I've made the Block I (the multiple squares) for a triple Irish chain. This bolock is 7x7 small squares for a total of 49 squares in the block.

Directions say block should measure 10 1/2 inches square.

With the exception of the outside pieces, all the interior squares measure 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" (strip -pieced using 2" strips).

The pieces around the perimeter measure 1 1/2 " x 1 3/4 as the outer edge seam allowance has not been stitched.

As the blocks are now, the measurement is 10 1/2" x 11" !!

I've checked & rechecked the blocks (using 12 1/2 square ruler -- used tape to define the 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 square) and the measurements for the completed blocks are consistent with discrepancy I've described. I even asked my DH to check my work. He went through all the steps and had the same results I did. He's as stymied as I am.

Where did I goof and what do I do to make this 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 square?!:?

I'm not going to cut/trim/reduce anything until I hear from all the experts here.

You see, I want this to be perfect as it's a "Mom gift" for my son and his new wife.

Perhaps I'm "too close" to it and am missing the obvious...
:oops:

In advance, thanks bunches for the help, counsel, wisdom, and advice.;-)

Madolyn

For refernce, this is the book / pattern I'm using...
Time for a Chain, the Irish Chain Updated / authors: Nancy Smith and Lyndia Milligan.

Thanks!!

Those are fairly small squares for a 10-1/2" block. The discrepancy could be simply in how the seams are pressed. If the pressing of 8 seams takes up just 1/16" of an inch extra each, that will add up to a 1/2" discrepancy. Look at the back of the block and examine the seams to see if there is a difference between the seams in the short direction and the seams in the long direction.

Re-pressing the seams may help. You can also try to "block" the block to correct dimensions. Sharon Schamber has a couple of Youtube videos demonstrating blocking techniques. Here is the one I think you would want:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQkF02vpVuw