Pinkrose4664

I need to figure out what the size squares I need of 3 fabrics to make a 16 inch 9 patch squares. I am so bad at math.

Thanks

Prism99

The finished size of the 9-patch needs to be 16 inches? That is not a typical size for a 9-patch because of the math involved.

A 15-inch finished block would require patches cut 5-1/2" inches square. (Unfinished block would be 15-1/2" )

A 16-inch finished block would require patches cut 5-5/6" square. You could maybe fudge a little and cut them 6" square; when the block was complete, you could trim down to 16-1/2" inches before sewing them together. (Unfinished block would be 16-1/2" )

amma

3 X 5 1/2 = 16 1/2" finishing at 16" :D:D:D

ckcowl

you really have some math to do to get there it would be lots easier to make either a 15" block or an 18" block...3 does not go into 16...but if that is the size you want...using 5 3/4" squares when put together will get you to 15 3/4 finished...so 5 7/8 would get you a bit closer...if you use 6" squares when sewn together...it will be 17 1/2"...might be easier to make it with the 6" squares and then trim it to 16"...but to make a 3-grid block it is lots easier for 3 to go into the finished size.

dungeonquilter

When you piece the 5 1/2" squares, you lose 1/2" from each.

Prism99

Am I wrong? Wouldn't nine 5.5" patches sewn together result in a block that is 15 1/2" square unfinished, 15" finished?

grammy Dwynn

Prism99 your fast!

Yes, a 16" block is 'difficult'. My calculator said 16 divided by 3 comes out to 5.33333333. I don't do .333333 fractions.

ghostrider

No, you're right. It'd be 15" finished.

Emmy Sue

My math may not be much better, but if you would cut each block 5-3/4 less one inch for seams, the unfinished size would be 16 and 1/4 inches. Maybe if you would make each block 5-5/8 inches, using 1/4 inch seams, your finished block would be 16 inches.

feline fanatic

5.5" patches will finish at 16" for the unfinished block 15.5 finished. While 3 x 5.5 does indeed = 16.5 you lose 1/2" (2 1/4" seam allowances) in joining those 3 squares together so you end up with 16" unfinished size and once you set them 15.5 " finished. I think Amma forgot about losing her 1/2" in the seam allowances in her speedy response. :wink: