I am very new to quilting, and my project is a disappearing nine patch. I'm making it out of charm packs and some 5 in squares I cut myself. So, my nine patches are made out of 5 in squares and I'm stuck. I have all of the nine patches made and pressed, but I can't figure out the dimensions to square up each nine patch. Can you help me? Pretty please?

My inner patch measures 4.5 inches, but the outside patches will be sewn together, so I need to leave a 1/4 inch for the seam, right?? :?:

Yes. Using 5 inch blocks you should have a measurement of 4.75 + 4.5 + 4.75 for a total of 14" for the unfinished blocks before you cut them into quarters.

If you're using 5" squares the nine patch block w/ outside seam allowances should measure 14". That is before the 9 patch is cut and resewn.

Thank you!!

Whoops! I was editing when you quoted.
That 13.5 will not be the finished size in a quilt. I forgot about cutting and resewing but the 14" is correct.

gotcha! Thanks again. :)

I would like to compliment you on your ability to state your question in the way you did.
Seems to me you were very precise and said exactly what they needed to know to be able to help you.
Good job!

Thank you! I have to give the credit to my quilting teacher. I'm taking a beginning quilting class and have had only one formal lesson so far, but I've learned a lot. She told me to stop and ask someone the moment I become confused.

I really appreciate the help. :)

Great advice! I bet she is a good teacher. It is a lot easier to learn some thing WITHOUT getting yourself totally frustrated.

My ruler is not large enough so I make a cardboard template 14" and use it to square up.

Great tips here. Thanks.

Your blocks don't HAVE to be any certain measurement as long as they're all the SAME size. I usually find my smallest block, square it up then square up all the others to that size.

I love the DNP. Check this one out:
http://blocksnswaps.blogspot.com/200...g-9-patch.html

I have used fussy cut blocks for the corners. You do not have to turn two upside down. The block will just change the direction of the center squares if you don't.

Just be careful when using CARDBOARD and a rotary cutter. :(