PurplePassion

I am trying to make a border of half square triangles for a quilt. The size of the quilt is 86 1/2" long and
74 1/2" wide. I need the measurement to cut the squares so they end up evenly along the edges. I want finished squares no larger than 3 1/4". I hope I explained this right. I keep trying to figure different sizes and end up with an odd measurement. Thank you for your help.

katier825

If the 1/2" each direction of your measurements is seam allowance, the only number that will come up evenly is 2" (cut 2-1/2" w/ 1/4" seams). If you wanted them larger, you'd have to add a border...more math would be necessary to figure that out.

Arleners

I was going to say the same thing. You need a small border between the quilt top and the 1/2 square triangle border. Decide what size you want the 1/2 square triangle to be. Divide the width and length by this number. If you get an odd number, round up to the next whole number to determine the number of squares you need. Cut the small adjustment border so the quilt top will be equal to the border strips. I know that's as clear as mud, but it is the best I can describe.

Hope that helps

deemail

I agree with katier and arleners but the simplest way to do this is measure quilt side.... i.e., 86.5.... and 3" fin sq..... 86.5/3 = 29 + just for the side, no corners allowed yet. so you need one more for each corner overlap...now 31... NOW make your life easy...add 1... 31 x 3" = 94" :Width = 74.5/3 =25 (corners are already accounted for, but you still have to add the extra 1.... 26 = 78"

Now sew these into the open square they will make... it will be 31 Three " squares x 26 three " squares and will measure 94 x 78... lay flat, put quilt in center....measure the space between quilt and squares and add 2 seams and that will be the cut width of your inner border... when piecing borders, make them first and then put in the filler border... make this filler match your quilt background and your entire center will appear to float...

yngldy

Why not just make the size block you want and put a strip of fabric between each of the blocks in the border strip. That way you can adjust the size of the strips to make it fit.