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Squaring a block

Stuck on a block, confused about directions, or have an incredible tip? Try this forum if you're looking for help or guides to improve your quilting techniques.
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JudyWoo
Posts: 1181
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 5:20 pm

Squaring a block

Post by JudyWoo » Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:39 am

I am piecing a quilt that is made with blocks made of four triangles ... and blocks that are put together with squares and rectangles.

The directions say to "square each block to 9 inches" and I can't figure out how to do it accurately so the seams all come together when the quilt starts to take form. I have a 6-1/2" squaring-up ruler, but it's too small for this.

I know I've done this before, but for some reason I can't wrap my brain around it this time and I'm at a loss. I should probably just order the 9-1/2" Square Up Ruler from QIAD. Right?

Judy
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mamaw
Posts: 885
Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2007 3:47 am

Re: Squaring a block

Post by mamaw » Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:20 pm

Hi Judy, You will really like that 9 1/2" ruler; I have it and it is great. You will find that there will be quite a few rulers that you want or need the more you quilt. Lots of times, a sampler quilt or BOM quilt will have 12" finished blocks so you may want to consider getting the 12 1/2 also.
Happy Quilting,
Nancy
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mamaw
Posts: 885
Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2007 3:47 am

Re: Squaring a block

Post by mamaw » Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:22 pm

If you do get the ruler....place the center of the ruler over the center point on your block and trim off what is left on the outside edges. If you google "squaring up a quilt block" you may find a video that will help also.
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JudyWoo
Posts: 1181
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 5:20 pm

Re: Squaring a block

Post by JudyWoo » Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:41 pm

Thanks Nancy! I use the QIAD 6-1/2" square-up ruler all the time and love it ... so I just ordered the 12-1/2" to make sure I get these blocks right the first time. I don't want to take a chance on trying another method ... and would rather wait for the no-fail ruler. :)

Judy
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gardenquilter
Posts: 10054
Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:55 am

Re: Squaring a block

Post by gardenquilter » Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:19 pm

i have a 12.5 that i love it is wonderful
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lorettav
Posts: 17844
Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 9:57 am

Re: Squaring a block

Post by lorettav » Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:54 pm

Judy I don't have the ruler so I measure each side. If it is supposed to be 9" and it is 9-1/2" I divide 4 into 9 and that is how much I trim off on each side. This probably is not the right way to do it so I think I will get the rulers and make it a little easier and probably more accurate. I haven't had any problem with the seams matching so far. Before I cut it off I make sure my pieces on the ends measure the same as the others on the inside.

Loretta
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quilterbee
Posts: 5493
Joined: Wed Jan 24, 2007 6:06 am

Re: Squaring a block

Post by quilterbee » Wed Mar 19, 2008 5:46 pm

Put the 4.5" line down the center of the block and cut, spi, cut, spin. That's will be 9". HTHs, Amie :o)
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JudyWoo
Posts: 1181
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 5:20 pm

Re: Squaring a block

Post by JudyWoo » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:53 pm

Thanks quilterbee for that hint!

You have ALL been a real help with this and I really appreciate it.

Judy
:)
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sewbug
Posts: 3973
Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 6:07 pm

Re: Squaring a block

Post by sewbug » Fri Mar 21, 2008 5:00 am

I use the Block Marker ruler. It's the best I've used to square up blocks.
http://www.nancysnotions.com/NNVia/viaI ... KER%20TOOL
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