quiltingbuddy

I know some people that almost never square up blocks and others that meticulously square up every block & section etc. I usually make my block slightly bigger then trim down to size so as not to lose fabric in the process or they seem to sometimes come out too small.

I wonder what the overall consensus is on this?

GingerK

It very much depends on the pattern. At the moment, I am making a project with HSTs that are 12, 8 and 4 inches. I realized very quickly, that I had to square everything up TWICE just to be sure that they all fit together properly.

I always try out a block with scrap fabric and measure to see if it comes out to the dimensions that are specified in the pattern. Saves time all around. But normally, if it is just a simple 4, 9 or 12 patch, I would not bother. I trust my sewing ability. If it is HST or QST then I always cut slightly larger and trim to size.

Terri D.

It depends on the block. Some, like square-in-a-square or half square triangles, I make oversized and then trim. Generally, however, I think that if you are accurate in your cutting and piecing, there should not be a need to square up.

Candace

I always square up after finishing the block.

juneayerza

I square up each block as I go. Then I square up sections as I join blocks togeter. Then I square up additional sections as they are added. By the time the top is done, only small adjustments have to be made. One problem than can occur is when you press your blocks, if you iron instead of pressing, you can distort your block out of square (This happens a lot with bias pieces).

francie yuhas

I square up as often as it takes to get pieces to fit together. I just make blocks from necktie fabrics...even with mega starch,they were a nightmare.

NJ Quilter

I'm very much like GingerK...depends on the pattern. The more intricate the block, the more I tend to square up each piece/section as I go along. I like to think I'm accurate in both my cutting and sewing but then I look at some of my finished blocks and ask myself 'how did this get like THIS'?

QuiltnNan

it depends on the block... if it usually comes out to the right size, i don't check to see if they need squaring up. i try to make my dear jane blocks oversized as they almost never turn out the right size.

Jeanne S

Depends upon the pattern for me too, but most of the time I only square up when the block is finished.

toverly

I square up each section then I seldom have to square up the final block. But then, my cutting table is lots of tiny slivers. I always make the components larger. It helps keep my points and 1/4 inch seams. I usually don't worry about final size as long as the seams are correct.