How to square up a quilt??

[Margo C.]

I tried folding it. But I'm not sure how to cut it so it comes out square. Jan

[Margo C.]

You can use two T squares. My husband, an all around handyman, made me a tool with 4 long metal rulers. You match the numbers of the rulers at the corners. My early quilts were not very square and I had to choose between making it square or making the borders look lopsided. My quilts are fairly square now ( I must measure better or sew better now) so I don't need to trim so much but I may start making my outer borders wider so I can trim to square when necessary. tuffystellar

[Margo C.]

Thank you. I still can't visualize how to use the T-square. I'm sure they must be available at Staples, or somewhere like that. Can you tell me how you do it. Thanks, Jan

[Margo C.]

You can use two T squares. My husband, an all around handyman, made me a tool with 4 long metal rulers. You match the numbers of the rulers at the corners. My early quilts were not very square and I had to choose between making it square or making the borders look lopsided. My quilts are fairly square now ( I must measure better or sew better now) so I don't need to trim so much but I may start making my outer borders wider so I can trim to square when necessary. tuffystellar

"You match the numbers of the rulers at the corners"? I am confused. Please explain. Thanks!
JoAnne

[Margo C.]

You would find a t square at a hardware store or an art supply store. Or you can use two long rulers. How big is the quilt your are squaring up? Are you going to put it on a bed or hang it up? It's more critical to be square if you are hanging it or entering it in a show. If you are going to put it on a bed fairly square is okay. No one will notice if it's off a little.
Think about how you square up your material before you cut it. That's how you square up your quilt before binding. If it is a small quilt and the same length on both sides, you can check to see if it is square by folding it in the middle both ways (vertical and horizontal )and diaganally. The opposite sides should touch and be even all around.
If it is a larger or rectangular quilt, you will have to use rulers. Take two rulers and make a 45 degree angle with them. Put the corner of your quilt into the 45 degree angle. You may need to add some rulers to make the vertical and horizontal lines longer. Your quilt should touch the lines of the rulers if it is square and fit nicely into that angle made by the rulers. Check the other sides of the quilt also. If it is off some, you can trim the borders to make it square or if only off by a little you could try blocking it. You would need to get it wet and then pull it into shape and let it dry (like blocking a sweater). I've never done this. I don't have a place where I could let it dry. I have trimmmed my borders and not trimmed them. It depends on how far away from square I am and how picky I feel at the time.

[Margo C.]

I am actually using four rulers when I square my quilt. It is just quicker to do and may be a little more accurate. I have really long rulers and when they form a square the numbers on the vetical rulers are the same and the numbers on the horizontal rulers are the same if the quilt is square. If my quilt is square, both vetrical sides will touch the same number and both horizontal sides will touch the same number. My four rulers form two t squares or two carpenter's squares. Hope that makes some sense. If you can get to a quilt shop they will be willing to help. It think people have different methods but this works for me.
Some people can use the lines on their floor formed by tile or wood slats or lines of the carpet.

[Margo C.]

When I square up my quilts I will, like all of you, use my rulers. I will not cut it to size, but mark it. And then, here is the BIG tips: After you have marked the sides and top/bottom edges MEASSURE the DIAGONALS from corner to corner (Upper right to lower left and upper left to lower right), if the meassurement is the same you have a square quilt :wink: .
It is important!! If you think about it, the sides in squares and rectangles can have the right massurement but it can be "twisted". So, MEASSURE YOUR DIAGONALS girls :lol:

[Margo C.]

I wish someone could do a video. I learn best by watching. Or, does anyone know a good video with squaring info on a large quilt. Sandi in FL

[Margo C.]

Ricky's Grand Finale DVD beautifully shows how to block and square up a quilt. It's my most favorite-est DVD ever!

[Paula D.]

Google "squaring up a quilt". There will be videos on youtube.