This may sound dumb but, my math is lousy so, I have a math question. I am making 9 patch squares with the 4 inch squre ruller for new quilt. Does that mean the 9 patch square is 27 inches square total? I just want to make sure is it correct and not crooked (squared off). Whew, a lot of square words, lol. Thanks,
JOY

If your unfinished fabric squares are 4", your unfinished block should end up 11" (12" - 1" taken up in the two seams). So your finished block size, I think, will be 10.5 inches on all sides.

The squares are unfinished. I was multifplying 3 squares into 9 instead of counting rows. I am not good with math. lol :) Thank you so much for the answer.

JOY

Hi,
I am definitly new at this also, so hopefully someone else will double check this for you. You should end up with a 9 patch block (3 blocks wide by 3 blocks long) and the total for the single pieced block will come out at 11" square. this would be using accurate 1/4" seam allowances.

And just to clarify... this would be the block before sewn into the quilt with any sashing. This is where you would square them up a 11".

Looking at the ruler in your picture it looks like it is a 4 1/2 inch square. If so your finished block of 3 x 3 blocks will be 12 inches square. Each individual block will finish at 4 inches.

I don't have any software for planning quilts, the math nerd in me loves figuring it all out with paper and pencil.

Graph or gridded paper can help you make a helpful "map" of your planned quilt. If you use each of the squares to represent one square inch on your quilt, it can be helpful to calculate the measurements of pieces, blocks, borders, etc. If you're making a bed quilt you may need to tape a few sheets of graph paper together to keep the 1 square = 1 inch proportion.

You could then scan your graphs and post the images here; you would get lots of help with the math.

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!

I came up with an 11" square.

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.

Thanks a lot everyone. This is so much fun to do! Can anyone tell me how many squares it takes for a twin, full, queen and king bed? I appreciate more help with figuring. :)