Linda Toon

This may be a simple question but how do you "square a block/quilt"? I've read that you need to square your quilt but I've never been able find out how to do it. If you cut a block to make it square then it become a smaller size and will not fit correctly. Thanks for your help.

deemail

what you square up and trim off is the extra stuff that stretches or that you take down to the smallest size in the stack so that they all match... what counts is that they match, not that they are a particular size...

you do it by putting a square up ruler (square with a diagonal line) on top of a block, line up from corner to corner or on top of a diagonal seam. when lined up, you trim off anything outside the edge of the ruler...then it will be flat and square and will sew to the next block perfectly.

Peckish

I just did a google search "how to square up a quilt"...

here's a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPlo79fz6P0

http://www.quiltuniversity.com/squaring_up.htm (scroll down for the quilt part)

another video http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-sq...inding-232714/

http://quiltersreview.com/index.php/...fectly-square/

http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/techni...p-quilt_1.html

That should give you a start.

ghostrider

Here's some great info, complete with pictures and a video, on squaring up blocks and quilts from Quilt University's library.
http://www.quiltuniversity.com/squaring_up.htm



eta: oops, too late

judy363905

Linda, I am not sure that I can explain in writing... but example.. if you are make a 9 patch block using 3-1/2 squares if your 1/4 seam is a little off you would have in excess of 9-1/2 block when you finish you would line up your sewing lines and trim the excess making sure all side are even and squares are at a 45 degree angle.. each side row would need to measure 3-1/4 inch from sewn line and the center block sould be 3 inch square....... not so good an explanation - wish I could show you...I am sure you will receive more replys

Judy in Phx, AZ

Tartan

As you make your blocks, you should try to sew a consistant 1/4 inch seam throughout. If you have succeeded, than your block should come out the size indicated on the pattern. If it is over a little you can sometimes use a large rotary square ruler and rotary cutter to trim off the extra. I said sometimes because you have to careful that all your points are still going to be 1/4 inch from the edge (seam allowance)and that the design is still centered. If all your blocks are square than your quilt top should be square.
If your top is already sewn together and is out of square than it's a different process. If you have large borders than you can trim a little off without it being too noticeable. I like to wait until my quilt is quilted before trimming the edge. This is my preference, many do it differently and you'll have to discover what you like to do.