Brain fog,,,need measurement help

[Caroline1947]

I want to make a simple 9 patch,(3 across 3 down) and have it turn out to 8.5 inches.What size do I cut my squares?

[gmaann]

That's a tough one, Caroline! If you cut them 3", the unfinished block will be 8", and if you cut them 3 1/4", the unfinished block will be 8 3/4". And if you cut them 3 1/8", the unfinished block will only be 8 3/8"

Unless you want to get down to cutting them in 16th of an inch sizes (how could you DO that?), I think you'll have to cut some squares a different size. For instance, you could cut the middle of the row squares 3", and the outside ones 3 1/4", and then your unfinished block would measure 8 1/2". The funished block would be 8".

Man, this sounds confusing to me - and you should see the paper with all the figures on it!!

[Caroline1947]

Yikes! Ill just go up to a 9!!! Or down to an eight! LOL!! Thanks!

[ranchlife4me]

Caroline,
Does it have to be 8.5? It might be easier to go a little larger of a block divided into thirds or a little smaller. Hard to reduce 2.83 into fraction. If you go 3 3/8 it would make your block 8.625 or 8 5/8" PLEASE CHECK MY WORK as sometimes I too have a brain fog days gotta be hormones!!!!!!!!!!LOL
I am sorry if this is wrong 'cause now I am totally racking my brain!
Gayle

[sewbug]

According to EQ, if you want a finished 8 1/2 inch nine patch block the squares are to be cut 3 3/8 inches. An unfinished 8 1/2 inch nine patch block the squares are to be cut 3 1/8 inches.

I love EQ!

[MAWmum]

I think I have to buy the EQ6 just so I don't have to do math!

[Susie]

I cannot do math. I try and I try and I try. Everything must be in half or whole numbers. I guess I can do quarter of an inch too but when you get into 3/8ths or stuff like that my eyes glaze over and my head spins. Good luck.
Susie

[lorettav]

If you cut your squares 3" and sew a 1/4" seam you will have an 8-1/2" block

[CaroleJ]

I always have to draw out a mock-up on graph paper Not math minded at all...