Originally Posted by butterjoy
Wow, thanks! I make sure it is 12 inch square before adding sashing, right? How about the square that is 6 inches. Is that by itself or do you add 3 more to complete it? I am still learning. Thanks!
If you make a block that is meant for a swap, then you must abide by the guidelines. Most of the swaps are 12.5" unfinished.
When you make a quilt for yourself, you are not tied to any given measurements. If you want each square in the 9-patch to be 3" or 3.5" or whatever, you are free to do so. The key is to cut THEM ALL THE SAME SIZE. The sashing on a large block would probably be wider than the sashing on a smaller block. It's proportion that matters. (my opinion) but it is also a matter of personal taste.
I love the 4-patch and 9-patch, and sometimes, I just pick a strip size and make the patches to that size. I then measure the finished block and cut my alternating fabrics to match.