blocks not the same size, what to do?
 

I am doing a block of the month club. Blocks of course are to be 12 1/2 finished. I am on the fourth block and just finished it. Cut everything correct but there are so many seams in this block that obviously my 1/4 seams are off. My block is measuring 12 inches or close to 12 1/8 to 12 1/4. I really do not want to make a new block, this was a difficult one. Is this going to work out OK in the end? I am a novice quilter and need your advice. Thanks everyone.

Wait until you get all blocks finished. Then see if you can cut all blocks down to the same size. If not, you might want to add some fabric to the edges of the smaller blocks to get them back up to right size. If you use the same fabric, the seam won't show as much where you add the fabric. Hope this helps. You are actually doing fairly well if you are 1/4 inch or less off -- lol. Try harder to keep that 1/4 inch seam. I know its hard, but a really good habit to get into.

Put a tiny border on it to make it the right size and pretend you planned it that way.

This happend to me as well. I would move forward with the rest of the blocks, just making sure that you stay as close to your 1/4" seam as possible. Then, after you see how you have to set the blocks then you can determine where you have to make a compensation. For example: You could trim all the blocks to the same size. Or depending on your sashing (if you have one) you may be able to compensate there. You might also try blocking some of the blocks. Sometimes that can help as well. But I would not do anything until all the blocks are done and you see how they are to go together in the quilt. That will help you to determine how to correct the blocks that are off.

Is the pattern online anywhere so that we can see what you are working on?

No the pattern is not online. I joined a quilting guild (neighbor convinced me to join) and one of the ladies is designing the blocks herself. I really think I have gotten in over my head. I keep thinking things will get easier as I proceed but I continue to rip out and resew as nothing ever seems to work out. Maybe quilting is not for me.

after all of your blocks are finished measure each one- then either trim them all down to the smallest- or add narrow border/sashings to bring the all up to the largest- or you can (adjust) your setting's to bring them all up to the same size....don't stress too much until they are all done- just strive to get better with each new block- it is kind of *fun* to look at my very first one---see how the first blocks compare to the final ones & how it all compares to (now)---'i;ve come a long way baby! :D

You may be able to "block" the block by using starch and a steam iron. I have pressed some blocks into submission and pinned them to the correct size on the ironing board. Not sure what the fudge factor is though. Sometimes the only option is a do-over. Like the other comment said: Wait until all of your blocks are finished. By then you will have gotten more experience too and it may be clearer why the block is off.

With only less than 1/4" difference that can easily be eased in the won't cause any problems.

Hang in there! I'm not kidding that you are doing really well if that is your biggest problem. You will find that as you continue to quilt, piece, whatever that you will rip out less often. Don't quit. You will be so proud when it is done.

Thanks so much ladies for the advice. I sure hope things start to work out better. Gets very frustrating.