Awww! Thanks!! 😊🥰 I taught in-person quilting classes to large groups of quilters for years, so I have the benefit of learning from all of them as well as my own experiences. Having them come to me to help solve their challenges absolutely made me a better teacher! 🥰
I'm so glad it was helpful! I used to teach "Block of the Month" classes at my Local Quilt Shop. By month 12, people had improved their skills, so their first blocks were much less accurate than the last ones. One of my goals in teaching is to help people feel successful. And ripping out a block made 10 months ago or buying new fabric to remake it does not make me feel more successful, so I didn't want to suggest that to my students! So, I researched an figured out ways to make those early blocks work. 🥰
I agree wholeheartedly that this is the best video presenting how to square up blocks and strategies to fix sizing problems. I struggle with blocks with skimpy seam allowances and freak out about what to do. This video gives me three new or enhanced options to try. I am thrilled to try these new techniques. Well Done!
I just "discovered" you - thank you for your tips on squaring up! I've never used the "find your middle" before. I can't wait to do this! Looking forward to watching more of your videos!
I would love to have one of those rulers. They are worth it, but I am unemployed right now, and son had an accident, so i am caring for his recovery. So money isn’t available. I have quilted for 20 years now, and it is my passion, when i can afford fabric. Glad i found Carolina you tubes. Love viewing them all.
Welcome! Glad to have you here! Yes, a lot of the quilting tools out there are expensive. But, luckily, most of them are more "want to have" than "need to have." You can do most quilting with basic tools. ❤️
Oh my goodness! I just knew there had to be a way to correct a block of you have issues. I have been so concerned about not having enough fabric to remake blocks. I’m such a newbie and I so appreciate someone showing me an alternative to just remaking blocks. Also I love that you showed the different rulers and how to use them. I have every ruler size and still wasn’t confident I was using them correctly. Thanks so much for thinking outside the box, and making this video. I’m a new subscriber now!!
Yay! Welcome! And I'm glad the video was helpful. I used to teach year-long Block of the Month programs at a local quilt shop. Over the course of a year, so many of the quilters improved their skills, so their blocks at the end were more accurate than the ones at the beginning. It makes no sense to chop off the points on the accurate blocks so that the older, inaccurate blocks fit! So I taught different ways to work with the blocks that didn't include remaking the first 3-6 months of blocks. That is the basis for this video. It is so fun that through the magic of RUclips I can share it beyond a single classroom at my local quilt shop. 🥰
THANK YOU! 💗 your last tip was exactly what I was looking for! I’m working with 12.5” blocks that have many pieces. No matter how hard I’ve worked to be gentle with biases & perfect seam allowances, they come up just a fraction shy of 12.5” in spots. Grrrrr. I would also love to find a tutorial that addresses that issue too. But this will work great for the already finished blocks. Much better than dis-assembling to try and re-assemble. Thank you again 💕
I'm so glad it was helpful! For blocks that come out perfect, most people focus on the 1/4" seam and precision cutting. And those are absolutely important. But when you combine those with the *secret sauce* you'll have so much better accuracy, especially with bias. And that secret sauce is starch. I have a video here where I show my starching method. It is super inexpensive, and works SO WELL. ❤
I will now use a walking foot for piecing I made 7 quilts years ago. I used the walking foot for quilting and unsure about piecing. With the walking foot on my blocks were much improved. Also just had my machine serviced for a tension issue which possibly contributed. And I have heard people say that sewing slower helps the seam allowance be straighter so more accurate.
Some people prefer piecing with a walking foot. I don't, but the people who do really love it. If it works for you and gets you great results, then I think it is awesome! 🥰
THANK YOU!! I have inherited numerous quilt blocks from my mother's quilting days - and am trying to make quilts with varying size blocks. Your very straight forward methods - especially love the framing the small ones to make them the correct size. Always so much better to see the actions of how to do this. You have saved me much anxiety over these projects with these vintage squares.
Thank you so much!!! You are a complete lifesaver! I just made 65 log cabin blocks that are all wonky and don't line up! I will never use that technique again to make log cabin blocks, I was getting scared I had to throw away all the blocks. Thank you a million times over!!
Excellent helpful video! I loved your freezer paper method too! I am working on my first Kaleidescope quilt and of course, all of my blocks came out just a little bit off to a good 1/2" off mostly on the too small side! Your explanation of squaring up blocks using your center was also very helpful too. Never thought of it that way. Thanks so much!!!
This was my first time to see your video on squaring up blocks. I never knew how to fix blocks the didn't quite meet the required block size after squaring them up. I have always just done them over and over until I got the correct size. This has been a game changer for me. I will be subscribing and watching your videos.
