how to convert paper pieced pattern to traditional?
 

I have searched for a "castle" block-would like to make a castle quilt for one of my grand daughters. This is the best block I have found, but it is paper-pieced, and I would rather do this with traditional piecing, and the block size is smaller than I want......is there an easier way than sitting down with graph paper? Just thought I'd ask before I start drafting! Math is not my favorite sport! :)

http://www.blockcentral.com/qb-pattern-castle.shtml

Could you print off the pattern, measure the pieces and add the 1/4" seam allowance all the way around and sew them together that way? Wouldn't it work the same or am I missing something? You could even cut the pieces apart and use them as templates.

Maybe search coloring book pages for a castle you could appliqué. Or I just got my Annie's quilt and sew catalog and on page 29 there is a great little girl quilt with castle, princess, dragon, horse and carriage, but it is pricy.

First, I would print the pattern and paste it together without the inner 1/4" seams to make a complete block. Then I would use a photocopier to enlarge that block to the size I wanted. You might need to take it to a Kinko's if you want it larger than 11" (11x17 paper). Make at least 2 copies -- one to cut and one to use as your master pattern.

Cut one of the patterns into all of the components, measure each piece, adding 1/4" around. Write the measurement for that piece on your master pattern. Do this for all the pattern pieces.

It looks like a lot of the pieces are the same size. For example, in Unit A, #s 6 & 7 are the same, #s 1, 3, & 5 are the same, and #s 2 & 4 are the same. In Units B & C, #s 1, 2, & 3 are the same and #s 4 & 5 are the same. In Unit D, #s 3 & 4 are the same, and when you sew #s 1 & 2 together, that equals #s 3 & 4. I would recommend that on the B & C units, instead of doing the triangles like the pattern, cut the pattern at the point of the triangle piece #6, splitting pieces #7 & 8 and forming two rectangles. The bottom rectangular unit that can be made with the Tri-Recs templates (this is one of the units that comprises the 54-40 or Fight blocks), and what is left of pattern pieces 7 & 8 will be a rectangle. In Unit A, pieces 8, 9, & 10 make a flying geese unit.

I hope this makes sense to you.

I would take each section on the pattern and blow them up on a photocopier to the size I wanted. Then cut each section apart and add 1/4" seam allowance to the individual pieces. It sounds like a lot of work, but you'd get better accuracy that way, and if you use either heavy cardstock or plastic template sheets, you'd only have to do it once.

For example, if you want 10" blocks, the factor to use is 1.60.

I would take it to a copying place - have them enlarge it to the size wanted - and then have three copies printed.

Keep one copy as a reference.

Then use the other two copies for templates. I would need two copies to accommodate the seam allowances of the adjoining pieces.

Then I would draw 1/4 inch seam allowances around the pieces and use them for my templates/patterns.

Do you have a friend who has the EQ program? If so, she may help you with this. I know I've done it for some of my friends.

Thank you for all of your thoughts....hopefully I will pull a pattern together today! I did find a coloring page that I can resize.....will let you know! ;)