I created my own pattern and I would like some help with my math.

So first, I would sew a center square with strips on all sides (see green block on the left). I would make multiples of these, with the same center colors and different groups of outside strip colors.

I would then cut them down the center (see middle pink picture).

Then they would be reassembled, similar to the disappearing 9 patch.

So the math question - I want everything to end up 2" finished. I'm fairly certain the green/pink strips can start at 2.5" and they're fine and happy. What I'm not sure about is the center yellow square. I know I'll lose seam allowance in step 2 and then again when the block is attached to its neighbor. Should I cut it to 4.5"? 5"? Thanks!

If I wanted this block to "finish" at 8.0 inches (8.5 "unfinished" )

I think I would cut the pieces as follows:

The yellow square: 5 x 5

The side strips: 2.5 x 5

The long strips: 2.5 x 9

Make one and see if it turns out right.

It's too late for me to do math. LOL Try cutting it out of paper and sew or fold it on the seamlines. That should help you calculate without wasting fabric.

Cute design by the way!

Oh, good, that's what I calculated! Thanks :)

Yeah, way too late for math! The problem is that I get inspired in the evenings when I'm sleepy :)

Thanks for the compliment on the design. Feel free to use it

A test block is almost always a good thing.

Actually, you will need to make two, to check how this will work out.

beautiful block and thanks for figuring out the measurements

Looks good to me.

those are the same measurements i get. i like that pattern. but when you sew the blocks together, you'll still get a yellow square in the center, right? I would build the block with the yellow square in the center as one piece. the outside colors would still have the same number of seams, but there would be no seams through the center. see the pictures below. if you have questions, please pm me.

What would it look like if another color or two were added?

do you mean like these?

Your most recent post, the first picture is what I'm actually going to do for the centers, with many colors for the outside strips (like in the 2nd picture). I just needed to figure out the math with a few colors :D

so glad i could help :)

It always amazes me how changing the colors changes the look so dramatically.