Annie Pearl

I am making a throw that has 4 patch blocks with borders on each block. The 4 patch center will be 6.5 inches and after the borders are on they will be 12.5 inches. Should I square up the 4 patch center first and then again after I add the borders or just square them up once the borders are added?

Billi

I would square off each 4 patch first then add the borders the double check the square on that.

No matter how careful I am somehow things get wonky when I sew them together.

GrammaNan

I have learned that if I square everything at every stage of quilting my quilt is nearly square when I bind it. I have only had to trim a little bit of my last two quilts doing this.

oh munner

Did anyone hear Maryanne Fons and daughter talking about squaring up their blocks a week or so ago on one of their shows? Apparently, they don't. I was REALLY surprised...... who knew?

dakotamaid

I really think it is a personal decision. I can eyeball a block and tell if it needs squaring up. When I begin putting blocks together and go "oh no", that is the time to go back and do some checking!! My quilts come out pretty good, at least that is what my LAmer tells me!

nativetexan

make a couple from scratch and square up last and see how that goes. it shouldn't be difficult to get the four patch the correct size but if you encounter any difficulty, then switch to squaring up the four patch and the whole block when made. Have fun!!

liese

I always square up as I go along. It makes me happier knowing possible imperfections in cutting and sewing are fixed.

minstrel

I'm a "square up as I go" kinda girl too. Saves me frustration down the line. If I find my block is off, I can figure out the problem before I have a whole quilt's worth of blocks.

NJ Quilter

Same here. I find it less frustrating down the line if I square as I go. If you decide to square up your 4 patches, remember to use your seam lines as your measuring point - not the block in general. You may need to only trim one or two sides and your 4 patches, thus your entire quilt, will have a more even appearance.

Craftnut

I square as I go too. Be sure you are cutting your four-patch borders and applying just like you would borders on a whole quilt. Measure well, cut to the right length and sew.