Interpreting Directions: Block Size
#1
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Interpreting Directions: Block Size
When your pattern tells you "Finished Block: 13", is that the size before you sew into the quilt top or after the top is put together? A very simple and basic question which could go either way in my mind...
#4
I use the rule: "Finished means FINISHED!!" but I know that many pattern writers expect the user to somehow intuit when they mean block size (before being sewn into a quilt) and finished size (the final outcome after the blocks have been assembled).
#5
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In which case it IS rather ambiguous? From what you say, Ginger, it depends on the designer and how he or she writes the directions. That would lead me back to square one. Oh well... shrug.
#7
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Usually - with most "modern" quilt patterns -
"finished size" is 1/2 inch smaller in both directions than "unfinished size"
Example:
Finished size block: 12 x 12 inches
Unfinished size block: 12-1/2 x 12-1/2 inches
The 1/2 inch disappears into the 1/4 inch seam allowance on each side of the block.
Or - you can lay out your pieces - subtract the seam allowances - and check it out that way
"finished size" is 1/2 inch smaller in both directions than "unfinished size"
Example:
Finished size block: 12 x 12 inches
Unfinished size block: 12-1/2 x 12-1/2 inches
The 1/2 inch disappears into the 1/4 inch seam allowance on each side of the block.
Or - you can lay out your pieces - subtract the seam allowances - and check it out that way
#9
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Texas
Posts: 113
It makes sense and I definitely thought of it. I just also thought of it the other way. LOL. This pattern is in a Fons and Porter magazine from this summer or fall. I'm sure after what everyone has said they intend that to measure the blocks once put together. Thanks, all.
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