Question about enlarging a patteren
 

The block of the day "Puzzles" is just 1/2 square triangles. It calls for 2 7/8 squares. The finished block is 6 inch square. Can I enlarge it by doubling it. I.E. starting with 5 and 7/8 squares. Can I do it with 6 inch squares or even 5 inch. I know it changes the size of my block and the size of the finished product but is there any reason it won't work??? I know someone knows the answer. I suppose it is a silly question and maybe I will just have to "try it"
Thanks

Do you have a link to the finished design? Hard to tell otherwise.

piney

I think this is the link
http://www.quiltpro.com/go.php?id=Bl...ate=2012-11-24

Love, if you use 5 & 7/8" squares you will have HUGE block....about 15" square. Doubling the size of the segments actually almost quadruples the size of the block.

Why not try 3 and 7/8" squares or even just use 4 & 1/2" squares and trim to a common size - such as 3 & 1/2" after you've made them all. That would give you a 9" finished block which wouldn't overwhelm your quilt.

Jan in VA

THANK YOU so much. See in my brain if I doubled it then I would have a 12 in block!!! I was thinking 3 and1/2 was what I would like to do but wondered if it would be OK Somehow doubling seemed like it would be better. You are the best!! Someday if I do think long enough it will sink in!! LOL

The 2 7/8" squares result in HST's that are 2" finished, and the finished block is 6" finished. If you want a 12" block, you need each HST to be 4" finished, so you need to cut the squares at 4 7/8". (Actually you may want to cut them at 5" and trim down.) You are indeed doubling each finished HST size, but you are first subtracting the 7/8" and then adding it back in after doubling.

I think we should give Jan a new name. How about SuperJan? :)

GrandmaK, I'm delighted to have been able to help you "see" the problem, LOL! And I thank you and Peggi for your compliments.:o

Long ago I actually developed a teaching tool for showing this principal in my classes.... by making a 4 patch of rail fence blocks, four different sizes, just by increasing the cuts 1/4"-1/2" at a time. That visual usually produces quite an "aha" moment.:) Guess it shows, I LOVE to teach!:cool:

Jan in VA

here here!! Absolutely.

Now another question. Can I make the 1/2 square triangles the "square way" by putting 2 squares together and sewing on each side of a drawn diagonal line?? I mean the pattern is in the placement isn't it or am I missing something again?? The tip about removing the 7/8th before adding and then add back in was very helpful.