Oh yikes!! I had a friend who was sewing at my house cut her finger tip off several years ago. She was using a rotary blade that was dull, so she was pressing too hard, lost control, and ... oops! I was the one who taped her finger tip back on until she could go to the doctor. 🥴 Not an experience I'm eager to repeat.
Awesome video! I’ve watched several videos on squaring up quilt blocks and this is the best I’ve found. Your instructions are easy to follow and I can see what you’re doing (Good camera shots). I appreciate you shared several different methods and used different tools. I look forward to watching some of your other videos. Thanks for all your tips.
This was so helpful! I have several blocks that are going into a quilt that do not fit properly. I just learned about coping strips at my quilting guild this week and having you demonstrate really put it all together for me. Thanks a bunch!
The spot on dot is pretty new. It came out right before Covid lockdowns, and so was never presented to shops at QuiltMarket. Also, Shop Hops haven't been a thing because of Covid ... which is a bummer because they are perfect for shop demos!
I JUST found you today and thank goodness!! This is the best, by far, video I have found for squaring up. I never thought to add borders to trim down a short block. how perfect! I have binge watched your videos and am now a new subscriber. I am not new to quilting but have found all the vieos I have watched helpful. Thank for ALL that you do.
I did it out of necessity! I taught Block of the Month classes at my local quilt shop, and I had so many students frustrated that over the course of 12 months of quilting, their 1/4" seam allowance got more accurate, and so their blocks were different sizes! I always want my students to feel successful! 🥰 And now I get to share what I learned with everyone. Super fun!
These were great tips I wish I hD seen earlier! I recently tried squaring up 4 patch blocks and i think made everything worse. I added some sashing and sewed together strips of blocks. (Trying to put the 4 patches on point with sashing between rows also) Im no good at math and measuring isnt a strong point either.
I'm having trouble needing to square a unit to 3 and 5/16 - with a square of fabric in the center (ie. no easy way to tell where the center is). Evil pattern - lol! The completed block is 4.5", but this unit needing to be 3 and 5/16" is killing me. I haven't seen a quilting ruler that has 16ths of an inch.
I'm new to quilting but not sewing (55 years), I also do machine embroidery but I want to start doing lap quilts. my question is, I get the finding the middle with the blocks you just did do to there is a intersection of fabric in the middle, but how do you square up a plain block? do you have to fold the fabric in half and then in half again to find the middle?
They are called the Spot on Dot, and you can buy them at many local quilt shops. If you don't have a local quilt shop, there are some places online that have them - I know The Fat Quarter Shop does.
My first time watching you and you actually hit on my latest quilting problem. Squaring up !!! Ugh !!! I have been using Jack the Ripper for days now as my supposedly square blocks did NOT line up with the stripping in between the blocks. Am I the only one that has this problem? Every time I try sashing it goes wrong! 😳 I have subscribed to your channel and hope you can so me what I'm doing wrong . Thanks, I've enjoyed this tutorial very much.♥️
I'm so glad it was helpful! Yes, getting those sashing strips right can be tricky... I should do a video on it! I don't have time today, but here are the steps, let me know if it helps: 1. Cut the small sashing strips to the size of your blocks. Sew one to each block to make rows.press towards rhe sashing strips. 2. Measure the length of the rows. Take the average. This is how long your long sashing strips should be. Cut to length. You'll need as many strips as you have rows, plus one (because you'll want to add this sashing to the top and bottom of the rows). 3. Stitch a long sashing strip to the top of each block. You'll have one left over. Press towards rhe sashing. 4. Using a chalk or water solube pen (not a heat-removable pen), make lines on the long sashing strips. These lines are going to be extensions of the seam lines from the short sashing strips. Let me explain that in a second way to make sure it makes sense: each vertical seam line between the block and short sashing strip, draw an extension of that line across the long sashing strip. You should have a bunch of lines across.the long sashing strips. Pin together 2 rows. You'll be sewing the other side of the long sashing strip to the un-sashed side of the next row. Match up the lines on the sashing strips to the seams on the row, and put a pin in each. This will ease the two together, so your blocks make pretty columns when the quilt is put together. Sew all the rows in this way. Press towards the sashing. 5. Now measure the length of both sides. Take the average. This is the size to cut your long sashing strips for the sides. Pin and stitch. 6. Add more borders as needed. Quilt as desired. Bind. Enjoy!! I hope that helps! 🥰
@@CarolinaMoore OMG! How timely I found this video and your response to sashing. Making my first quilt and it has sashing. Also, wish I had found this sooner as some of my blocks were a bit shy of the needed size. I just adjusted my seam allowance, but your techniques would have been better. I call this my "practice" quilt so a lot of learning going into it. (And yes lots of time with 'Jack the Ripper'). One question though, I found my blocks did not come out right with using a triangle ruler (with slots to cut off dog ears) to square up a HST. Have you used this? What are your thoughts?
