Pennyhal

Welcome to the Forum! I don't square the completed quilt up. I'm just quilting for my own pleasure and not entering a quilt in any show. However, over time I've been working on making my blocks square and the right size to begin with. As a result, over the years my quilts are quite square, probably not show perfect square, but to my satisfaction.

117becca

i try to cut and sew accurately so there is no need to trim down. My only exception to that thought is when i make half-square triangles. Easier to make them a bit oversize and trim down.

Jennifer23

If the block has a feature that has to be centred, then I square up on all four sides. For example, in a nine patch, I want the centre square to be right in the middle, so that usually means squaring up all four sides.

With a half-square triangle, on the other hand, you only have to trim two sides, as long as you keep the diagonal running corner-to-corner.

I love this! When I was in high school, I studied sitting on the living room floor. I always knew I had forgotten a piece of paper there because the cat would sit on it... it seems to be the feline response to novelty in their environment.

ShirlR

Welcome from Oregon! You will enjoy this blog. It's my favorite; so many wonderful people here who share ideas and expertise so willingly.

quilterpurpledog

All four sides after measuring and marking from the center.

Rennie

Me, too. And MaryJo47, welcome from North Carolina.

TeresaA

Yes, I definitely trim all 4 sides. It would be nice if our blocks were perfect, but most of us aren't soooo ;-).

Welcome and have fun.

gmcsewer

I usually use a square ruler, 4 inch or 6 1/2 inch. Put the 45 degree mark diagonally on the corners. This seems make them come out square. I do have a 12 1/2 inch ruler to use for the blocks and I do press and stretch some on my June Tailor pressing board.

MadQuilter

I check the block to see if one side has more overage than others and take that into consideration. Most of the time I square up all four sides. A lot depends too if you have HSTs (points) along the edges because you don't want to lose your points.

greaterexp

Welcome from Southern Oregon! Looks like you have been given a lot of great advice already!