Ok, I have a problem I need clarifide as I am seeing two different definitions.

What is a block when refer to in quilting?

Here is my problem. One I see it as the whole quilt top the other as a square in a quilt top. Which is right me very confussed.

Thanks

Block usually refers to the seperate part of the makings of the quilt.....4 blocks down by 3 blocks across. That would make the entire top of the quilt. Not block as in referring to the top.
Confused? Clear as mud?

I was told squares are sewn together to make a block and blocks are sewn together to make a quilt top. Maybe I'm right who knows.

I was also told....there are no stupid questions. We will never learn if we don't ask.

My blocks are what are sewn together to make the quilt. And remember, there are no stupid questions. We all ask questions here.

Tamara,

Don't be afraid to ask us anything. None of us was born a quilter. The term block or blocking is also used in other crafts. It refers to making sure the finished product is square. Many, not all, quilts are made up of squares or other shapes formed into squares that are then sewn together until they are the size desired. Before the quilt sandwhich of top, batting and backing is put together we again try and square up the top by careful pressing and a little trimming if necessary. Fabric has a tendency to stretch especially if some of the edges end up on the bias. Bias means that the fabric was cut on the diagnol. If you have ever used a sewing pattern it is marked with big arrows that tell how to lay the fabric out so that bias does not interfere with the proper hang of the garmet.

Hi Tamara! You can look under the Block of the Month category on the Home Page, to see some very good examples - and try your hand at making some too! You can make the blocks, then sew them all together and have a really nice quilt top!
And worth repeating - they are no stupid questions! I have learned an unbelievable amount of things from the truly wonderful people on this board!
So keep on asking! :D :D

Wow, you all are great. I think I found my understanding problem. When I read the about quitling.com page on blocks I misunderstood what they were talking about the units in a block. So from reading that and them talking about the patchs of 4,7,5,9 and so on I thought they meant blocks, which lead to my confusion when looking at some quilts. When I was looking at 9 BLOCK quilts I was seeing 16 pathc patterns blocks and there was my confussion. I just reread that article again and got it straight, plus you all cleared it up more.

What I need is a good tech book that shows these break downs and explains them real clear. Any suggestions there?

Hey, one I can answer :D :D :D :D
A block is part of your quilt. Sew BLOCKS together to form a quilt
Hopefully I made sense :oops: :roll:

Tamara, just remember - we all started out where you are (except that I was as dumb as a post!)

Try this site for explanations of different quilting terms; different people refer to things differently, but this is a good place to start!

http://www.equilters.com/library/tip.../glossary.html