Arleners

I have a quilt pattern that calls for a divided rectangle 4" by 8". I used to have great instructions and I can't find them anymore. You can easily cut them with the Tri rec ruler, but this one is bigger than the ruler. Is there anyone out there who knows how to do it the old fashioned way, before we had all the rulers?

mom-6

I've never used one of the fancy rulers...yet...

Couldn't you just cut the rectangles a little bigger (enough to make up for the seam allowance) then cut in half diagonally?

Don't you just love my precise measurements in the description above??? LOL!

pocoellie

I've got the instructions, but I'll have to get back to you in a little while, got to do the dishes.

texas granny

I love the block I agree with mom 6 just cut 4 1/2 by 8 1/2
Put the 2 pieces facing each other draw a line across the block and sew 1/4 on each side of the line..

Mariposa

You need to draw out size of rectangle needed, then add 1/4" seam allowance lines. Notice that the middle of the rectangle is not "in the middle of the seam allowances. The line is off just a bit. Makes a huge difference.
Margaret Miller has books on rectangles. One is called AnglePlay. Great book! Deals with lots of rectangular patterns. Hope this helps!

pocoellie

According to the book 1000 Great Blocks, she says to cut the rectangles 1/2" larger than the finished size.

bearisgray

Theoretically, the formula is:

Short width: finished size plus 5/8 "
Long width: finished size plus 1-1/4"

I would add 1/8" to both measurements, and trim if necessary.

I would cut the rectangles 4-3/4 inches x 9-3/8 inches

quilterella

Fons and Porter magazine had this demonstrated a little while back. Try their website, they may have a tutorial on it. The article was in the March/April issue of their magazine.

willferg

Thank you so much for doing the work on this! I've tried many times to figure out the size of the rectangle before cutting and knew it wasn't just add a half inch. I'm keeping this for future reference!

Laurie

bearisgray

I've found it to be very helpful to mark the seam intersections and match them up when working with triangles.