Originally Posted by amma
when you add the widths of the 3 strips together and subtract off all of the seam allowances your strip will measure 6 1/2" and when you cut this strip into 6 1/2" blocks, take a 1/2" off that for additional seam allowances your block will finish at 6".
Almost every block in every pattern will be a 1/2" bigger all the way around when "unfinished."
Amma, Just checked the referenced pattern and checked the math, and when the 2 -3-2 strips are joined, they should indeed measure 6 inches, not 6-1/2. The pattern then calls for cutting that strip unit into 6 inch squares. I know that is odd as 6-1/2 unfinished is the norm, but not in this case. Just don't want to get our new quilter even more confused. (Usually it is me that is confused, but for some reason, this morning I can see this issue very clearly...mark it on the calendar! lol)