anybody here good at math??
 

I have some repro depression fabric squares that I just love, and I'd like to make some mini Amish baskets with them. Since the squares are only 5", they'll have to be scrappy (basket one fabric, handles another). I'd love for them to end up 5" when I'm done, so I can alternate them with solid charm squares. But I have no idea how to figure out what size to make the half-square triangles, or what size squares to start with! Can anybody help?

Thanks bunches!

My eyes glazed over as soon as I read math! :D Sorry no help here from the math challenged.

Oh me too!!!! When it comes to figuring out math, I call DH to do for me, LOL

If you start with 5 inch squares and cut them in half on the diagonal, sew them together you will not end up with 5 in HST. They will be 4.62". You lose .38" in the seams when you cut a 45 angle. Then if you sew those squares together you will loose another 1/2 inch in the seams all around. Your finished block will be 4.12". If you round that all out really your blocks will be 4" square. And the points will have to finish at 1.3" meaning the triangles will have to be cut at 1.68". So charms maybe not a good choice for this block. ;)

Good idea, to factor in your alternating uncut blocks.

Get your graph paper our and draw up what you want as a finished block.
Draw it to the actual size.
Then you can easily measure each section as to what size you need it to be.
Just be sure to add your 1/4" seam allowances at that point.

Maybe do larger baskets like these. Make them scrappy. http://amisimms.files.wordpress.com/...h_baskets1.jpg

I'm glad I'm not the only one admitting to being math challenged!

Can you attach a link to the exact pattern you'd like? I found a couple variations,some were a 5X5 grid, some a 6X6.
If you want to alternate them with an uncut charm square, then the basket has to finish at 4.5"
If you use one of the 6X6 patterns, like this one:

http://quilting.about.com/od/blockof...ck-Pattern.htm

then each square would FINISH at .75 inch (which is 1.25" unfinished). To cut a square for a hst, you add 7/8", which would be 1 5/8" which is just nuts. If you really want to make these teeny tiny ones, I'd cut the squares at 2", then recut them to the 1.25".

I'm with you! I'd rather cut down that deal with those measurements. The block is very pretty. But maybe this is too complicated for me. Maybe I should go back to basics for a while. Thanks for the help!