GailG

I'm not very good at the math, but it seems to me that if you have already cut the blocks 5 inches square, the finished block would be 4 1/8 (or I would trim them down to 4"). Then you could cut the focal block 4". That would give you smaller blocks than intended, but you would have rescued the fabric. You can always use borders or sashing to make the quilt to the size you would have wanted it to be.

Jim's Gem

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!!
Sounds like you have gotten some help!

Big_Chief

Hi Fran,

Sorry for the delay. Got caught up with "life" and couldn't get back right away. Sure you know what I mean!

Anyway, I am working from a pattern in a book called Fat Quarter Quilts by M'Liss Rae Hawley. It was published in 1999. The quilt itself is mostly "free-form" placement of the blocks, which is why it's named, "Mystery Sampler."

There are instructions for ocean waves, four patch, double four patch, nine patch, triple rail and plain squares. Each square, minus the plain ones, incorporates a background material which brings the finished project together.

Once these are all cut and sewn together, you choose how you want them to be placed and sewn together to make a truly one-of-a-kind quilt.

Each finished square is supposed to be 4-1/2 inches.

I was thinking of cutting my goofed up triangles in half again, to make 4 triangles, then taking some of the background material and sewing it into an "X" between the 4 triangles.

The match for this is kicking my butt, though! Can you help?
Boy! I would really appreciate that!

sewcrafty

The X would work. But I don't think I would cut the triangles again until after you sew 2 triangles to the background fabric and then square it up. If I'm visualizing what you're talking about it'll be triangle, rectangle background fabric, then triangle to form a larger triangle. You would need 2 of these with a long rectangle piece between the 2 and then all 3 sewen together.

Lori L

Wow.......I'm already confused! This is why I don't like patterns that ask you to sew a 1/4" to each side of the cutting line. I'm of the thought....why not just make your square and cut in half??? Way to much math for me, it makes my head hurt. LOL good luck with your quilt! I bet whatever method you come up with to fix your cutting mistake will be perfect and never be noticed!

Big_Chief

I'm with you, Lori, on that "cut the square in half, and we're done" idea! All that 'add 3/8" stuff if you're going to cut the square into two triangles just doesn't add up for me mathematically' even though someone here tried to explain it." (It must be a quilting professional thing!)

So, here's my plan. Cut one side of the "x" to this size: 1/4" + 1/4" + 3/8". Cut the upper and lower part of the other side of the "x" 1/4" + 1/4" + 3/8". I'll figure out the length of these three pieces later. My head is already swimming in numbers...

Of course, I'll have to consult a local Cal State mathematics professor for the true width and length of the insert material strips...

If all else fails, I'll cut the stupid "X" 3/4" wide and then cut down the finished square to 5". Sure sounds a lot easier to me!

However, I do appreciate your vote of confidence! I think the "X" thing might work if I'm really careful. I'll try it and let you know if/how it works out! Maybe I'll upload a photo of the finished quilt - but only if it comes out right! Ha! Ha!

Thanks to all for your advice and assistance! Great forum!!!!!

franie

I was kind of confused and needed something more visual.