Hello, I have just finished making 36 blocks for a quilt that I found the pattern for in a magazine. It is from Quilters World April 2009, the Blue Betty. The instructions say they are to be 12x12. I am uncertain how to square these up before putting them together. Do I take my 12x12 ruler and make them exactly 12x12 or do I add the 1/4 inch to each side making them 12 1/4 each side for the seam allowance. I am a fairly new quilter and I am also unsure how to "square" up. I have a square ruler, 12 1/2 x 12x 1/2. Do I just take a little off each side until the block measures 12X12? Thank you for any help you can give me.

Most blocks end with 1/2" for seam allowances.
I line my ruler up on the blocks, Look over the whole block and decide where to trim. You don't want to get too close to where there are points, you want to use one of horizontal and vertical lines on the ruler to match to your seams or evenly alongside, to make sure your block will be straight as well as square. You may find you trim more off of one side than the other... but it is best to trim a tiny bit all the way around if you can :D:D:D

You can't always just trim a bit off the sides. If there are points invovled, you have to leave the 1/4 inch seam allowances past the points or when you sew the blocks together all of your points vanish.

Sadly, I speak from experience on this issue. I have many flats where there should've been points.

Thank you, I will give it my best shot. I dont want to mess up my hard work in piecing all the squares and getting it to this part.

It if says 12" finished blocks, then the block should measure 12 1/2" square. It should state clearly in the instructions. Finished or unfinished dimensions are always given.

If your blocks are oversized or wonky/distorted, you can find a central line or point and trim all sides to even out the block and make it 12.5"

If the block is undersize, you can lightly moisten/starch it and lightly pull it to the correct size. Pin it to that size and let it dry. (That's called "blocking")

Under Specifications it says, Quilt Size 91X91 Block Size 12X12 Number of blocks 36
It does have a picture of a block and says under it Blue Betty 12X12 Block Make 36 Unfortunately it does not say finished block such and such.

My guess would be that the blocks are 12x12 finished, so the unfished size you would trim to would be 12 1/2 x 12 1/2 just like your ruler. Lay your ruler down over the top of your block and line it up so that the block is straight up/down and side/side. Then you would trim to the ruler dimensions. Sometimes you have to fudge a little if the block isn't big enough or if there are points along the edges. Can you post a picture of the block? That may help us help you.

Just found this on Quilter's World website. Is this what you are working on? If so, there are no points to worry about, so I would go with 12 1/2 square if you can.

Another thing to consider. Several times, I've ended up with blocks all close to the same size but smaller than the directions. Since this quilt has plain borders around it, if you happen to end up with your blocks only @ 12 inches, don't worry, they will all fit together and you'll just have to adjust your borders a little when you get to that point.

I may have this magazine at home, I'll take a look after work.

I just measured what it says the finished top to be, 91x91 and added in the demensions of the borders. I believe you are right, the unfinished block is 12 1/2. That is the only way to make it come out to the 91x91 size with the borders and making exception for their seam allowances as well.