If you sew straight, squaring up the blocks is a really great idea.

If you do not sew straight, it really won't matter too much.

That's how I see it, anyways.

I don't square them unless it is necessary to the pattern. Squaring blocks usually ends up with blunted points. If your blocks are within 1/4 inch of size, just fudge it when you are sewing and they come out just fine with SHARP points.

I no longer join swaps that recommend squaring off before mailing. I usually fudge when joining blocks, but I can't fix something that's off if it's cut off. Off it goes into the orphan bin.

Your blocks look wonderful. On these types of blocks, if your cutting and sewing are as accurate as can be, I would most likely ease them together to each other, as you have them placed. Squaring up, by trimming, could make them wonkier than you might want. Good luck.

I love Eleanor Burns patterns because she has you square up as you go so you end up with a perfect block. Fiting the different parts of a block togather with the right size makes a big difference especially if you are making stars.
You dont want to trim off points when a block comes out to large.
It dosnt matter for the quilt you are making but make sure you are consistant with cutting and seams so they lock even. The strip method does work the best.

honey.. It is wisest to square all your finished blocks.. be really careful how you do this.. you want each line to line up.. so .. spare best you can from inner square to edge of quilt block..

hard to piece so many squares.. have you cut all out ? can you try the strip method?

good luck.. this will be a wonderful quilt ! please keep us posted !!

Ell

Squared blocks are best in my opinion. That way your quilt is square when put together and it makes putting the borders on easier.

I was never one to square as I thought everything was the right size when it came to putting a project together. Not.
Then I made a quilt that had several bias edges to it. Because it was a special project, I wanted to take the extra steps to do a great job. I squared each block and the quilt went together so nicely, the seams matched, each row was the same length. So now I square the blocks.

I think it makes the total assembly go better if each component is the size and shape it's supposed to be.

If my big block has HST's in it - I tidy them up before going on

If my big block has a Diamond in a Square in it - I tidy that up before going on.

Usually, my units are pretty close to what I'm expecting them to be, but it's still worth my while to tidy them up.

It really does help. It also makes it much easier if you are putting on borders-the sides and ends will be more even.

Pat

Not unless I absolutely have to..I hate squaring! :thumbdown: