Oh, that's different. When I have a square that is too big then I measure each subset to see where I'm off. You can easily resew that seam to come out correctly. Sometimes it just takes a thread witdth on each seam to get to the desired size. I actually go back and take out the wrong seam once the correct one has been sewn.

I would NOT trim the outside to start because you do not want to lose your points.

Once again, thanks for all the advice and insights. The name of the block is 'Providence." Believe me, I want this to be fun. That's why I asked for help before getting all upset about it. That's where you guys come in and keep me sane and on track. Thanks a million. Connie D

Your block looks perfect - your points are pointy, and the seam intersections are where they should be.

Did you wash your fabrics before cutting them? Some fabrics shrink when they are pressed with steam.

Sometimes I unintentionally stretch some of the pieces while pressing them and one direction will be a bit longer than the other direction.

Wow! I would be so happy with that block, all those points matching up so well. Did our grandmothers all use scant 1/4 in and all the things we fuss about now? I guess my expectations are going to be high on the Love and thought meter.and lower on the perfection meter. But I do strive for improvement. LOL

Can't help you but just wanted to say how nice your block is. Things will work out, sometimes it takes a little "fudging" !!!

Are you sure you are that far off? Just looking at your block I see that you have the requisite 1/4" seam allowance left on all 4 sides...good! And that the squares all seem to be lining up as they ought to at their seam intersections.

Take your ruler and check that all the squares that are finished on all sides are really square. You may have cut one line a bit big, but until you check your finished units, you will not know which are "off". If none are off, then you probably just pressed the block out of shape by accident.

Also check the back of your work...do all the seam allowances appear to be equal and 1/4"? Ones too thick or thin will jump out at you (particularly if you chose to press the seams open).

I Agree with Stichripper. Never new a lot of this but it totally makes sense why the blocks would be off. Since I want to start making harder blocks I will keep this information in mind when I start. Thanks for posting this question, Beth

Your block looks wonderful! As already stated the points match, and you still have 1/4" on each side of the block for seams allowances. I think if you square your block up carefully, the top of the block will have a sliver to cut off in the center without cutting off points. It will probably be enough to make the block square enough. If you start taking out seams, it can stretch your fabric and you could have more problems! It seems like you have enough info. now to thoroughly confuse you! I hope not. Enjoy the process!

I have done some swaps with 12.5 inch finished blocks and it has been a struggle to make sure they are 12.5. I have adjusted my needle position for a scant 1/4th inch and still sometimes it still doesn't quite make it. I had not considered different weight fabrics. Interesting. Very few of the blocks I have receive in the swaps are 12.5 either.

When you say you were careful with your seam allowance, did you butt your fabric right up to the bar on your 1/4" foot ( if you used one). I wish manufacturers would explain when they sell this particular foot that it is the full 1/4" and that the buyer would need to make adjustments for the scant 1/4". After all aren't these specialized feet for quilters? You are very smart to try the block on scrap fabric but I'd love to play in your scraps if the fabrics are as pretty as these. When we sew there is a little take up on the underside fabric, hence we put any longer piece on the under side to take up that bit extra. Applies to garment sewing as well as quilting. Sewing alternate rows in the opposite direction help too. Try measuring each strip before you sew it to the next. Easier to adjust on each strip than the whole quilt.
Take your sample to LQS next visit and ask the people there for their advice. You also have quite a lot of biased edges and they can stretch so easily.
Check all these things but promise me one thing, "that you won't give in" ever. I don't think you have too much to worry about as your block looks pretty good to me. Happy quilting.

PS. Forgot to say that the word fudging is important too. I won't fudge over 1/8" though. This is where it pays to put longer piece on the underside.