 2 3/4". This means miniaturizing isn't as straightforward as typical "square" patterns.

To make "half" size versions (28” in diameter, not 25" as you would think) change each strip width as follows:

Subtract 1/2” from the strip width.
Divide by 2.
Add 1/2” to the strip width.
Then use the 14" line on the wedge tool as though it were the 25 1/4" (full tool).
To calculate the specific placement lines, use the butterfly pattern on page 7 as an example: the 24" line is placed on the A/H line on first strip set. That is 1 1/4" from the top of the wedge. Divide this by 2 = 5/8". Subtract 5/8" from 14" =13 3/8" for the A/H line placement on the miniature. Strip set 2 would be 2 1/4" / 2= 1 1/8" from 14" = 12 7/8".

For the Butterfly pattern, I prefer a smaller center opening, so I use my Butterfly in the Round pattern. This pattern is simplified and uses a 12 degree wedge with a smaller center opening. See this pattern here.

For the Hopi Sun pattern I simplified some of the details and made a pattern renamed the Summer Solstice. It uses either the 10 degree mini or the regular 10 degree wedge. See this pattern here.

NOTE The Ten Degree MINI tool does not make a 50% reduction. It does make a 25" circle as explained in the first paragraph above.

How do I hang my 50” circular quilt?

Great question. There are several ways.

You can make a pocket on the back before adding the binding. then add a half circle of cardboard to hold the circle edge smooth.
You can add a bias tube on the back and insert a plastic tubing to hold the edge rigid.
You can sew on a horizontal rod pocket about 1/3 of the way from the top. Insert a wooden slat int the pocket. Then use pins (used sewing machine needles work great) to hold up the top portion.

What fabric did you use for the Phoenix, Eagle and Flowers?

The Phoenix, Pansy and Fantasy Flowers were made with the Cara "Gelato" gradation fabrics. Ask your fabric store to email us for distributor information.

You can purchase the Phoenix fabric on our shopping cart as well as many other graded fabric choices.

Phoenix Addendum:The template for the tail feather, found in the insert pullout section and shown on pages 24 & 26 will extend beyond the edge of the fabric. I suppose I was over zealous making sure you had enough fabric for this step. Know it will be trimmed to the correct size in the "Re-cut wedge" step.

Download the corrected Phoenix/Eagle label page here.

The Z line referred to on Pages 24 & 26? This is the dashed yellow line on the template page. Sorry the label "Z" got dropped.

Pansy Addendum: Page 39, Color G-Two strips should be 130" x 19 1/2", not 9 1/2". Sorry for the error.

If you've unfortunately cut the fabric already, piece on another
9 1/2" strip to the Color G strip. Again, I'm sorry for the error. We assume the little digit "1" just got dropped after all the editing.

Fantasy Flower Addendum: I have a problem with right/left on Page 31
Should say:Wedges Left1. Place the 2L marked wedge line on the B/G seam of Strip Set Left.
Cut nine wedges. Label as 2L.
2.Place the 3L marked wedge line on the B/G seam of Strip Set Left.
Cut nine wedges. Label as 3L.
Page 32 should say:Wedges Right 1. Place the 2R marked wedge line on the B/G seam of Strip Set Right. Cut nine wedges. Label as 2R. 2. Place the 3R marked wedge line on the B/G seam of Strip Set Right. Cut nine wedges. Label as 3R.
I apologize for the errors. If you follow the wedge labeling it should be ok.

10 degree graph paper Down load here to begin your journey for your own designing!

Mini 10 degree graph paper Down load here.

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