Hi! I'm so glad it was helpful. The triangle ruler will work best on starched fabric. The reason is because, as you saw in this video, squaring up is usually the last step. But with a triangle ruler, we are squaring up and then pressing open. This last step of pressing can pull the block out of square. Starching will help. Especially on bias edges (edges cut diagonally across the fabric, rather than in the same direction as the woven threads). Another thing that can help is a pressing mat that has a grid printed on it. That will allow you to keep an eye on how square your block is while pressing.
I use a couple different rulers in this video. The first one is the Creative Grids Quick Trim Ruler. The second one is a 12.5" square ruler. The last one is the Stripology Squared Mini (it comes in larger sizes as well). Hope that helps!
I always recommend that folks check with their local quilt shop first. If you don't have a local shop, or they don't carry/special order what you need, let me know which items, and I can send you a link. 🥰
Great question! For non-square sizes, I like to mark the size on my ruler with glow-line tape first. From there, the rest of the process is really similar.
Most rulers are solid, so you can't cut in the middle. This is a special ruler called the Stripology ruler. It has slits in it that allow you to make the parallel cuts.
This is a great video, love the oops tricks. But what if your block has a solid center, like a square in a square, especially a diamond in a square. I am struggling with the diamond to trim and not lose my points.
The only thing i can think of is to mark the center before sewing it so you have a landmark once it’s pieces. Finger press fold to find the middle and mark with a Frixion pen.
I actually invented it! It is now available at quilt shops worldwide. And I sell them in my online shop: carolinamoorepatterns.com/collections/notions/products/spot-on-dot-magnifying-lens-set
It is called the "Spot on Dot" and you can find them at quilt shops. I also sell them in my shop here: carolinamoorepatterns.com/collections/notions/products/spot-on-dot-magnifying-lens-set
This mat is actually one from Cricut. I'm not sure if they make them anymore? I liked the neutral color for my videos ... my everyday mat is bright pink! 😆
It holds the fabric in place to prevent shifting, and identifies where the 1/4" seam allowance is on blocks that don't have a full 1/4" seam allowance.
A rectangular block would be squared up very similar to a square block. The biggest difference is that instead of looking at any diagonal lines on the ruler, you'll be looking at where the vertical center of the block is when trimming the vertical sides, and the horizontal center when trimming the horizontal sides. Hopefully that makes sense.
I have a question, I have some twelve and a half (8) I got in a quilt block exchange there are points on some of the blocks that will be cut off when I make them into a quilt. Any suggestions for how to make them look good??
That is hard! If there is enough seam allowance to make a sturdy seam, you can add a border on all of them, and then cut them to 14.5". The border may end up wonky, but if you make it look intentional it will just add charm. Otherwise, you can try to unpick those seams and re-sew them so that you're not cutting off points...
Great question! I start by figuring out the middle, and the sides, and marking those on my ruler. So, for 9.5x11.5 the middle would be at 4.75 and 5.75. I then line it up under my ruler, and double-check the seam allowances before cutting. If I'm nervous, I'll mark it with a water soluble quilting pen instead of cutting so I can double-check everything before cutting into the fabric. Hope that helps! 🥰
I hear you. Not all of these solutions will work for every project. Adding coping strips will work for some quilts, but will destroy the illusion in a quilt with a secondary design. I have another video on starching fabrics. Starching fabric can help a lot with accuracy. It can take practice to get to a point where your blocks end up the right size every time.
Hmmm... I am pretty big on rotary cutter safety. I didn't go back and watch the whole video, but I did watch the first block again. You can hear an audible "click" each time just before I put down the rotary cutter, and a "click" right after I pick it back up again. That is the safety shield being engaged and disengaged. And when the rotary cutter is laying on the mat, you can see the switch has been pushed up, meaning that the safety shield is in place. Different brands of rotary cutters can look very different. This one it can be hard to see that safety shield over the top edge of the blade ... but it is there. ❤ I have been quilting for over 25 years. And haven't needed stitches for all but that first quilt. I learned my lesson early... 😆
Yes ... the Stripology rulers are *not* cheap. Generally I try to share rulers that are less than $25. Sometimes there are rulers that are a touch above that, because I've done a lot of ruler demos! Quilting is already an expensive hobby - fabric and sewing machines and all the things add up. So, I try to be budget conscious when I share new things. But also, I want to share the cool tools that you might want to play with (even if you have to save up for them).
I agree! This is a great wishlist item or splurge item. You never know who might want to treat you to a fabulous quilting tool! I put a Sashiko machine on my Christmas wish list one year not at all thinking I'd actually get one ... and my husband surprised me with it!
I never thought to measure the quilt block from the middle to the edge when squaring up. Thanks so much for how to fix the “oops” blocks as well.
