I participated in a block exchange with a group of 13 ladies. Now I have blocks that vary in size from 12 1/4" to 12 3/4". The pieced blocks mostly have nice points and will be set on point with a lattice between then. Now what do I do...trim them all to 12 1/4 and lose some points? Or vary the width of the lattice and not lose the points? Any suggestions?

I've tried both before and the trimmed points were a lot less noticable than the varied sashing. Just my advice.

What if you put a thin boarder around each block the thin all to the same size.

I would do as Jeri suggested - a border around each block to bring them all up to a common size.

How many finished blocks do you have to work with?
When this happened to me I sorted out the different sizes and by using other blocks cut to the same size or adding corner triangles to create a Sq. in a Sq. then trimming to all the same size I was able to get 3 lap quilts from all the blocks.

You can try blocking the smaller ones but you can usually only eke out another 1/4" or so. I would be hesitant to trim down the larger blocks because you will lose points.

Do you need instructions in how to block a block?

Good luck!!

The joy of swaps. Irregular sashing is the best option. It probably won't show as much as you expect.

I would go to the library or Amazon and get Sharyn Craig's book "Setting Solutions", which happens to be my new favorite book. She has instructions for squaring blocks, setting blocks of different sizes (many samples from block exchanges), setting strange number of blocks etc. (like 5 or 7)

If you do a lot of block exchanges or sampler quilts where the block end up just a bit off, you need this book!

here's the amazon link. they have used copies for $12
http://www.amazon.com/Setting-Soluti...tt_at_ep_dpt_1

That's what I do. I call them 'equalizer strips', but make them wide enough so the blocks trim to more than 12½" (I use 13½" ). That way all the blocks have a bit added and it's much less obvious. I also make them the same color as the sashing so that they disappear.

Consider yourself lucky to have such slight variations. I've had some swaps where the blocks I got ranged from 11½" to 12¾". :D

My solution for exchange blocks is usually to set them wonky. I add 2-3 inch strips to all the blocks, set my large omnigrid square on top of the block (but turned) and rotary cut out the new square. You can also look up a pattern for cutting and setting wonky strips but too much work for me.

Here are my thoughts:

Do not trim them - I believe you would be sorry that you did that.

Cut the lattice so that the WOF runs along the block edges - which will give you a little give on the lattice when you are working on the larger blocks. I would start by cutting a few at 12 1/2" and try sewing one to the smallest one (you may have to coax the block - Steam and Niagra work great - you may have to stretch is a bit when you press it - lol) and then to the largest one (you will have to tug at the lattice a bit - but that is why I say use WOF as it has some give to it ). In all honesty - those measurements are only ± 1/4" - if they are correct - I'm thinking you ought to be able to make it work

I'm also going to have this problem (challenge) with some blocks I have received in a swap. Mine have ranged so far from 12" to 13". I think I will be adding at least 2" of my feature fabric and trim them to 13 1/2 or so and work with that. They will all appear to have a frame of some sort.

I love the blocks received in our swap so far ... I think some just didn't understand the different of a finished 12" block needing to have have seam allowances left on them.

Wouldn't trade them for anything though!

yep, add borders around them and trim all the same size. then you can put them on point with sashings and they will look fine. good luck.

I have to agree. Varied size of sashing always shows.

I have to agree with Jeri. Add a border around each block to bring them all up to a common size. In this process you can over size your border that you're adding and then cut them down to then make sure that you have the same size with all of the blocks.

Pam M
milp04--OH

With that amount of variation - I too would do that. The frame should look great.