How can I turn a 12" block into a 12 1/2" block? What measurements do I use?

thanks, chris

What block are you wanting to make?

you may be able to find it in 12 1/2, which block is it?

Are you sure you need to change it? A 12 1/2 inch block is the unfinished measurement. 12 inches is the measurement after it's sewn in to a quilt.

in addition to asking what block are you going to make, my suggestion is that you clarify whether you really need to change the block size by only a half inch. It almost sounds like the block you need is to finish at 12 inches, which means it would be a total of 12 1/2 inches unfinished...or before you stitch it to surrounding blocks.

I've never seen a requirement for a block finished to 12 1/2 inches...however, 12 inches finished is a common size. Does your pattern clarify finished size vs. unfinished size?

If you've made a block that's supposed to be 12 1/2" and yours came out 12" more than likely it has a lot of angle seams. Here's how you can fix it:

1. You can take it apart and sew it back together with
a "scant" 1/4" seam. or.....

2. You can trim all your blocks to that size. or......

3. You can trim it down a little more to 11 1/2" and
add a 1" border all around it.

If it's a pattern, make a sample one out of scraps and see if it doesn't come out to 12 1/2". Chances are it's saying 12" because that's the finished (in quilt) size.

Hope this helps

I did a block called "Hearth and Home" and that block finishes at 12 1/2". I had made it for my Star Sampler then it was too big. It's an uncommon size but they're out there.

Depending on how many pieces there are to the block, you may be able to increase your seam allowance by one thread and come out at 12" :D:D:D

I'm interested in knowing what block you're using.

??????