Need Help with squaring up blocks

[Lilo B.]

Hi All,

Can someone provide some tips for squaring up blocks. I know I did this before and it seemed oh so simple but.. my mind is drawing a blank. I have all kinds of "squares." My blocks need to be 8" and I have an 8.5" square... I just can't figure it out, LOL!!! I guess I need to go buy an 8" square??? But, seems to me I did this before. Thanks in advance for any help offered. :?

[Terry K.]

Hi Jessimina--
You might not need to "square up" your block if it measures 8.5 inches now and you need it to measure 8 inches finished. Once you sew the 1/4 inch seam on each side of the block, that 8.5 inch block will finish to 8 inches.

If you need to square a block, lay your ruler over the block and determine the center measurement. (An 8.5 block center measurement would be 4.25 inches.) Be careful to use both the horizontal and vertical lines on your square ruler to keep the whole block as square as possible. Also, try not to cut off any points.
Then trim any excess. You may find that you can trim two sides at a time.

Elenore Burns may have some tips for squaring up blocks. Terry

[Terry K.]

Hi Terry,

I'm sorry, I should have explained better. I am working with a block that has four triangles in it, but it only calls for two fabrics. They are placed together finished sides facing, sewn together diagonally, cut down the center and that block needs to be squared up to 8.5", then the two 8.5" blocks are sewn together diagonally, cut in half and that's the block that needs to be 8". When I am done it's as if I've sewn four triangles together to make a square. I think I've kind of figured it out.. what makes things worse is... it's flannel and is stretching a bit so each square is measuring slightly different. Oh well, good practice I guess, LOL!!! Thanks for your help. I wish there was a video somewhere, I learn by seeing vs. reading!

[Terry K.]

Hi Jessimina,

Here are some good explanations:

http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltin...wap_blocks.htm

http://www.quiltuniversity.com/squaring_up.htm

I couldn't find any videos. Good luck!

JoAnne in so. California

[Terry K.]

I'll try to send you a written description to your e-mail but the previous web link looks like a great resource. TQS is just the best! Terry

[Margo C.]

Jessimina, you might also try a light spray of fabric starch to help stabilize the flannel. Just be careful when you press it that you don't do more stretching!

[Margo C.]

I just wanted to thank all who responded to my call for help. Things are a bit clearer now and my project is moving along. Thanks for all the emails Terry - they were a great help. I really do appreciate all the input.