How to square up blocks?
 

Is there an "easy" method to do this? I can't tell you how many rulers
etc. I have purchased for this purpose and STILL have not conquered
this yet. I have ruined more blocks trying to square them.
I,m hoping I will have that "DUH" moment, but it has not happened
yet. I just don't get most of the tutes.
PLEASE, what am I missing?
Thanks.
Elaine

The truth is that you need to measure your block as it is assembled to be sure that each piece is the right size. If any piece doesn't measure correctly, stop right there and figure out what the problem is. Don't keep on sewing, hoping that things will get better as you go, because chances are they won't. Trying to square up after all the patches are in the block will not work, unless the block is very simple. Checking as you go is not as bad as it sounds, because once you get the hang of sewing a scant quarter inch seam you will find that you need to measure and square up less and less often.

My favorite square-up ruler is a 12.5" frosted Olfa. It has a diagonal line, with little boxes marked on the diagonal. I put the upper edge and the right edge of the ruler on the block, then look at which little box on the diagonal line is closest to the center of the block. (98% of the time, the block has a clearly defined center.) Then I move the ruler so the little box is dead center on the seam lines of the block, and adjust so the vertical and horizontal lines on the ruler align with the vertical and horizontal lines of the block. Then I trim the upper edge and right edge of the block. Rotate the block and do the same thing with the other two edges.

Clear as mud? :)

How I square up blocks or units may depend on the pattern...ie. flying geese....if I use a 12 1/2 inch ruler and the blocks are 12 inch I usually looks for centre line of a couple do seam lines to use as a guide.."

On rulers that have a lot of lines it is very helpful to tape off the size with small pieces of green painters tape. This allows you to see the size at a glance and line up the edges very accurately.

I frequently make my blocks oversized (I blame Eleanor Burns, but I like a margin of safety) so I always have to square up. I measure from the middle out -- if you look at Melanie's block above, I would make sure the center of the 4 patch is the same distance from each edge so I would mark not only the desired size but also the center of the block on the ruler (I use glow line tape) so I have what should be in the center exactly there.

I agree with everyone else - start your measuring on the center seam of your block and measure out half way to what is supposed to be the measurement of your block. Another thing to keep in mind - all rulers are not created equal! Use at least the same brand ruler for your squaring up as you do for constructing your blocks. Rarely do I need to 'square up' a block if I've done my measuring/cutting/sewing accurately all along the way. Honestly, that doesn't happen all that frequently! I might have to do some stretching/squishing along the way. The only units I always have to square up/trim are HST's because I can't be bothered to measure 7/8" inch! I always just cut the whole inch size and trim down using the center line on the unit and trim all 4 sides. And I use the same ruler that I've used during the process. It does make a difference. At least, in my opinion.

I also make my blocks over-sized so that I can then press, starch and then trim for accuracy. But you can't always do this on every block especially if there are triangles, otherwise you might lose your points. But like Boonie Hunter Celtic Solstice pattern, I would trim all the sub blocks before sewing them together to make a larger blocks.

Perfect instruction and very clear!

Yes, you need to trim blocks that have triangles, too. But you need to make sure your points are not being trimmed off when you do that. So you have to watch for each point as you position the ruler over the segment.

Hi there, I am going to post a tutorial for you and others with "squaring up" questions. Please look in the tutorials section on the home page.

Dunster is right--you need to square all the parts of a block before you put it all together--I find it very tedious to do, but when I get lazy about it, I can always tell because the blocks don't come together right. To do any squaring, I use the smallest ruler I can as it makes it easier.