I'm working on a Disap. 9 patch and have a few blocks that are off about an eighth and a couple about a quarter of an inch. Do I have to square all of them, or are the ones an eighth short okay.

Just checking.

I would square them. An 1/8 here, and an 1/8 there, pretty soon it's tough to make it up.

Sharon Schamber has some free videos on ways that you can square and true blocks, which might be helpful here:

http://sharonschambernetwork.com/Classes.aspx

Yup, I would square them too. I like to starch and iron well before squaring them up.

Watch your seam width too. Remember to stitch at a scant 1/4" to allow for the fold over.
Once I learned that I had less trouble with my blocks being off 1/8 to 1/4 inch

Thanks, I've watched the video a few times and just got my first one pinned down. Do I starch & iron before pinning or after? . :shock:

I started one a year ago and had the same problem with the original blocks being a little off. It created a mess for me because I ignored that they were off and went ahead and cut the blocks. When I went to put them back together, I ended up bagging up the whole thing out of frustration because the blocks didn't measure right when I started the rows.

My advice would be to make sure they are all squared to the same size.

I've started a new one, made sure the blocks were squared, and it's coming together beautifully and I'm NOT frustrated. Making an I Spy, also.

Thank you for the link to Sharon Schamber, that was so interesting.

Square as you go or it comes back to haunt you.

I would square them all and 1/8 each block can add up to an inch off in no time

Used to be when I squared something off, I just gave it a whack, as long as the corners were square, it was ok, right? NO!!!! it is not ok!We pay for ALL of those little lines on the ruler, so use them. Make sure you line up the ruler down the middle of your block, both ways, then square it all off! Your quilts will thank you.

I only use starch/water if I need to block them to the right size. I wouldn't use starch/water if I am cutting them down. :D:D:D

Thanks everyone, blocks are squaring up nicely. :thumbup:

remember an 1/8" doesn't seem like much to worry about but 8 seams later you are a whole inch off! those little 1/8's add up quick if you aren't careful, then you are scratching your head trying to figure out how this could be an inch off?!? so, square them up as you go...

Learned this, I did!!!! :D

These ladies are giving you very wise council.
There was another post awhile back that included 'square' each square as we go or regret that we didn't.
I didn't know it was so critical and wanted to sidestep all that work but I wanted to learn from all these talented people too. I started making it an automatic part of my process and it is amazing how much different my (looks like it is square) square looks after it goes under my June Taylor Shape cut and rotary cutter.
Squaring each square has changed how I feel about my work.
Many thanks to each of you who emphasized how important it is.

LOL! i have been there, done that!

with the block you are working with,
it is so much easier to square it up,or down..lol
measure all your blocks..first.

Only when you want the blocks to turn out nicely.

Thanks AtHomeSewing for the square and true block video..That is something that is really good to know...Thanks again for sharing..

Thank You for this site!!!! Great videos!

Sometimes when I cannot get my blocks squared because of half square triangles on the outside center, I have made a new block. But when for some reason (using more than 1 sewing machine or a different foot) I have put a border around the block and squared the border. This way I can keep my sharp points. It makes the blocks bigger but I don't have to throw them away anymore.

thank you for the site. God bless. Penny