I am making a Downey Quilts for Kids Four-Patch Quilt. Sounds simple, right?

There are 6 rows with alternate 4-patch and a focus print and the border.

These are the instructions:

Sew one A strip and one B strip together to make a strip set as shown. Press. Make three strip sets. Everything OK at this point...

Cut these strip sets into 30 units that measure 3 1/2" x 6 1/2". Sew these units together to create 15 four-patch blocks that will measure 6 1/2" square.

...How do you make a 6 1/2" block out of 3 1/2" x 6 1/2". Am I having a serious senior moment?

The only thing I can think to do is cut the supplied 6 1/2" alternate blocks down to 6" blocks.

Can anyone help me?

First you sew the strips together, for example yellow and purple. Then you cut across both colors so you have a rectangle unit with both colors. Then you put 2 of those together to make a 4 square unit - flip so that each color is diagonally across from the matching one. This 4 square is what should be 6-1/2.

I think I have the answer - please forgive the crude drawing -
Maybe this will help?

Don't worry and don't cut up your 6 1/2" squares. If you sew two of the 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" together, you will get a finished four patch that is 6 1/2" square to alternate with the focus fabric 6 1/2" provided squares. The math may seem off but you do need that extra half inch for your seam allowance. I make crib quilts using these measurements all the time and it does work. Just go ahead and make your four patches, stitck a 6 1/2" square in between and you'll have a completed quilt top in no time. Happy stitching!

Bearisgray, you are such an artist. It showed exactly how to do it and was a good teaching tool. LOL. I love how everyone on the board jumps in to help. Such a good feeling.
Katier825, love the colors in your quilt. Thanks for sharing.

When you sew two pieces together (regardless of size) and you use a 1/4" seam allowance, you will always have to subtract 1/2" from the total. So, while 3 1/2 + 3 1/2 = 7, whe you subtract the 1/2" for seam allowance, you are left with 6 1/2.

Sometimes, when I am not sure or when I think my seam allowance may be off, I sew the pieced parts together, measure across and then cut my alternating patches to fit. You were on the right track with that idea too.

Polly,
I'm making that same quilt and I agree, the directions are confusing. Also, when sewing together the 4-patch to the single square, make sure your 4-patches are aligned the same so that you have your diagonals going the same way. I didn't at first, so they looked a little drunk. I resewed.

Example b=black, w=white, r=red,

w b rrrrrr w b rrrrrr
b w rrrrrr b w rrrrrr
rrrrr w b rrrrr w b
rrrrr b w rrrrr b w

Clear as mud????

MJ :lol:

I just finished making my 1st downy quilt top, was lots of fun