Originally Posted by PoseyBell
This is my first swap and I have a question regarding size of blocks. How 'forgiving' are we allowed to be for blocks that are slightly less than 12.5"?
Here is my situation:
I 've made 14 blocks so far and 9 of them are a solid 12.5".
3 of them are significantly smaller (closer to 12).
2 are just under 12.5".
Not sure why some of them are smaller. This was a new pattern for me...first time working with triangles and the outcome has been frustrating. I like the way they look, but the sizing issue....ARGH!
I am running out of fabric and time! I completely understand if less than 12.5" at all is not acceptable, just looking for some guidance.
I've posted a photo of my blocks on Flickr.com at this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/poseybell/4685792808/
Thanks!
Your blocks are beautiful. Blocking the blocks will also help the ones that are shy of 12 1/2" into submission. If you have a cork bulletin board or your ironing board will work well. Pin the block to the board, stretching and pulling where necessary to get it to 12 1/2". I usually pin opposing corners then all around the sides. Then take a spray mist bottle and mist the entire pinned (blocked) block with water. Allow to totally air dry pinned. Once you unpin the block from the board it should be a solid 12 1/2" and behaving itself quite nicely. You should be able to do this with blocks up to a 1/4" shy of the 12 1/2" square but anything more then that may not work. I use a cork bulletin board and have marked the 12 1/2" square with my square ruler on the board with sharpie pen. Then when I block all I have to do is line up my block edges with the drawn line. Good luck!