So I have read some stuff about how to do this, including using a carpenter square which I have, but I am not sure how to go about doing it. I have some pieced blocks and some that are appliqued and I intentionally did the appliques bigger than needed - so how do I square it up and have the applique be centered? I don't know if I am making sense - I am very new to quilting and am not sure on a lot but you all are so very helpful. Thanks in advance.

If you have a square ruler the size you want the block to be, it's easiest. The rulers have the center marked, so you put the center on the center of your applique, line up the diagonals and cut around the ruler.

using a larger ruler you line up the 45 degree line from one corner to the other. then trim the side and top and turn your block, line up again and trim the other edges to size.
http://www.quiltuniversity.com/squaring_up.htm
http://www.youcanmakethis.com/blog/5...right-way.html

Square up rulers are an awesome investment. I have a 6 1/2" and a 12 1/2". You would center the applique in which ever size portion of the ruler you are using, cut around two sides and then move the ruler, center and cut the last two sides.

I have a larger squaring ruler which I use most of the time. Like everyone already stated, squaring is not as easy as lining up one side and whacking off what hangs over.

In the beginning, I marked my size on the ruler with small pieces of painter's tape so I would not line up the wrong measuring line.

A lot depends on the block. If there are any points that need to match up with something else, you want to make sure to line up 1/4" away from the points and square to those. The trick is doing this along all 4 sides.

Don't worry - it all comes easier with practice and the carpenter's saying "measure twice - cut once" applies here too.

For pieced blocks, it isn't always possible to trim for evenness. In that case you can "block" the block with starch. Blocking can stretch a too-small block and can also shrink a too-large block. Sharon Schamber has some good Youtube videos that show how to do both.

I have several different sizes of quilting squares to use in squaring up but sometimes they can get quite expensive. On one of the threads someone said that they have theirs cut from plexiglass at Menards and or Lowes. They don't have markings on them but they're a lot cheaper. A 16 1/2" square quilting ruler can run about $35. You can always make the smaller blocks bigger by adding a narrow border. It can make the blocks stand out--like framing a picture--and can really add interest to your quilts. Experiment and find what suits you best.

You mention a carpenter's square. Is this the tool you intend to use to square your blocks?

You have gotten several good answers, there's not much I can add to it.Getting your blocks square is so important to a successful quilt. I hope after watching the videos, all your questions are answered. If not, you know where we are.
Welcome to the wonderful world of quilting and this board.

Ditter

It is worth every penny to buy the square rulers to square up your blocks. The diagnonal line is the key to a perfectly squared block. But as others have cautioned,Don't press your block out of square to begin with, or you will have a mess of your design.

I was hoping to as I had seen some talk about using them in some of the searching on the topic. While square rulers would be nice and convenient I am sure, I can not afford to buy them right now. So I am hoping to figure out how to do it with out them.

The carpenter's square is sometimes used to square up a QUILT because it is rather long and can cover a large part of the quilt "around the corner." I cannot imagine using such an unwieldly tool for squaring up a block. The regular see-through ruler allows you to see all sides of the block and where each seamline falls. The carpenter square only gives you visibility on two sides.

I need to buy a bigger ruler then.

Thank you for clearing that up. I will see what I can do with what I have.

Please spend the money to get at least a 12 1/2" square ruler, one longer ruler and a couple of small ones.
You will be so much happier with your end results. I had never had a 3 1/2" square until recently and I love it for squaring up HSTs. Square as you go and you'll have beautiful results.

Thanks for the advice on buying the ruler - I can't do that right now not funds for it. I was hoping to figure out how folks use to square up without them. I have a nice long ruler. I read somewhere that I could use wax paper. Maybe I will have to keep surfing the web. Thanks for your help, now I know what to add to the list of desires!

Be sure when you square up you don't cut off the 1/4" you need so any points won't be whacked off. I use this square up ruler a lot:

http://tinyurl.com/ygwoq97

There is a video demo of how to use it that's very informative about squaring up blocks.

Thank you! I have been using my ruler incorrectly. Your message made it much easier.

I'm so indebted to the members of this board. Every day I learn something new.

Totally agree with amma! These tools are the best! I use mine constantly.

I just got some of these rulers, what a difference they make.
My blocks have never looked so good.
You should get yourself some when they are on sale.