I Have A "Squaring Up" Question...

**dolphin** · 01-31-2005, 06:57 PM

I've started a new quilt. The blocks are supposed to be 10" blocks.

I cut exactly right and squared it up but when I went to check the finished size, it is 10 1/4" square.

I want to do this quilt right so should I cut off 1/8" off of each side? This is what I think I should do. Or should I leave it at 1/8" bigger?

Also, how come it came to that measurement when I cut exactly the right size and I sewed it using 1/4 " seam allowance?

Thanks,

Carolyn

**KatieInLa2** · 01-31-2005, 08:20 PM

Hi Carolyn!

How many blocks have you completed?

**frugalmel** · 01-31-2005, 10:40 PM

Originally posted by dolphin
, how come it came to that measurement when I cut exactly the right size and I sewed it using 1/4 " seam allowance?

Mabye because we are related somehow? lol. I have this trouble too. I forgot what CJ told me to do about it though. Hopefully she or one of our other ladies will be able to tell you. Its definitely frustrating.

**cozyquilter** · 01-31-2005, 10:46 PM

Are the finished blocks suppose to be 10" square?

If so, your lone block, still needs a quarter inch for the seam allowances on each side....so it should measure 10 1/2 inches square, to make a 10 inch finished block.

With your block 10 1/4, not 10 1/2.....It is easy sometime to "lose" 1/4 inch if not pressed flat. I love to press and make sure that I press as I go. You need to be careful not to over press, but I would give that a try.

I would also be curious how many blocks you have done, and what they measure.

I tend to square up each piece in the block as I go. If your finished blocks are suppose to be 10 inches, not 10 1/2...I would go another route....

Let us know....

**dolphin** · 02-01-2005, 11:27 AM

The finished block is supposed to be 10". The pattern allowed for the 1/4" seam allowance.

I think you have answered my problem. I think it's in the ironing process where I'm messing up. I just tried to sew 2 more together. I removed the pins as I sewed and the seams aren't meeting. I just realized I used the steam setting on my iron and pressed quickly so I probably distorted the pieces myself.

I'm doing the Irish Chain version where you have 4-2 1/2" square blocks in the corners, 4-2 1/2x 6 1/2" rectangles on the sides, and 1-6 1/2" square blocks in the center.

I'm going to try sewing over the pins (carefully) this morning and see if that makes they match up better. If not, I guess I will have to do some reverse sewing and shorten some pieces.

**homesteadmamma** · 02-02-2005, 10:29 AM

Carolyn, I have a couple tips for you I learnt from a master quilter yesterday. I'm running a bit late, but I'll post those later. I can't believe I didn't know them before BUT I know that it will make every block so much easier.