70
CHAPTER PIECING QUILT BLOCKS
Fix Block Problems
The most common problem with a block is that it ends up the wrong size. To avoid this, always mea-
sure block units as you piece them. It may seem tedious, but it will save you a great deal of frustration.
If a unit is the wrong size, unsew the seam and check that each component of the unit is cut to the
right size, and then recut if needed. If the components are cut correctly, mark the sewing line on both
units and resew them.
If pieces are just a little too small, you don’t need to recut. Instead, use a smaller seam allowance so
the unit ends up the right size when sewn. If pieces are too large, trim them to size, or resew with a
slightly larger seam allowance.
Another common block problem is related to the layout. For example, you might have sewn two half-
square triangles so they point the wrong way. The only way to fix this is to unsew the units and resew
them. Laying out your block pieces before and during block construction can help prevent this com-
mon mistake.
Remove the thread holding the seam.
Flip the unit over and gently pull out the bobbin thread. Do
not pull on the pieces because you might stretch them out
of shape. Brush o the remaining threads to clean the seam.
Press both components flat.
21
If you sew the wrong pieces together, unsew them.
Unsew (rip out) a seam by picking out every third stitch
using a sharp-tipped seam ripper.
71
FIX BLOCK PROBLEMS
Mark units to aid in accurately reconstructing a block.
If a unit’s measurements are slightly o, mark the exact seam
you need to sew in order for it to end up the right size. Mea-
sure the unit from the edge opposite the seam, and mark the
seam line at the finished size, plus
1
⁄
4
inch (.6 cm). If the unit is
sewn on one side, mark the seam line using the finished size.
Trim units if they are too large.
If a unit is too big, you might be able to trim it to the right
size. For example, if your half-square triangle is too large,
trim it to size by laying the ruler’s 45-degree mark on the
HST’s diagonal, measuring from one edge, and cutting the
opposite side.
4
5
Measure the separate units before resewing them.
Check each unit of the block for size before sewing them
back together, and trim or recut as needed. Remember that
unsewn units are
1
⁄
2
inch (1.3 cm) larger than the finished
size, and units sewn on one side are
1
⁄
4
inch (.6 cm) larger
than the finished size.
3
It may not be worth the time and trou-
ble to fix all your blocks so they are
the same size. In this case, measure
your blocks and find a size that most
will fit, within
1
⁄
8
inch (3 mm). Blocks
larger than that magic size you can
trim from the center out to make fit.
Blocks that are way too small you will
need to unsew and fix.
Measure from the
opposite edge
45-degree
line
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