So glad it was helpful! 🥰
WOW! I agree. I took quilting classes, but nobody talked about how to fix blocks that come out a little too small! You're a genius!
Awww! Thanks!! 😊🥰
I taught in-person quilting classes to large groups of quilters for years, so I have the benefit of learning from all of them as well as my own experiences. Having them come to me to help solve their challenges absolutely made me a better teacher! 🥰
That was the best and most clearly presented video on squaring up blocks and fixing sizing issues that I have ever seen! Thanks and kudos to you!
I'm so glad it was helpful! I used to teach "Block of the Month" classes at my Local Quilt Shop. By month 12, people had improved their skills, so their first blocks were much less accurate than the last ones. One of my goals in teaching is to help people feel successful. And ripping out a block made 10 months ago or buying new fabric to remake it does not make me feel more successful, so I didn't want to suggest that to my students! So, I researched an figured out ways to make those early blocks work. 🥰
I agree 💯 on this being the best video on squaring up blocks. Now to get my seam allowance down pat.
I agree wholeheartedly that this is the best video presenting how to square up blocks and strategies to fix sizing problems. I struggle with blocks with skimpy seam allowances and freak out about what to do. This video gives me three new or enhanced options to try. I am thrilled to try these new techniques. Well Done!
This is *such* a lovely comment! Thank you so much! ❤❤❤ Let me know how it goes!
Where has this video been my whole quilting life?!? Thank you so much!
@drymtnbuckingbulls I don't know about your whole life, but it has been here on RUclips for the last several years. ❤️
Glad it is helpful! ❤️
This explanation makes SO much more sense! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! ❤️
I just "discovered" you - thank you for your tips on squaring up! I've never used the "find your middle" before. I can't wait to do this! Looking forward to watching more of your videos!
Welcome! Glad it was helpful. ❤️
As a new quilter, this video was extremely helpful as I learn the many uses of my rule and perfect my quarter inch seem.
SO glad I have found you! Squaring up is my nemesis and I’m working on a quilt that requires a LOT of it. Thank you so much.
So glad to have you here! Good luck with your quilt! I don't love squaring up, but it is SO important!! ❤
I am confused about how do you find the middle of a square block? Rest of the instructions are great! Thank you!
Thank you. Good instructions! I may come back to watch again till it sticks in my brain. Such clear instructions!!!!
I'm glad it was helpful! Feel free to come back and watch as many times as you need ... pause, rewind, re-watch, pause again... whatever helps! 🥰
You showed how to handle my sizing issues related to some of my blocks. Thank you for making a well-done video.
Thanks! I'm so glad it was helpful!! 🥰
I would love to have one of those rulers. They are worth it, but I am unemployed right now, and son had an accident, so i am caring for his recovery. So money isn’t available. I have quilted for 20 years now, and it is my passion, when i can afford fabric. Glad i found Carolina you tubes. Love viewing them all.
Welcome! Glad to have you here!
Yes, a lot of the quilting tools out there are expensive. But, luckily, most of them are more "want to have" than "need to have." You can do most quilting with basic tools. ❤️
Oh my goodness! I just knew there had to be a way to correct a block of you have issues. I have been so concerned about not having enough fabric to remake blocks. I’m such a newbie and I so appreciate someone showing me an alternative to just remaking blocks. Also I love that you showed the different rulers and how to use them. I have every ruler size and still wasn’t confident I was using them correctly. Thanks so much for thinking outside the box, and making this video. I’m a new subscriber now!!
Yay! Welcome! And I'm glad the video was helpful. I used to teach year-long Block of the Month programs at a local quilt shop. Over the course of a year, so many of the quilters improved their skills, so their blocks at the end were more accurate than the ones at the beginning. It makes no sense to chop off the points on the accurate blocks so that the older, inaccurate blocks fit! So I taught different ways to work with the blocks that didn't include remaking the first 3-6 months of blocks. That is the basis for this video. It is so fun that through the magic of RUclips I can share it beyond a single classroom at my local quilt shop. 🥰
THANK YOU! 💗 your last tip was exactly what I was looking for! I’m working with 12.5” blocks that have many pieces. No matter how hard I’ve worked to be gentle with biases & perfect seam allowances, they come up just a fraction shy of 12.5” in spots. Grrrrr. I would also love to find a tutorial that addresses that issue too.
But this will work great for the already finished blocks. Much better than dis-assembling to try and re-assemble. Thank you again 💕
I'm so glad it was helpful!
For blocks that come out perfect, most people focus on the 1/4" seam and precision cutting. And those are absolutely important. But when you combine those with the *secret sauce* you'll have so much better accuracy, especially with bias.
