When I did my block for Robert and Cathy's quilt, I had to redo it. The first one was 9 1/4 on my side instead of 9 1/2. I now have a very pretty potholder. Don't throw yours away, just repurpose it and start over. Sew two 2 1/2" short strips together. Press and measure. It should be exactly 4 1/2" inches wide if your seam is a scant 1/4". I'm getting better with my 1/4", but still have to concentrate on sewing straight.