Shorebird

I personally like Deb Tucker's Tucker Trimmers for squaring up blocks......she has several videos on her website - studio 180 designs......very little waste, and perfect blocks every time.

Ariannaquilts

Betharoo if they are all the same size leave them as they are. When you square up it's to make everything the same so no need to change anything.

lorimax5859

I have used this method after finding this video - and it works! I like it because you only need one square and can use it for many sizes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kzWJlqyEhA

Friday1961

I, too, now believe in squaring up each element as you go. When I first started quiltmaking I did not know about squaring up (self taught, as in just about all I do) and realize now that I got amazingly lucky that my first quilt ended up square....and that I also quite by accident used good fabric. It was a simple 9 patch but even they can get out of square.

I watched you tube videos on squaring up and do much the same as NJ Quilter (above). I pay attention to the center of blocks so as not to cut too much off any one side and end up with blocks off center.

Onebyone

If the square has points on the outside edge and there is not a 1/4" inch from the point to the edge of the block then you can't square it up and not cut off the points. The block construction is off somewhere. Either in the cutting, the seams, or the pressing.

gramma nancy

Since all your blocks are the same size, just go with it. Don't trim them down as you will lose the points if you do that. Your quilt will just be a bit smaller than the directions indicate, but that shouldn't matter too much. This is probably a good example of how a teensy bit too much in each seam (even a thread or two) can add up to a measureable amount over the width of a block or a quilt. Try sewing just shy of your 1/4 inch next time and see if it makes a difference.

You can test your 1/4 inch by cutting three pieces of fabric 1-1/2" by 3" and sewing them together along the 3" sides. The finished piece should measure 3-1/2" wide. If it isn't exact, try again, adjusting the width of your seam.

MargeD

I have a 12 1/2" square ruler that I always use to make sure my quilt blocks are the same size. Even if I just slice off a little bit, it makes it easier when I put the top together and have it be square. A little extra work in the beginning makes for less work later on; which is why I generally make over sized HST's, then trim to size, makes my life easier.

Morag

I have to say I don't much care for Mary Fons style of presentation...She try's to hard to be chatty and over does it which makes her hard to watch..

Halo

In most (but not all) blocks the directions say to sew a (scant) 1/4 inch seam. If you are sewing a full 1/4 inch seam, then your block will not measure 12 1/2 but 12 1/4 instead. Also, it is helpful to square up every aspect of putting the block together. This will make a difference in how your block turns out.

betharoo

Where have you guys been my whole life??? Thank you all!!!