I started a new quilt Stars and Wheels. I got the first block done . But here is the problem. They are all 2 1/2 in blocks . Now I measured three times be for cutting. So that is right . And my 2 1/2 in square trangles were measured 3xs. They are right. And I measured my 1/4 in seam on my maching and marked it and I used the same ruler. But when I did the 4 smaller blocks that were surpose to be 8 1/2 in square. They were not. they were 8in square. And the whole block was to be 16 !/2 in square Now it is 15 1/2 in square. Where did I go wrong. my quilt is going to be samler than I wanted it to be. guse I am going to add an extar boarder to it. Willtake pics of it later.

What I have been told over and over is that it really does not matter that your blocks turn out the same as the pattern says, what is important is that you are consistent in what you do and all your blocks turn out the same size as each other. it sounds like you have just a slightly too big of a seam. But again as long as all of the seams are the same size it is right.

I agree:)Move forward and keep making that quilt!!Your toes won't miss that 1/2"...:) Sounds great already-Skeat

Depending on how many blocks you use...say you use 4 blocks across and 5 down. Your quilt will end up to be 2" smaller in width and 2.5 in length...Now honestly WHO is going to notice that. They will ALL see the love you have put into your quilt. Now STOP obsessing and remember there ARE NO QUILTING POLICE!

Don't thing you have a big problem there, It will work out alright as long as they all are 15.5

Can't wait to see a picture!

Ninnie

Now, if you are really stressed over this because this is a consistant prob and you want it fixed then invest in a 1/4" presser foot. That solved my problem years ago along w/the investment of the omni ruler that I can see thru really great. The foot keeps us w/in tha 1/4" and doesn't let us cheat outside of it:)LOL You are so close w/your measurements, and they seem to be consistant, I would be fine w/where you are on it:)Skeat

Just a thought but when cutting 1/2 square triangles I think you add 7/8 inch seam allowance instead of 1/2 inch. Could that have something to do with it?
New quilter here but that came to mind and I thought I would throw it out there to consider. Just ignore if I'm way off base.

I think if she'd done that, susie, the blocks would have come out larger than they were, supposed to, rather than smaller.

I was wondering if possibly it said to cut the 2 !/2" blocks and should have told you then to add 1/4" seams... so blocks should have been 3" total?

On the 2/12in square trangles I cut 3in squares sewed than squared them to 2 1/2in just as the pattern called for.

Could be the pattern and nothing you have done!! I just learned that one myself..the hard way:)Skeat