Good advice, thank you.

Debra, I am so glad you asked this question and Margo, thank you for your very clear answer. I have never made a block that size but if I ever do, I will know how to square it up. Thank you both.

JoAnne

Oh, that is great tip. I'm glad I read this too. Thanks Margo! Sandi in FL

Thank you Margo I will try this I just really did not know where to begin.

Debra, try this for squaring up your 16-1/2" (unfinished size) block.

Use a chalk marker (I like the clover chalk-o-liner) to draw a vertical line (top to bottom) in the exact center of your block. You can find the center by using your master template or by folding the block in the center. (If you don't want to mark the entire vertical line, you can just make marks at the edges where they will be cut off.)

Line up this vertical line with a vertical line on your cutting mat. Any line will do....you just want to be sure that the block is straight.
(It might help to actually tape the block to the mat where that vertical center line is to be sure it stays square!)

Using the marks on the mat, measure 8-1/4" to the right of the center vertical line and cut off the excess. Without moving the block, measure and cut 8-1/4" to the left of the center vertical line.

Now do the same thing with the horizontal axis, but this time be sure that the horizontal center is EXACTLY PERPENDICULAR to the cuts you just made.

You will be left with a 16-1/2" (unfinished size) block and be ready to set them all together!

Hope this helps.....

SEW LONG!
Margo

I have only been quilting about 2 years and all of my quilts have been pieced except for the 2008 BOM. I have my blocks done but am at a loss as to the squaring up process to the 16!/2 inc. block. I have tried to find a 161/2 in. square ruler but have been unsucessful. Can someone help me please?