dlux

I participated in a block exchange with a group of 13 ladies. Now I have blocks that vary in size from 12 1/4" to 12 3/4". The pieced blocks mostly have nice points and will be set on point with a lattice between then. Now what do I do...trim them all to 12 1/4 and lose some points? Or vary the width of the lattice and not lose the points? Any suggestions?

Zhillslady

I've tried both before and the trimmed points were a lot less noticable than the varied sashing. Just my advice.

bjeriann

What if you put a thin boarder around each block the thin all to the same size.

AndiR

I would do as Jeri suggested - a border around each block to bring them all up to a common size.

sue in NH

How many finished blocks do you have to work with?
When this happened to me I sorted out the different sizes and by using other blocks cut to the same size or adding corner triangles to create a Sq. in a Sq. then trimming to all the same size I was able to get 3 lap quilts from all the blocks.

feline fanatic

You can try blocking the smaller ones but you can usually only eke out another 1/4" or so. I would be hesitant to trim down the larger blocks because you will lose points.

Do you need instructions in how to block a block?

Painiacs

Good luck!!

MadQuilter

The joy of swaps. Irregular sashing is the best option. It probably won't show as much as you expect.

PaperPrincess

I would go to the library or Amazon and get Sharyn Craig's book "Setting Solutions", which happens to be my new favorite book. She has instructions for squaring blocks, setting blocks of different sizes (many samples from block exchanges), setting strange number of blocks etc. (like 5 or 7)

If you do a lot of block exchanges or sampler quilts where the block end up just a bit off, you need this book!

here's the amazon link. they have used copies for $12
http://www.amazon.com/Setting-Soluti...tt_at_ep_dpt_1

ghostrider

That's what I do. I call them 'equalizer strips', but make them wide enough so the blocks trim to more than 12½" (I use 13½" ). That way all the blocks have a bit added and it's much less obvious. I also make them the same color as the sashing so that they disappear.

Consider yourself lucky to have such slight variations. I've had some swaps where the blocks I got ranged from 11½" to 12¾". :D