QuiltnLady1

I don't worry about 3/8" -- I learned my early quilting watching Eleanor Burns and so I always over cut HST and other triangle blocks. I round up to the nearest half inch (I always buy at least an extra 1/2 yard of fabric when doing a pattern that does hst's or other similar blocks) and then I trim as needed. I prefer to trim than have a block too small because I did not see the 3/8 or 7/8 line correctly.

Gay

What is the size of each block (before joining blocks?)

SewHooked

Every helpful tip I've read has been a good tip. I will add to this this tip: ALWAYS -- just to be sure, and to allay fears that the resulting patch is the correct size -- MAKE ONE PATCH BY THE PATTERN'S DIRECTION. Then when you use all these tips, you can put the "squared down" patch next to your "template" (which is the patch you made exactly from the pattern) to assure you that even though you've taken measures to avoid the dreaded 3/8 cut, it's good. Hope this is helpful!

onaemtnest

Again, I thank everyone for their time to respond and help me with my brain freeze over this pattern. What a difference a day makes when one backs themselves into a corner of self-doubt. I appreciate each and every one of you and your kind advice and guidance.

ManiacQuilter2

If in doubt, I always refer to the pattern instruction that EQ creates displayed in a previous post. I am not good with math anymore, but I like of oversize,stitch,starch,press and then trim. F&P do not agree with Eleanor Burns oversize method. You just have to find out thru trial and error what works best for you. Good Luck.

huskyquilter

Bonnie hunter has a great tutorial for this...

https://youtu.be/wQ_AoJsGJbM

maviskw

I know that most of you are familiar with this, but when you trim a square with triangle pieces in it, you can't just trim it square. You have to make sure the triangle seams in the block line up with the triangle line on the ruler. That is the most important step. And if you have other seams too, as in the Boston Block or the one you are making, keep an eye on those too. Look all around the outside to see if your points are where they belong. It's not hard, just time consuming.

Tiggersmom

My personal opinion........any measurements that have 3/8 ... 7/8...etc. should always be rounded up then trimmed after sewn.
Since I don't design patterns I am curious why they can't do them without the 3/8......7/8......

Cherylsea

I have a question about this question!! If you round up to 1/2" won't the pattern come out the same just a bit bigger? My brain is non-math so sometimes my ideas don't work...

Misty's Mom

I was wondering the same thing