Octagon block and yet another9 patch question

[Chrissy1]

In the wonderful comfort quilt that I recieved for Terrie there is a large octagon shaped block with triangles that turn it into a square (you can tell I have not nearly learned the quilting language yet heheeh), I was wondering of anyone could help me out a bit with the piece sizes. I would truly love to help with comfort quilts and I know Lori could use some supplies. Also I am a bit confused on making a bigger nine patch. I want to come out with the 12 1/2 unfinished square that Lori needs. Do I start with 14" square and if I do when I get the two pieces sewn together, how wide do I cut the strips. Thanks

[jameswife2003]

I don't know about the 9 patch, but the other sounds like a snowball block. Does it look like this one?
http://www.quilterscache.com/S/Snowball ... Block.html

[Evie]

If you are making just a plain nine patch, the squares unfinished size is 4 1/2".

Remember when calculating, you always work with the finished size, then add on the seam allowance.

12" finished nine patch. 3 squares across. 12 divided by 3 = 4
So that means that each square's finished size is 4 inches. Add seam allowance of 1/4 inch makes each square's unfinished size as 4 1/2".

another example: (9")
9" finished nine patch. 3 squares across. 9 divided by 3 = 3
So that means that each square's finished size is 3 inches. Add seam allowance of 1/4 inch makes each square's unfinished size as 3 1/2".

Someone asked me a while back why adding 1/4" makes it 1/2" larger.

Here's a good visual.
Take a sheet of paper and draw a 4 inch square. Now, using a ruler. Draw a line 1/4" around the block (outside the block). Now measure the block across from the lines you just drew. It will measure 4 1/2" across. The first square drawn represents the seam line. The second square (outer lines) represents the raw edges.

I hope this helps clear it up some

If you have a particular nine patch block in mind and need help figuring out how to resize it, just let us know. Someone will have the measurements.

[Evie]

If you are using the strip method to make a 12" finished nine patch,
each strip needs to be 4 1/2" wide.

[auntjana]

Evie gave the best advice in calculating block sizes. Using a piece of graph paper with 1/4 inch grid - you can draft out any size block - I use colored pencils to color in the block pieces so I can see them better.

It won't be long until your are bi-lingual - that is fluent in quilt.

Jana

[Chrissy1]

YEAH!!!!! Thank you all so much for the measurements and the advice. I think I am gonna be good to go. Thanks again