Thread: Blocking and squaring what is the different?

What is the different in blocking and squaring and which comes first. This is a lap quilt and I will be quilting on regular home sewing machine.

hmm good question.... I'd think u would sq first then block... others will know better tho.... ask and those who know will reply

Squaring is trimming edges to make a perfect square or rectangle. It can be done to a block or a whole quilt.

Blocking is wetting the quilt top and pinning it to something solid (like a carpet) to the size you want. The fabric will stretch a little when wet, or shrink when it dries. I think you can also use a steam iron to block it, although I have never done it. I always square my puilts if necessary.

Originally Posted by Barb44

Squaring is trimming edges to make a perfect square or rectangle. It can be done to a block or a whole quilt.

Blocking is wetting the quilt top and pinning it to something solid (like a carpet) to the size you want. The fabric will stretch a little when wet, or shrink when it dries. I think you can also use a steam iron to block it, although I have never done it. I always square my puilts if necessary.

Thank you for this information. Wonderful how we can learn something new everyday from this board.

Originally Posted by Barb44

Squaring is trimming edges to make a perfect square or rectangle. It can be done to a block or a whole quilt.

Blocking is wetting the quilt top and pinning it to something solid (like a carpet) to the size you want. The fabric will stretch a little when wet, or shrink when it dries. I think you can also use a steam iron to block it, although I have never done it. I always square my puilts if necessary.

Ditto ...
Also, you can do some blocking via ironing ... along with steam or spritzing with water, or spray starch/sizing.

Thus why it's important to "press" up and down and minimize the stretching and shifting of fabrics ..... unless it is wanted/needed.

Then once the pressed/ironed block is dry, you will likely need to do some final squaring and trimming.