Would you trim?
 

In 2009 I participated in my one and only block swap.....all others have been fabric swaps. This is my last UFO! I assumed that the swap hostess had checked the measurement accuracy of everyone's blocks, so this week I sewed 4 blocks together resulting in (36) 12" blocks.

Tonight I went to square them up and discovered most are "short" by 1/8" in different areas, and none are oversized. :eek:

If it were you, would you go ahead and assemble them into a quilt with all their unevenness (I am keeping this one) or square them up to 11 3/4" or even 11 7/8? I don't mind trimming them and really like accuracy.

THX for your input!

If you prefer accuracy, I think you should trim/square them up---if you won't be cutting off points or other major design elements.

I would check my library for a copy of "Setting Solutions" by Sharyn Craig.
The whole book is dedicated to setting orphan blocks and blocks from swaps that are not exactly all the same size and/or color.

You can get also a used copy on amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157...6906198&sr=1-1

I would probably add sashing to get them to a consistent size before proceeding. Add 1"; 1.5"; 2" sashing and then trim to a consistent size. No one will notice the slivered bits on sashing but might on blocks if points are cut off, etc.

If the blocks are supposed to be 12 inches and are only 1/8 inch short in only one direction - you got a much better than average batch of blocks.

The 1/8 inch offness could be caused by different pressing techniques.

If it is only 1/8 inch short, you could block them to exact size, or simply ease/stretch them to sew them next to each other.

I am not a fan of fudging, but in this case, I would -if only 1/8 inch off in one direction on 12 inch blocks.

I would go with the sashing solution suggested above.

You can block them to correct size. I know one of the well know quilters posted how to do this. Maybe Sharon Shamburger? Goodle resize blocks & see if anything comes up! One of the reasons I stopped doing block swaps even tho they were a lot of fun! My OCD stressed too much! LOL

1/8 in. is not a lot. I would sew them matching the points. Once it is quilted you will not see it.

I would also go with the sashing idea. Cutting off points really bothers me.