And that secret sauce is starch. I have a video here where I show my starching method. It is super inexpensive, and works SO WELL. ❤
I will now use a walking foot for piecing I made 7 quilts years ago. I used the walking foot for quilting and unsure about piecing. With the walking foot on my blocks were much improved. Also just had my machine serviced for a tension issue which possibly contributed. And I have heard people say that sewing slower helps the seam allowance be straighter so more accurate.
Some people prefer piecing with a walking foot. I don't, but the people who do really love it. If it works for you and gets you great results, then I think it is awesome! 🥰
THANK YOU!! I have inherited numerous quilt blocks from my mother's quilting days - and am trying to make quilts with varying size blocks. Your very straight forward methods - especially love the framing the small ones to make them the correct size. Always so much better to see the actions of how to do this. You have saved me much anxiety over these projects with these vintage squares.
I'm so glad it was helpful!! 🥰
Thank you so much!!! You are a complete lifesaver! I just made 65 log cabin blocks that are all wonky and don't line up! I will never use that technique again to make log cabin blocks, I was getting scared I had to throw away all the blocks. Thank you a million times over!!
I am so glad it helped!! It is so frustrating when things don't line up... I'm glad you were able to save all that hard work and gorgeous fabric! 🥰
Excellent helpful video! I loved your freezer paper method too! I am working on my first Kaleidescope quilt and of course, all of my blocks came out just a little bit off to a good 1/2" off mostly on the too small side! Your explanation of squaring up blocks using your center was also very helpful too. Never thought of it that way. Thanks so much!!!
Yay! I'm glad it was helpful! I don't know why we skip lessons on squaring up when teaching quilting... but it is essential! ❤️
Great thank you! You have pulled me back from the ledge! with your help I am now able to finish this quilt for my daughters birthday on time :)
Yay!! And good luck! ❤️
This was my first time to see your video on squaring up blocks. I never knew how to fix blocks the didn't quite meet the required block size after squaring them up. I have always just done them over and over until I got the correct size. This has been a game changer for me. I will be subscribing and watching your videos.
Oh yay!! I'm glad it was helpful!! And welcome to a new subscriber. I hope you'll love it here. 🥰
Brilliant the freezer paper was fantastic.
Thanks! So many tips collected over the years... ❤
Ok I wasn't sure and thank you for clarifying that it was closed. I watched Whitney sews and she cut the tip of her finger off. Thank you so much
Oh yikes!! I had a friend who was sewing at my house cut her finger tip off several years ago. She was using a rotary blade that was dull, so she was pressing too hard, lost control, and ... oops! I was the one who taped her finger tip back on until she could go to the doctor. 🥴
Not an experience I'm eager to repeat.
I am assembling a quilt top and it is not going well, this video is just what I needed. There is so much information that I didn't know. Thanks
A lot of this information I've collected in various places over years and years of quilting... I'm glad it was helpful! ❤️
Awesome video! I’ve watched several videos on squaring up quilt blocks and this is the best I’ve found. Your instructions are easy to follow and I can see what you’re doing (Good camera shots). I appreciate you shared several different methods and used different tools. I look forward to watching some of your other videos. Thanks for all your tips.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! ❤️
I have watched a few tutorials on how to square up a quilt block and yours is by far the best. Thank you so much.
I'm so glad it was helpful! There are so many tricks that we pick up along the way ... I love being able to share them! 🥰
This was so helpful! I have several blocks that are going into a quilt that do not fit properly. I just learned about coping strips at my quilting guild this week and having you demonstrate really put it all together for me. Thanks a bunch!
So glad it was helpful! 🥰
Very helpful. I’ve seen the Stripology ruler. This is a great video showing how to use it.
Very good information and clearly presented. First time I have seen spot on dot. Thank you.
The spot on dot is pretty new. It came out right before Covid lockdowns, and so was never presented to shops at QuiltMarket. Also, Shop Hops haven't been a thing because of Covid ... which is a bummer because they are perfect for shop demos!
Excellent and thorough presentation, Carolina. I appreciate your breadth of knowledge. Thank you!
My pleasure! I used to teach Block of the Month classes, so going through the squaring up process at the end was essential! 🥰
This was an awesome video. The freezer paper trick is genius!
I'm glad you found it helpful! 🥰
I’ve never seen a video addressing this-thank you!
I'm so glad it was helpful!! 🥰
I JUST found you today and thank goodness!! This is the best, by far, video I have found for squaring up. I never thought to add borders to trim down a short block. how perfect! I have binge watched your videos and am now a new subscriber. I am not new to quilting but have found all the vieos I have watched helpful. Thank for ALL that you do.
What a fabulous comment!! Thanks so much - I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. 🥰
Oh my goodness!!! Thank you so much! My blocks are perfectly square using your first method. Yay!!!
