Is the Quilt Block Too Small?
Most problem quilt blocks are too small. Why? Because we sometimes tend to sew a quarter inch seam allowance that’s just a tiny bit too wide. The extra width is compounded when we don’t press thoroughly so press the block again, just to see if it corrects the problem.
An Easy Way to Square Up Quilt Blocks
If pressing the block again doesn’t work, or if the patches on the outer edges of the block are a bit skewed or uneven, use freezer paper to prep the block for sewing. Gridded freezer paper makes the job easier, but you can work with plain freezer paper if that’s what you have on hand. This method helps prevent skewed quilts by keeping the blocks aligned correctly while you work. The seams will be where they should be, and that’s often very different than where they would be if you match the edges of inaccurate blocks.
If You Join a Quilt Block Swap
Many quilters participate in quilt block exchanges. Part of the fun of quilting exchanges is sharing work with friends, and while most quilters try to make sure their work is accurate, there are often variations in blocks.
Maybe the quilter used a slightly different quarter inch seam. Or maybe the patches were cut using different brands of rotary rulers or by positioning the fabric in a slightly different spot under the ruler.
Slight differences can be corrected by one of the techniques explained above. If you expect perfection in every quilt block you receive, it may be best not to join a quilt exchange, or to exchange quilt blocks with a limited number of quilters who you know will send you perfectly stitched blocks. But if you’re looking for friends and memories, block swaps are a wonderful way to meet quilters from around the world.
