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How do I figure out how to enlarge a block from 10" to 12".

The recipe says to cut four patches 2-1/2" square and four patches 3-1/2" square. What size do I cut for a 12" block?

I would really appreciate your help. Thanks so much. Edie

I always have the same problem!! Can't quite get the math to wrap around in my brain! Will be watching to see if anyone has any tips!!

I think you are going to need to post a picture of the block, or give a very good description. I can't figure out how those 8 squares are going to give you a 10" block. Probably need more coffee.

Go to The World Wide Quilting page. Click How To's, go to drafting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaperPrincess

I think you are going to need to post a picture of the block, or give a very good description. I can't figure out how those 8 squares are going to give you a 10" block. Probably need more coffee.

This is what it says:

4 patches 2-1/2" square - green fab
5 patches 2-1/2" square from burgundy fab
4 patches 2-1/2" square from burgundy print fab
4 patches 3-1/2"square from burgundy print fab
4 patches 3-1/2" square from the tan fabric
4 patches 2-1/2" square from the tan fabric
Use half square triangle method
You will need a total of eight half square triangles measuring 2-1//2"

I comes out to five rows with a 10" block. Does that mean that it will not come out with a 12" block?

I got it from ideas-for-quilting.com/sisterstarquiltblock.html

Hope this helps and thanks again so much. Edie

Unfortunately the only other thing I cannot do is get a picture on here.

I agree with PaperPrincess, there is no way the block can be made from just those 8 squares. We need to see a picture of the block.

Edited: You posted your last description just as I was posting. The block you're trying to make is here - http://www.ideas-for-quilting.com/si...uiltblock.html

This block divides nicely into 5 equal size segments, so 10" is a natural with 2" segments (finished size) but if you try to do it with 12", each segment size would be 12/5=2.4", which is 2.9" with the seam allowance, very hard to measure accurately. You could change the proportions of the block so that the outside pieces are 2.5", and reduce the center so it's 2", and that would probably still look good, but it wouldn't be quite the same.

Here's a link to the block. http://www.ideas-for-quilting.com/si...uiltblock.html

Math is not my strong suit so I'll leave that to someone else!

I agree with PaperPrincess, 8 squares does not seem like a 10" block. Does the pattern give instructions for cutting other pieces that are not squares, maybe rectangles, or instructions for cutting a center square or more squares from other fabrics? Let us know what the block looks like or even a picture and I'll just bet someone on this board can help you!

But you could easily make a 12.5" FINISHED block (13" unfinished), as that works well on a 5x5 grid.

edited to correct - thanks Dunster (too early in the morning)

Each piece would FINISH at 2.5".

So the squares would all be cut at 3".
For the HST's blocks, the 3.5" starting squares are still big enough to trim down to 3" UNFINISHED.

And you're good to go.

Here's what I mean by changing the proportions of the block. It would work if you're making a quilt just with this block, but if you're mixing in another type of block then it might not be a good solution.

Edited to say - let me know if you decide to make the altered form of this block and I'll send you the sizes to cut.

When I have this problem, I call my quilting daughter & ask her to figure it out for me. :lol:

If you can live with a 12 1/2" FINISHED block instead of a 12" finished block & you want to keep the proportion the same, this might help you.
Cut the square patches: 3"x3" (2 1/2" finished size)
Cut the Half Sq Triangle patch squares: 3 3/8"x3 3/8"
***2 1/2" + 7/8" = 3 3/8" (use your favorite method for constructing Half Sq Triangles)
Have fun!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTS

But you could easily make a 12.5" FINISHED block (13" unfinished), as that works well on a 5x5 grid.

Each piece would FINISH at 2.25".

So the squares would all be cut at 2.75".
For the HST's blocks, the 3.5" starting squares are still big enough to trim down to 2.75" UNFINISHED.

And you're good to go.

I think you meant to say that each piece would finish at 2.5", so the squares would be cut at 3". This would make a finished block of 12.5", unfinished at 13".

The real question is why do you want a 12" block in the first place? The answer to that might give a clue as to the best way to proceed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunster

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTS

Boy, all of you are so darn nice! Thank you~! In answer to your question. I like 12" blocks. Had I originally started my quilting "career" with 10" or 8", they probably would have been my favorite. I started with 12" blocks and I love to make samplers and there are more 12" sampler blocks than you could shake a stick at. I get in a rut when I want to make something special and this size block generally always works out for me, hence 12" blocks. I always know how much fabric to get, what size my quilts will turn out to be. I just know how to do 12"ers!!! But I wanted this block because the quilt I am making for my sister is a sampler and is reminiscent of her lake home, her husband, "my sister", her pets, her flowers, her birds, the bear, stuff like that. So when she gets old, she will always remember her pets, her flowers, her birds, the bear, etc. And my sister is a true star! Edie
I think you meant to say that each piece would finish at 2.5", so the squares would be cut at 3". This would make a finished block of 12.5", unfinished at 13". HST's should be cut at 4" and trimmed down.

The real question is why do you want a 12" block in the first place? The answer to that might give a clue as to the best way to proceed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunster

I have every intention of making that exact block, with my sister's colors (teal blue in it). I am positive, certain, sure, hell bent on making this block. Edie

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunster

I think you meant to say that each piece would finish at 2.5", so the squares would be cut at 3". This would make a finished block of 12.5", unfinished at 13".

Dunster - ach. you're totally right. Too early for me. I'm looking at my scribbles and they had the correct numbers. I edited my post to correct the numbers. Thanks!

Good job on the math ladies. Real tricky on this one with the HST