Yay!!! Thanks so much for sharing! I just did a happy dance. 💃 💃 💃
You just made my life sew much simpler & I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
You're welcome! Glad I could help! 🥰
Oh you are clever to figure out the shorter quilt block issue!!
I did it out of necessity! I taught Block of the Month classes at my local quilt shop, and I had so many students frustrated that over the course of 12 months of quilting, their 1/4" seam allowance got more accurate, and so their blocks were different sizes! I always want my students to feel successful! 🥰
And now I get to share what I learned with everyone. Super fun!
Really great and thorough tutorial. Also love the tricks for fixing "short" blocks! Thank you!
I'm so glad!!
Thanks for sharing
Another absolutely GREAT video! I will absolutely be using the trick for the hairline short blocks lol.
Yay!! I am so glad it was helpful. 🥰🥰🥰
ist time watching - great demo!!!!
Thanks! 🥰
GREAT video. thank you for these easy ways to square blocks
I'm so glad it was helpful! 🥰🥰🥰
These were great tips I wish I hD seen earlier! I recently tried squaring up 4 patch blocks and i think made everything worse. I added some sashing and sewed together strips of blocks. (Trying to put the 4 patches on point with sashing between rows also) Im no good at math and measuring isnt a strong point either.
Oh no! Sorry you had issues!! A good rule of thumb when worried about quilt math is to make it bigger and then just trim down. 🥰
@@CarolinaMoore I'll try to remember that great advice!
❤️❤️❤️
This is the best video I’ve seen on squaring up blocks and fudging small ones. Thank you.
Thanks!! I put all my best tips in there! 🥰
HUGE help to me!
Yay! I'm so glad!
THANK YOU very much!
Glad it helped!
I just found your channel when I searched for squaring Quilt blocks, your video is great I love your style.
You have one more subscriber.
Oh yay!! And welcome!! 🥰
What kind of ruler is that with cutting lines all through it? Thanks so much for your help!
That is called the Stripology Ruler
I'm having trouble needing to square a unit to 3 and 5/16 - with a square of fabric in the center (ie. no easy way to tell where the center is). Evil pattern - lol! The completed block is 4.5", but this unit needing to be 3 and 5/16" is killing me. I haven't seen a quilting ruler that has 16ths of an inch.
I'm new to quilting but not sewing (55 years), I also do machine embroidery but I want to start doing lap quilts. my question is, I get the finding the middle with the blocks you just did do to there is a intersection of fabric in the middle, but how do you square up a plain block? do you have to fold the fabric in half and then in half again to find the middle?
With a plain block, you don't need to worry about the middle - just the edges. 🥰
Extremely helpful! Thanks so much! best squaring video out there.
I'm so glad!! Squaring up is one of those tricky things not often taught in classes because you're just taught to sew the block...
I loved this. Thanks so much.
You're welcome! These are the squaring-up tips I learned and shared while teaching Block of the Month classes. 🥰
That was outstanding. So glad I found your videos
Welcome! I'm glad it was helpful! 🥰
Thank you so much for these helpful tips!
My pleasure! 🥰
GREAT ideas! Just found your channel. Looking forward to seeing more great content! Thank you.
Thanks! There is a lot here... but I'm working on more!! 🥰
That was so well done! Thank you!
My pleasure!! I'm glad you enjoyed it. 🥰
Is there any way you can share how to purchase the products that you were using?
Where can you get those dots you put on the ruler?
They are called the Spot on Dot, and you can buy them at many local quilt shops. If you don't have a local quilt shop, there are some places online that have them - I know The Fat Quarter Shop does.
Great techniques! I have learned a lot from your tutorials!
I'm so glad they're helpful! 🥰
Do you mark the center before you start?
Thank you. Very informative.
I'm glad you found it helpful! ❤
Thank you for this video! It was very helpful!
Yay! I'm so glad!! 🥰
My first time watching you and you actually hit on my latest quilting problem. Squaring up !!! Ugh !!! I have been using Jack the Ripper for days now as my supposedly square blocks did NOT line up with the stripping in between the blocks. Am I the only one that has this problem? Every time I try sashing it goes wrong! 😳 I have subscribed to your channel and hope you can so me what I'm doing wrong . Thanks, I've enjoyed this tutorial very much.♥️
I'm so glad it was helpful!
Yes, getting those sashing strips right can be tricky... I should do a video on it! I don't have time today, but here are the steps, let me know if it helps:
1. Cut the small sashing strips to the size of your blocks. Sew one to each block to make rows.press towards rhe sashing strips.
2. Measure the length of the rows. Take the average. This is how long your long sashing strips should be. Cut to length. You'll need as many strips as you have rows, plus one (because you'll want to add this sashing to the top and bottom of the rows).
