Example: If I'm going to do a 9 patch with 4 1/2 " squares for a finished size of 12" what exactly do I square up? I can't square it up to a 12" because once it's all sewn together the blocks will be smaller and I can't do 12 1/2 because I already lost 1/4" with the squares I sewed together. or can I? I hope someone can clear this up for me cuz I can't even understand what I wrote :?

Thanks, Kris

You need to square it up at 12 1/2". This leaves you with a 1/4" seam allowance on all 4 sides (Right, Left, Top and Bottom). When combined with additional blocks or sashing/borders, it'll end up 12" square within the quilt.

Not every block needs to be squared up, just measure the block when it is completed. If it is a little too big then take some off...your unfinished block should always be 1/2 inch bigger than you want the finished block to be. If you are way short or long, you may want to go back and sew your seams a little bigger or take it apart and resew it. Double check that your 1/4 inch seams are accurate :wink:

I find sometimes my block smaller than the size needed. When that happens nothing to do but take it apart. I have tried fudging and that never works out that great.

Glad you asked, Dingle, I wanted to know about this, too.

Depending on the pattern, if I come up too small on one block, rather than take it apart, I trim down all of them to the same size. I had to do that recently by 1/2 inch. It made the overall quilt a little smaller, but the blocks went together perfectly. You can always add/enlarge a border to compensate if you don't want to change the overall size.

Before you trim anything, please make sure that the 4 1/2" blocks were cut accurately, the seams are exactly 1/4 " and when you press, make sure nothing is folded. Ideally, if you follow your measurements and pressing correctly, you should have nothing to trim, or very little at the most. I always find than when my blocks are not size I planned, I either sewed too fast and missed the 1/4" or I didn't press well.

Maria