Is there an easy answer to this?
 

I am very new to quilting and am trying to design my own quilt. I have found several blocks that I like but they are of different sizes. How to I know what size to cut if the directions are for a 12, 9, etc. block and I want a block that is much smaller? I bought a calculator to help me but it doesn't address this situation. Can anyone help me to understand the math involved?

You could graph it out and divide your graph by the finished size you want. Don't forget to add 1/2 inch to each piece for your seam allowances.

Check out Quilt.com as a reference for all kinds of blocks, all different sizes. If you are designing the block yourself, graph paper is a good way to go. Also think in terms of the number of units in the block. For instance, a 4 patch that finishes to 4 inches square needs 4 squares at 2.5 inches each. A 9 patch isn't going to be able to be easily divisible by even numbers, as there are 3 squares across. I think in terms of there being "even" blocks and "odd" blocks in terms of size, so there are 4, 6, 8, 10 12, etc and there are 3, 9, etc. A 12 in block is a nice size to work from because you can make it in either "even" numbered units or in "odd".

http://delawarequilts.com/HelpfulHints/index.html

Delaware quilts has a good math hints page.

Try this: www.victorianaquiltdesigns.com
scroll down to red lettered things under "free..."
click quilt calculator charts
scroll to Quilty Formulas and click on "request this free..."

They have several things there that are very valuable, I think. Good luck.

best way is to gradt the blocks out in the sizes you want then add seam aowance and make templates or use measurements for rotary cutting. Although is is difficult to give an informed answer without knowing what blocks you want to enarge or reduce.

I was going to suggest, if you post what particular block you are wanting to change the size on, many members might have a link to the size block you want or might offer to draft it in EQ for you.

graph paper--dont forget your 1/4 inch seams--also you can build up your smaller blocks with added stripos

Check out my recent post near the bottom of this page .... http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ml#post5701181 ..... for using graph paper to solve problems like this.

Jan in VA

I would resize them for you in EQ