How to alter block size

CaroleJ · Post by **CaroleJ** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 6:53 am

Okay, I have found a block pattern for the fall block swap. Unfortunately, it's a 6-inch block and I need a 12 1/2 inch block. I have been sitting here trying to work out the math and I just know there has got to be an easier way, or a formula that will help. My brain is starting to go fuzzy with all the fractions dancing around in my head!

Anyone know of a relatively simple means of altering block sizes? Help!

Carole
who clearly has to do this the hard way...lol!

grammy65 · Post by **grammy65** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 10:25 am

If you want to make a copy of the block in a copy machine, you would blow it up 200%. I just bought the handy dandy little Proportional Scale, but I realize it isn't going to work for evrything.

You said a 6" block to 12-1/2" block. Was the 6" a "finished" size? I guess the 200% wouldn't really work if you are going from 6" to 12-1/2". I don't know if copy machines blow up in 10ths of an inch.

What type of a block is it? Can you break it up into segments?

Did any of this make sense?

CaroleJ · Post by **CaroleJ** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 1:25 pm

Thanks, Grammy! I got it worked out, but it took a while. I wound up enlarging one segment at a time, drawing diagrams my brain could comprehend. It's one thing to work the measurements out on paper, but when I have a diagram that I can SEE, that's what I need to "get it".

Still interested in knowing if there is a "magic bullet" for converting, though!

Carole

TheKid · Post by **TheKid** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 1:30 pm

have you ever gone to quilterscache.com and they have the conversions of hundreds of quilts. They do use scant 1/4 inch. So, beware on that part.

CindyB · Post by **CindyB** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 12:40 am

If you are going to take a 6" block to a 12" block, just double everything. That should work.

Evie · Post by **Evie** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 4:22 am

What block are you doing? I just bought something from the LQS and it has charts on how to make blocks different sizes. If this is a popular pattern, maybe I have it in this.

This thing is called Ladies' Art Company Block Tool.

Oasis · Post by **Oasis** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 4:44 am

The EQ5 EQ6 program will do this for you. You choose the size and it will print out exactly how many of each piece and the size to cut them. It has a lot of other nice features, but haven't quite gotten to all of them yet, but love the sizing feature.

Just remembered someone giving us the website of a table for enlarging/reducing scale for patterns. It says the same thing Grammy said, enlarge 200%.

http://www.thequiltedsnail.com/scale.html

CaroleJ · Post by **CaroleJ** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 4:09 pm

Evie, I started out using the Symmetry in Motion block from the WWQP website; I liked the way the bands of color seem to rotate around the center square. This morning, I was playing with the half-square triangle patches and shifting them around...and wound up with a block pattern I like even better! Have no idea what to call it, but the new design makes the fabric in the center "pop" more.

Carole

Evie · Post by **Evie** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 4:52 am

I can hardly wait to see it! What fun, coming up with a new unique design. Will you post a picture of it when you make a sample block?

HugANurse · Post by **HugANurse** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 3:08 am

You can lay it out on graph paper - I do that a lot to make sure I have the right size.

Bobbi

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