Thread: Trying to calculate size for block.

I am having a terrible time trying to figure out how to get this block the right size. I have a block I want to put in the center of a table runner for my dd. I am having a terrible time getting the measurements figured out. I need the block to be 10 3/4" width by 7 1/2" length. That is the size of the blocks that has the designs on it. My problem is I don't know what size to make the center rectangle block. I want to two rows of strips around it that are 2" wide. My old computer with EQ on it crashed. I am no mathematician. Can anyone help me with the measurements for the center block. If I have to cut the strips down I don't mind.

Do you want the two borders to FINISH at 2" (strips cut at 2.5"), or do you want to cut the strips at 2", and they will finish at 1.5"?
The same question about the printed rectangle. Does it measure 10 3/4" width by 7 1/2" length before you sew it into the runner or is that the finished size?

When I am trying to figure out a block, I always start with the size I want the finished block to be. Then I put in the size of each part. Last I add the extra seam allowance of 1/4" per seam to each piece of the block before cutting out the piece. It gets too complicated for me if I try to work it out any other way.

I put what I thought you were needing into EQ7 and this is what I got. The center block will be 1 inch x 4 1/8 inch finished.

Edited to add: A finished size of 10 1/4 creates some 16th's cuts. I don't know that I am accurate with what I put into EQ to be exact. So please take what I did with a grain of salt and know that it is close.

If you make the surrounding pieces a finished 1 inch, you would have a 5" x 3" center similar to this.....

Yes it is a 5 x 3 inch center. I'm curious, why are you making this as a 10.25" finished block when it would be a bit easier to make it 10"?

I redid the block in EQ as a 7" x 10". The attached pdf files shows how to cut each piece. To get that extra 1/4" in length, I would add 1/8" width to the two shorter logs that will measure 7 1/2" long prior to sewing. Just for fun, I made this a square in a square in a square.

Have fun. I'm glad EQ could help you out.