I have a few patterns mostly paper piecing, some regular piecing that are 5" unfinished ...4 1/2" finished. I would like to make these 12 1/2" unfinished...12" finished. I have a chart but it does not have 1/2" sizes. Can anyone tell me how much to enlarge this to make it 12 1/2" unfinished? Thanks!!

Post the small block so we know what you are working on.

I have dial up internet and it takes about 25 minutes to post one picture, so I never get to post pictures, sorry.

Lord, I know about the dial up. UGH! Do you know the block name? Got any idea where we could see it?

Do you need exactly 12.5? If not, you might simply take the pattern to a copy machine and enlarge about 250%

This was sent to me last week when I asked a similar question, though mine was a much simpler pattern . http://posterazor.sourceforge.net/

can you find a picture of it on the net, and give us a link to it?

Work with finished block sizes, then add the 1/4" seam allowance.

(New block size) divided by (current block size) times 100 = % to enlarge

12" divided by 4.5" times 100 = 266.66666666 or 267%

Are these Dear Jane blocks?

The paper pieced ones are easier.

You can blown them up, as suggested up thread, by 260%.
If you use extra big pieces on all the positions that hit the outer edges, you will able to trim down the block to 12.5" finished, without compromising the inner design.

As for the regular pieced blocks, you want to make sure that the underlying grid layout is the same.

For instance, if you have a 4.5" FINISHED 9-patch block, then each FINISHED unit its 1.5".
In a 12" FINISHED, version, that's easily enlarged to 4" FINISHED units.
Easy to cut and piece.

You don't want to end up having to deal with cutting pieces that measure 3-7/16".

So that's why the block names would be helpful.

Of course, you could use the same method as for the pp blocks.
Enlarge them, and either oversize the outer pieces, or put a little border around to get them to size so they match the other blocks.

I ALSO have dial up. You just need to change the size to no bigger than 9" on the longest side. Someone on the board may know where there is something for you to use. I have Photo Deluxe 4.0 which allows me to scan, prep the picture for e-mail and change the size. I had to download 7 pictures to PatriceJ each in a separate email with each taking about 2 minutes. Nice to know I am NOT the only person on a budget !!! MTS has the right answer so GOOD LUCK with your project!! :lol:

http://www.thequiltedsnail.com/scale.html
for copier use.

Thanks so much for all your advice. The blocks are the midget blocks from sentimental stitches. Some of the little blocks I would love to make into 12 1/2" blocks. I've always wanted to do the dear jane or farmer's wife quilts. I have both the books, but I have to have patterns to go by. The midget blocks are 4 1/2" blocks just like dear jane but with patterns that I can follow. So I'm going to get started on making this quilt. Thanks again everyone I appreciate your help.

there's 187 4 1/2" blocks in this quilt. It's an antique sampler made in the 1930's. A lot of the blocks are paper pieced, which I love to do. The first 50 had expired off of the website but you can purchase them on there, the others are all still free to download, if anyone is interested in making this quilt just wanted to let you know about it. I can't wait to get started on it.

Here's a link to the quilt:
http://sentimentalstitches.net/free-...midget-blocks/

I hadn't heard of this one (but then I've been hiding from my DJ blocks for years ;-) ).
The last thing I need is another project to feel guilty about.

That said, Gay of Sentimental Stitches has written detailed instructions for each block.
A set of blocks is available for free for a certain time period, then retired and only available by purchase.
Seems very fair.
http://sentimentalstitches.myshopify...-1930s-sampler

Thanks for mentioning it.
It's nice to know what's out there.

WIth my paper piece patterns I just increased the size on my copy machine until I got the size I wanted.

I enlarge my patterns on my printer. Or...you could take it to kinkos & let them do it.

I'm missing something. What has a poster got to do with enlarging a quilt block?

12.5 unfinished divided by 5 UNFINISHED is 250%

Re-read the OP.
4.5" FINISHED
12.5" UNFINISHED, 12" FINISHED

You don't do the reductions and enlargements based on the UNFINISHED size.

You guys who can't enlarge on your own, need to copy this chart and keep it handy!

http://www.thequiltedsnail.com/scale.html is a great resource for enlarging using a copy machine

Try this

To enlarge: Size you want = 12" and Current size = 4"
12/4=3 (answer times 100 = 300%)
To reduce: Size you want = 7" and Current size = 12"
7/12=.58 (answer times 100 = 58%)

I now have a copy of this posted right beside my machine. I just wasn't sure about the 1/2" size or which to go by finished or unfinished. MTS answered that question for me as well, the finished size. Thanks everyone.

