PrettyKitty

Hahahaha...I know I am a quilter now that I am planning my next project while my current WIP is only half done.

I want to make some quilted cushion covers (4 in total, each a different block but of similar design, I like the star blocks), I found this picture on a website but it made no reference to the name of the block?

Also, if I see a block I like, but it has no instructions on the size I want it to be (16 inch), how do I figure out what sizes to cut the pieces? For example, I love the Ohio Star block, but can only seem to find the instructions to make it as a 12" block.

Advice would be appreciated as always!

Ta

Mary

patricej

that one goes by many names. one is Pinwheel Star.

you can disect blocks using graph paper, then scale up or down.

if you have a draw-type program on your computer you can also do it that way.

jstitch

This can be a lengthly discussion. All blocks are not easily created in all sizes. So, using this particular block as an example..

It is a 16 patch block, 4 rows of 4 blocks.

If you want to make this as a 16 inch block, divide 16 inches by 4 (number of patches in a row) = 4 inches finished.

For the square pieces, add 1/2 inch for seam allowance. So, cut them 4 1/2 inches square.

For the half square triangles, add 7/8 inch to the finished size, or 4 7/8, then cut in half from corner to corner (on the diagonal)

Hope this helps

bearisgray

You can always add borders until it is large enough.

PatriceJ is correct is that most blocks can be drawn on a grid.

For example, the star block you have pictured is on a 4x4 grid.

If you wanted to make it a finished 16x 16 block, the center square would be 8 inches (cut 8 1/2), the corner squares would be 4 inches (cut 4 1/2), etc.

If you wanted to make it a finished 8x8 block, the center square would be 4 inches (cut 4 1/2), the corner squares would be 2 inches (cut 2 1/2 etc.

You could do it almost any size you want, but I find it easier if I keep the bigger pieces in even number multiples - or at least no smaller than 1/2 inch increments.

That particular block would be easy to change by two inch increments. Even number multiples.

A twelve inch block works well for many designs because 12 divides evenly by 2, 3, 4, and 6.

bebe

Try this website maybe you can find the block if not there are all kinds of blocks to give you inspiration
http://www.quilterscache.com/

Happy Quilting!!!!!

PrettyKitty

OK, now it makes sense. Good tips all, thanks. I just get a mental block whenever it comes to anything to do with numbers, measurements, triangles, math! Guess I need to get better now for this hobby!

Izy

Oh a girl after my own heart...I am hopeless with figures, fractions or basically anything mathematical...YET BECAUSE I have to work things out in quilting - I have learnt not to be afraid, but sit down with pencil and paper and work it out...with a calculater of course :lol:

collettakay

Of course with a calculator, silly.

bearisgray

graph paper also is a handy tool.

some quilt shops sell a graph paper that is (I think) 12 1/2 x 12 1/2

mic-pa

I just purchased "Block Tool" by CT Publishing at my local quilt shop. It is like a deck of cards and gives the instructions for 160 plus blocks in a variety of sizes. No brainer on my part. Its great. Each block pictures is shown in 5 different sizes.