How to Square Up a Block????
 

You know, I keep reading/watching U-Tube, and they always say to *square up your block* .... well, just exactly HOW do you do that??? :eek:

I made blocks for two rags quilts (6" and 9" blocks), and did notice when I put them together, some were a little *off* .... sooo, do you use one of those acrylic squares??? If so, you sure would need a LOT of them .... I mean, blocks come in many sizes.

So, just HOW to you gals square up your blocks????

thanks :)
jody

Check out www.youtube.com. Search squaring up quilt blocks. There are several videos showing how to do this. You don't need rulers in every size. You can buy just a few and use them for all size blocks.

I don't square up my blocks at the end, I square up at each step, its pretty easy with strip piecing

I use the grid, on my cutting mat. I have a couple of "squaring up" rulers but only use them, about half the time. More often, I use them for fussy cuts.

Here's how.
http://quiltuniversity.com/squaring_up.htm

Thanks for the link to quiltuniversty. The information on squaring up blocks and quilts will be a big help.

Thanks from me too!

me too thanks for sharing

Ohhhhhh, THANKS a bunch!!! I'm headed out of town for day, but will check out how to *square up* when I get back!!!

thanks again :)
jody

I have made several rag quilts. Since you are making rag quilts it really doesn't matter if they line up or not. Thats one the the good things about making rag quilts, you don't have to be perfect. You are going to be cutting all the ends and after washing they will just crinkle up anyway. So don't waste your time trying to be perfect when making rag quilts because it really doesn't matter.

Thanks for the "Quilt University" link! Such wonderful, smart people on the Board!

I use a 12.5 inch square ruler (mine is Quilter's Rule, Square-Block Lap Board", but all the companies make them). It is marked with a line going from the top right corner to the lower left corner, then there are 1/4 inch marking from the top down and the right side in, ending at the slant line. Thus you have a "square" for every size block. The main thing I've found is to take a little off each edge, rather than all off one side and top. The slant line is marked at 1, 2, 3, etc inch squares. This ruler really makes "squaring up" easy and squared blocks go together with such great ease. I just finished squaring up 100 log cabin blocks for my daughter's wedding quilt. Sew them together today! Hope this helps you a little.

Thanks again :) This forum is soooo great. I would never have realized how to *square up* without this info. I will be sure and pick up one of these 12.5 inch square up rulers (hopefully at JoAnn's with a coupon) this week.

thanks :)
jody

Thank you jj1150 for asking that question. I, too, have had problems in the past squaring up blocks. I find the info very informative from the quilt university website. I made myself a copy of the instructions and I will certainly be using it on my next quilt.

Well presented - thank you for the link.