If you don’t mind using different sizes you could make the middle block a 3” unfinished square and the corner blocks 2.5” square and the four side pieces 2.5” by 3”. When you sew them all together into a 9-patch, it’s 7” square. When you cut down the middle both ways and sew it back together you lose .5” each way so you now have a 6.5” unfinished block.

This would be correct for a regular nine patch.... I need a disappearing nine patch that is 6 1/2" unfinished, 6" finished....

Oh boy! I think I'm going back to the organizing group and say - "not doing this" as it's set up in the quilt to be a "beginner" block... that won't work if we get into oddball size squares, fudging seam allowances, etc.... thanks everyone for showing that it's not a beginner type of block...

I hate to see you give up too soon, Elaine

The block itself is pretty easy and fun to make once you figure out what size you want to cut your squares.

Life is too short to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to make this work so a beginner can do it easily.... onward to a substitutue block....

I agree. Either make it in a standard finished size for that block (that starts with easier starting square sizes) or choose a different block. Cutting at thirds or eighths of an inch isn’t particularly beginner friendly. Uncertain if you’re working with first timers or confident beginners who have some experience, but a larger block might be easier in general.

Hi Elaine,
I'm wondering who set you up with this assignment. If squares are cut 2 5/8" the block will finish at 5 7/8".
Or, if they are cut at 2 3/4" the block finishes at 6 1/4". Maybe my brain is filled with sawdust and the math ain't mathing anymore.

But I wouldn't mind being a mouse in your pocket at the next committee meeting....

:cool:

I have a theory based on nothing at all:

1. want all beginners to make a quit together
2. count # of beginners and desired quilt size, decide on 6” blocks
3. Choose a “beginner” block for the quilt (disappearing 9-patch)
4. unable to find instructions for a disappearing 9-patch that makes 6-inch blocks, do not ask yourself why that may be
5. ask someone to manually calculate the necessary cutting instructions

True, true. Had the group leader asked for a volunteer rather than singling out someone to take on the task, things could progress with no hard feelings. Good diplomacy would have allowed a volunteer the ability to say there is no way to accomplish this goal without a change in the block size. As it is, either the person tasked with presenting instructions is seen as a failure or the group leader is put on the defense as soon as she's told this block size can't be done.
However, it can be pulled off.
You whisk into the meeting with instruction sheets in hand and a bright smile. Announce that you have the block instructions, but we must first be open to a small change in the block size. This accomplishes two things, first the assignment is done, second without pointing fingers the group is given a choice on how to move forward.

I completely agree with the need for a change in block size. Why does it HAVE to finish at 6 inches? Seems like this will be easier on everyone if the finished size of the quilt overall can be altered just a bit to accommodate a do-able block size.