Please "do the math" for me!
 

Having trouble doing the math for the attached. The unfinished block is 12 1/2" I wanted to cut my HSTs a bit bigger and trim. My problem (now they're all sewn nicely together) is that the "basket" is too big!! Wondering how big each HST or even the diag column should be. Do you know?? The pattern calls for 4 1/4" sqrs cut into 4 for HSTs. I tried a scrap using 4 1/2" sqrs but when I assemble it all, it's way too wide!! Help!!

From the diagram, can you tell me how big the unfinished HSTs should be? (The "3's" at the top mean 3" divisions for finished block.)

Thank you so much, friends![ATTACH=CONFIG]303104[/ATTACH]

the only question here is did you trim the HSTs before sewing together...if not....that is the problem...take apart and trim to the correct size and then sew back together...be sure to press before trimming.....if you did trim, then your seams are off.... and you need to correct your 1/4" seam...

the correct way to square up is BEFORE you sew the squares together...

Thanks Dee, I absolutely did! And that is why I want to know how big they ought to be, I know I trimmed them too big. T

if the pattern says cut 4 1/4" and cut into 4- and you cut yours at 4 1/2 that is part of the problem---try the measurements they give you= and trim as you go-
do a 1/4" seam test to make sure your 1/4" seams are accurate- cut 3---1 1/2" x 6" strips- sew them together- and measure the center strip should measure exactly 1"-the whole piece should measure 3 1/2"x6"-- if it does not you should adjust your seam-either wider-or narrower and try again-

This is exactly why I don't like the idea of trimming blocks. I REALLY don't want to sound like the quilt police, but if you measure accurately and sew your 1/4" accurately, you won't need to trim. I've just never figured out why anyone would cut bigger to cut it off and waste fabric and time. Plus, as you know, you run the risk of distorting the original design of the block. Just my opinion of course, but I've never understood the concept.