3. Stitch a long sashing strip to the top of each block. You'll have one left over. Press towards rhe sashing.
4. Using a chalk or water solube pen (not a heat-removable pen), make lines on the long sashing strips. These lines are going to be extensions of the seam lines from the short sashing strips.
Let me explain that in a second way to make sure it makes sense: each vertical seam line between the block and short sashing strip, draw an extension of that line across the long sashing strip. You should have a bunch of lines across.the long sashing strips.
Pin together 2 rows. You'll be sewing the other side of the long sashing strip to the un-sashed side of the next row. Match up the lines on the sashing strips to the seams on the row, and put a pin in each. This will ease the two together, so your blocks make pretty columns when the quilt is put together.
Sew all the rows in this way. Press towards the sashing.
5. Now measure the length of both sides. Take the average. This is the size to cut your long sashing strips for the sides. Pin and stitch.
6. Add more borders as needed. Quilt as desired. Bind. Enjoy!!
I hope that helps! 🥰
@@CarolinaMoore OMG! How timely I found this video and your response to sashing. Making my first quilt and it has sashing. Also, wish I had found this sooner as some of my blocks were a bit shy of the needed size. I just adjusted my seam allowance, but your techniques would have been better. I call this my "practice" quilt so a lot of learning going into it. (And yes lots of time with 'Jack the Ripper').
One question though, I found my blocks did not come out right with using a triangle ruler (with slots to cut off dog ears) to square up a HST. Have you used this? What are your thoughts?
Hi! I'm so glad it was helpful.
The triangle ruler will work best on starched fabric. The reason is because, as you saw in this video, squaring up is usually the last step. But with a triangle ruler, we are squaring up and then pressing open. This last step of pressing can pull the block out of square.
Starching will help. Especially on bias edges (edges cut diagonally across the fabric, rather than in the same direction as the woven threads). Another thing that can help is a pressing mat that has a grid printed on it. That will allow you to keep an eye on how square your block is while pressing.
Excellent tips!!!🥰
Thank you! ❤
What is the name of the ruler you are using
I use a couple different rulers in this video. The first one is the Creative Grids Quick Trim Ruler. The second one is a 12.5" square ruler. The last one is the Stripology Squared Mini (it comes in larger sizes as well).
Hope that helps!
Such a helpful video, thank you x
Yay!! So glad you found it helpful! 🥰
Great tips, thank you.
You're welcome. 🥰
what is the magnify glass called you are using to find the 2 and half inch center
It is called the Spot on Dot. Find it here: carolinamoorepatterns.com/collections/notions/products/spot-on-dot-magnifying-lens-set
Best video yet!!! Thanks so much
Yay!! I'm glad you found it helpful!! 🥰
How do you find the center with a crazy quilt block?
A crazy quilt block doesn't have a defined center. So, you can decide for yourself what the center is. ❤
That is brilliant! Thank, thank you, thank you!🤗❤️🤗❤️
Yay! I'm so glad it was helpful! 🥰
@@CarolinaMoore ☺️
🥰🥰🥰
Where can you buy the equipment you showed on this video
I always recommend that folks check with their local quilt shop first. If you don't have a local shop, or they don't carry/special order what you need, let me know which items, and I can send you a link. 🥰
thank you i loved the video great ideas
You're welcome! I'm glad it was helpful. 🥰
Excellent!!!! Thank you so much! And, if I missed it -what quilt block is that?
These were just some leftover blocks - I made them with the Creative Grids Straight Out of Line ruler.
What is my block is not a square size? For example my block is 9 1/2 x 12 1/2. How to I “square it up”?
Great question! For non-square sizes, I like to mark the size on my ruler with glow-line tape first. From there, the rest of the process is really similar.
On the third example, how do you cut in the middle of the plastic ruler? Instead of along the edge?
Most rulers are solid, so you can't cut in the middle. This is a special ruler called the Stripology ruler. It has slits in it that allow you to make the parallel cuts.
Exelent teaching tks🙏
You're welcome! 🥰
This is a great video, love the oops tricks. But what if your block has a solid center, like a square in a square, especially a diamond in a square. I am struggling with the diamond to trim and not lose my points.
Unfortunately, I don't know a trick for every situation. Sometimes you have to choose between trimming off the points or re-making the block.
The only thing i can think of is to mark the center before sewing it so you have a landmark once it’s pieces. Finger press fold to find the middle and mark with a Frixion pen.
This is so helpful!
I'm glad it was helpful. ❤️
Where did you get the Magnify Spot on Dot? Thx....Sheila...Love the Video
I actually invented it! It is now available at quilt shops worldwide. And I sell them in my online shop: carolinamoorepatterns.com/collections/notions/products/spot-on-dot-magnifying-lens-set
Where do the Round bubbles come from that you attach to ruler?
