I know I am making this way harder than it is but I am new and can't seem to get it right. I just finished my first quilt for a grandaughter arriving in April. That was easy. Just a nine patch square. I am trying to do a Bear Paw sample Patch. I cut all my squares 2 7/8". When I cut them to make the half triangle square they do not match the solid center square. Does anyone have a pattern for this block? Or explain what I am doing wrong. I am tempted to try hourglass or something easier but really like the Bear Paw design. Thanks for all your help and advice. I couldn't do it without you!!!!

first, measure your finished HSTs (Half-Square Triangles).

are they all the same size?
are they all the correct size?

(hint: if they're all the same size you might be able to redifine "correct". ;-) )

which turns out too small? the strips of HST or the solid square?

if the square is too big, and the strips are all the same length, trim the square to size.

if the square is too small, the strips are the same, and you have enough fabric, cut new squares to match the strips.

if the square is too small, blah blah blah, and you don't have enough fabric to cut new squares, consider cutting the squares into quarters, sew them back together, and then add narrow strips to 2 sides of each square so you can trim them back to match the strips of HST.

or, you could take apart the strips and remake the strips using either a wider or narrower seam to get the length you need. as long as all your seams are the same width, the adjustment will work.

Thank you so much for your reply. I am off to my "design studio". I feel better already!!

How is your seam allowance?
Are you dottering while sewing and not getting a precise seam?
No one is gonna scream if you don't make the block and try something a little easier...
Kirsten

my seam is 1/4". Gonna try the advice PatriceJ gave me. I have so many blocks that I would like to do but don't have enough experience yet. Someday :)

You always have such great info.

I like to make my HSTs bigger and then trim them to the proper size later, I could never get them precise the first time, and I saw this tip online somewhere and thought it fit my inability to size HSTs correctly perfectly!! I think I saw the tip on Quiltville actually! :) Good luck on fixing what you have already made though, sounds like you got some great tips!

Rachel

There are many methods to make HST. I try to never cut triangles. I will use Thangles, or cut squares and sew diagonally in the middle then cut. This is supposed to be fun so I don'tdo things that frustrate me.

Can we see a picture of your 9-patch baby quilt?

I gave up trying to sew them perfectly. I cut my squares a full inch large, cut then trim so they are all the same size. So much easier for me.