While working on my blog hop cards, I wondered if there was an easy way to calculate how big of a piece of card stock to begin with to yield a border the size I ultimately needed. First, let me say that if you're only edging one side then the obvious solution is to punch the edge then trim the un-punched side to fit your project. But what if you have a strip and wonder "will this end up too narrow if I punch it based on what I need it for?" Come on, you probably woke up in the middle of the night wondering that very thing just last night, right?

Using complex mathematical computations (subtraction) and sophisticated measuring tools (a ruler), I have the answer to this burning question! The answer is……

That both the Scallop Edge Punch (pg. 186) and Eyelet Border Punch (pg. 186) cut off 1/4". See my detailed evidence here (hint: look for the writing in pencil). How did I DO that??? Well, I started with a finite measurement = 2". I then edged it then measured from the left edge to the "highest" point on the scallop or eyelet. Is it a coincidence that both measured 1 3/4" having both cut off 1/4"? Only Stampin' Up! knows for sure.

Similarly, though not as much of a burning question is "how much does a piece of card stock shrink when I made the eyelet lace?" Well, that's not as precise but the two photos below show the difference. I just crimped a whole 8 1/2" strip then I cut off what I needed. But if you're curious as to the amount of shrinkage (my apologies to any men reading this if this topic makes you uncomfortable) then see below.

Uncrimped strip is 8 1/2" long.

Crimped, it's about 7 3/4" therefore resulting in only about 3/4" of shrinkage.

A close-up of the crimped eyelet lace.

You may now cross out your lifelong plan to determine how much card stock a Stampin' Up! Scallop Edge or Eyelet Border punch trims off card stock from your "bucket list". You're welcome 😉