It is called the "Spot on Dot" and you can find them at quilt shops. I also sell them in my shop here: carolinamoorepatterns.com/collections/notions/products/spot-on-dot-magnifying-lens-set
I noticed your mat, it's so simple yet intuitive, could you share the make/name please?
This mat is actually one from Cricut. I'm not sure if they make them anymore? I liked the neutral color for my videos ... my everyday mat is bright pink! 😆
Glad to find you
Welcome! I'm so glad you found me, too! 🥰
Very detailed. Don’t understand what the freezer paper does for you tho.
It holds the fabric in place to prevent shifting, and identifies where the 1/4" seam allowance is on blocks that don't have a full 1/4" seam allowance.
How would you square up a postage stamp Quilt block that isn't square
A rectangular block would be squared up very similar to a square block. The biggest difference is that instead of looking at any diagonal lines on the ruler, you'll be looking at where the vertical center of the block is when trimming the vertical sides, and the horizontal center when trimming the horizontal sides. Hopefully that makes sense.
I have a question, I have some twelve and a half (8) I got in a quilt block exchange there are points on some of the blocks that will be cut off when I make them into a quilt. Any suggestions for how to make them look good??
That is hard! If there is enough seam allowance to make a sturdy seam, you can add a border on all of them, and then cut them to 14.5". The border may end up wonky, but if you make it look intentional it will just add charm. Otherwise, you can try to unpick those seams and re-sew them so that you're not cutting off points...
@@CarolinaMoore thank you, the colors and pattern are very pretty thank you for the advice.
My pleasure. Good luck!
What is name of the block it is very pretty
This is the lazy angle block, made with the lazy angle ruler.
I think this is a block made with the Creative Grids "Out of Line" ruler.
Oh... you may be right! It has been a while...
I really want to have a ruler like that, is there a ruler like that in Indonesia?
I don't know? Is there a quilt shop you can ask at? If they carry Creative Grids rulers, they should be able to get this one...
What do you do if it’s a rectangle? Like 9 1/2. x 11 1/2… help
Great question! I start by figuring out the middle, and the sides, and marking those on my ruler. So, for 9.5x11.5 the middle would be at 4.75 and 5.75. I then line it up under my ruler, and double-check the seam allowances before cutting. If I'm nervous, I'll mark it with a water soluble quilting pen instead of cutting so I can double-check everything before cutting into the fabric.
Hope that helps! 🥰
dont understand the circle thing and how it lines up. confusing to me
It is a magnifying lens. Hepls you see the line you're lining the fabric up to. 🥰
How big is the first ruler?
The first ruler is rhe Creative Grids Quick Trim ruler. It is 3.5" x 12.5" and one of my favorite rulers! So handy!
❤❤❤
What if these extra strip f up the pattern?
I hear you. Not all of these solutions will work for every project. Adding coping strips will work for some quilts, but will destroy the illusion in a quilt with a secondary design. I have another video on starching fabrics. Starching fabric can help a lot with accuracy.
It can take practice to get to a point where your blocks end up the right size every time.
@@CarolinaMoore thanks!!!
@@mamakaka73 you're welcome! 🥰
I enjoy watching. It looks like you are not closing your blade, I can't tell for sure. I was concerned you were going to get cut.
Hmmm... I am pretty big on rotary cutter safety. I didn't go back and watch the whole video, but I did watch the first block again. You can hear an audible "click" each time just before I put down the rotary cutter, and a "click" right after I pick it back up again. That is the safety shield being engaged and disengaged. And when the rotary cutter is laying on the mat, you can see the switch has been pushed up, meaning that the safety shield is in place.
Different brands of rotary cutters can look very different. This one it can be hard to see that safety shield over the top edge of the blade ... but it is there. ❤
I have been quilting for over 25 years. And haven't needed stitches for all but that first quilt. I learned my lesson early... 😆
40.00 for the stripology ruler. Yikes!
Yes ... the Stripology rulers are *not* cheap. Generally I try to share rulers that are less than $25. Sometimes there are rulers that are a touch above that, because I've done a lot of ruler demos! Quilting is already an expensive hobby - fabric and sewing machines and all the things add up. So, I try to be budget conscious when I share new things. But also, I want to share the cool tools that you might want to play with (even if you have to save up for them).
Yes! And I appreciated Carolina's reply! Also, this would be a perfect gift list item! Birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day! :D
I agree! This is a great wishlist item or splurge item. You never know who might want to treat you to a fabulous quilting tool! I put a Sashiko machine on my Christmas wish list one year not at all thinking I'd actually get one ... and my husband surprised me with it!
You are so confusing I didn't understand anything.
Can you let me know what needs clarification? If you read the comments, most folks find this video very hellpful...