Help with resizing quilt squares
 

Hi all,
I have made a stained glass quilt with many blocks. While attempting to add sashing to each block, I discovered there is too much fabric showing around the blocks which are supposed to be 14 1/2"unfinished. I can trim each block to 14" without sacrificing the integrity of each block. Now for the dumb question. There are also borders at the top and side of each block. Should I trim them by 1/2" on both the inside and outside as well as the top and bottom to make a perfect fit? Thanks for any help.
Ellen

if the "sashing" around your blocks is to be the "lead" in stained glass look, yes it should be skinnier. not to sure what you mean about border at top and side of each block without seeing a photo, so i will let someone else comment on that part of your question.
good luck

Well a photo would help and remember if there is sashing it will take another 1/2 inch off those sides. So I say trim nothing at this point. Carefully pin the blocks together with the 1/4 inch seams or using a big basting stitch sew the parts together include the sashing do 4 blocks and see how it looks. Take a photo and post it. Then we can help with trimming if it needs it. As the blocks are 14 inches finished a tiny black border may not even show. Luann

You need to figure the length of the borders out after you finish and press the center. Measure across the center of your top to get the measurement for the first border set (side or top - your choice). Then cut your border to that dimension and pin it in place, distributing any differences between the top and the strip evenly. After the one set is sewn on and pressed, measure across the middle in the opposite direction. Repeat for the last border. I have always done it that way and never had any problems.

Some people measure across the middle and the actual side where the border will go and average the dimension.