Take your pattern piece(s) to your copy store. They have a conversion chart that will tell you what percentage to copy it at. Either copy your pieces at the store, or just make one copy anduse it to make others at home. Hope this works for you; I do it all the time.

Gee, Another one to tackle, now I guess I will have to purchase the first 50 blocks. What a great website you linked us to MTS!!!!:)

I'd take the pattern to a copy place since there's a big difference in the enlargement. If its an easy pattern and you just need to enlarge it a little you can use graph paprer.

Copy shop will have the percentages.

You can use your own printer ( it gives you the directions) to make a four page pattern that you can tape together.
But be aware distortion can happen. Make two at 90* difference, and compare the measurements by putting one
over the top of the other, taping them to a window, and seeing if they match. If they don't ( worst case ) put on another piece of paper and draw the lines that fit the 12.5 block. It sounds much harder than it really is.

SO...SO...SO...SO...INTERESTING !! Thanks for this.

Staples will do blk. & wht. for.29 each & colored For .35 each.I have them do 1 copy go home scan it & make as many as I need.Wrong price look below.

Staples will do blk. & wht. for.20 each & colored For .35 each.I have them do 1 copy go home scan it & make as many as I need.

Thank you so much for provided that chart. I have saved it for future reference.

When you enlarge your pattern, double check to make sure all your pieces will work together, BEFORE you make a complete set. I paid $11.00 to do mine and found they were not true...it was a waste of fabric as well as money.

my tool says from a 4 1/2 to a 12 enlarge by 270% on printer. they have a wheel that you just line up the beginning size to finished size to enlarge or reduce. i got mine at hobby lobby and love it as my math is not my strong point. not expensive and one of my best tool buys. or did i mis understand your question?

I copied this from the Internet about enlarging.

Concerning making pictures or patterns larger and then printing them easily. I often need to do this. For example, when recreating a picture in appliqué using my Repliqué technique, an enlargement of a photograph is needed to make the pattern. Another instance where this is necessary is when I draft Mariner’s Compass patterns using my paper folding techniques. Sometimes I draft them the size of a sheet of paper and then need to make them bigger (for descriptions of both of these techniques, scroll down to the Architectural Repliqué and Mariner’s Compass Simplified descriptions on my website athttp://www.chrisquilts.net/lectures_and_workshops.htm). You can probably think of instances in your quilt life when this would be helpful too.
In the past I’ve enlarged pictures at my local print shop; and I’ve made patterns bigger with the help of an overhead projector. Since the enlargements cost money and the overhead has to be used while I’m at work, neither is a particularly convenient option.
A while back I read an article in The Quilt Life magazine which recommended doing these enlargements using Microsoft Excel, along with a home computer and printer. It really works, so I just have to share! Here’s the step by steps:
1. Open Microsoft Excel
2. In the File Menu select Page Set Up; select Margins; set footer and header to “O” and set the margins to .5 on all 4 sides; select “OK“
3. In the View Menu select Zoom; change the magnification to 25%; select “OK“
4. In the Insert Menu select Picture; select From File and then find the drawing or picture you want to enlarge from your computer, click on it and then select Insert
5. Your picture/drawing will now be in the upper left corner of the Excel document. Click on it and then place your cursor on the bottom right corner square; click and drag your picture/drawing to the desired size. Each rectangle in the Excel program represents an 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheet of paper and when you press “print” it does …… and all the sheets fit together!
If you’re printing a photo onto printer fabric, the margins we left will provide enough space around each portion for seam allowance.
If you’re printing a drawing or pattern, the margins can be overlapped when the parts are taped together.
I hope this is helpful. If it seemed a bit confusing, open Excel and give it a whirl. You may be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is!

Try placing your pattern on your copier to enlarge it. You will probably get the majority of the pattern and then just add the extra 1 1/2 inches when you cut it out.

Thank you to everyone who provided links and hints on enlarging patterns. I have them in my DLS/Q notebook (Dirty Little Secrets of Quilting).

Hi! I am unable to get the link to work, is anyone else having that problem?

Worked fine for me.
And it's a nifty little FREE software program.
I was going to go to Kinko's to blow up something but I'm going to use this instead.

This doesn't really answer your question but I looked at the sentimental stitches quilt. You could go to your library and find books about quilt patterns, choose the ones you like and make your own original sampler quilt. All our libraries have copy machines so you wouldn't have to check out stacks of books, just copy the patterns there. The only thing to watch out for is any distortion of the pattern when copied--make sure they're on the square. This would save a lot of drafting time.

PosteRazor is a free software that will enlarge it for you, save it as a pdf and then you can print it out and tape the tiled pieces together. Works beautifully and is free... free is always good.