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Question of the Week
Question for the week of January 17, 2000:
Our question this week comes from Tigger
I have a pattern for a 10" block I would like to enlarge to a 12" block - I have tried adding a 1/4" seam but it still doesn't come out right - Help?
Tina in Columbia, MD :
I agree with the ladies below who recommend either using a computer to draft the block or drafting paper. I've found that both methods work well.
Good luck!
Irene :
For a pieced block, this should work:
For each piece, take the length of each
side, without the 1/4" seam allowance,
and multiply by 1.2 (12"/10"). Then add
back the seam allowances to get the
final size. For example, a 2" square in
the 10" block will be a 2.4 (=2*1.2)
square in the 12" block. To convert .4"
to the nearest 1/8", multiply by 8 to get
3.2 or a finished size of 2 3/8". Then
add the 2 seam allowances, and you need
to cut squares 2 7/8". Drawing this on
graph paper helps, and always make a
sample block or two to check how the
pieces fit, before cutting out the entire
quilt!
Bethany Tolman :
if you have a computer go to Paint in the accesories section and you can redraft the block, with a ruler on you monitor. it also worke very well for choosing colors you can change it around till you find what you like.
Tricia :
find some graph paper-1/4" grid works well. Determine how your block breaks down.For example,a 9 patch will be three 4inch squares across and the same down. A sixteen patch will be four 3 inch squares across and the same down. These squares can now be divided into triangles, bars, half triangles, or whatever your design calls for. Once your design is complete - remember this is a FINISHED size you have drawn. Then you add 1/4 inch to each side of each piece to get your cutting size. It sounds complex, but try it on a simple design and it will make more sense. Good Luck to you.
Elena :
For templates or applique, just photocopy at 120%. If it is strip-pieced, it becomes more difficult. Then, you will have to begin drafting. I'd pick up a book on the subject - it is a difficult thing to explain. Besides, how many of us have used fractions since high school/college?!? I know I haven't. Good Luck.
DBreman :
You will need to redraft this block, using graph paper. First you will need to identify it as a 4 patch, 9 patch, etc. Then you will know how to divide the blocks for the 12" size. For example, each square in a 4 patch would be 5" without seam allowance. To translate that into a 12" block divide twelve by 2 which would be 6" without seam allowance. You may need 1/8" graph paper depending on the block. That can be found at art/drafting stores.
Susan :
Buy the book Make Any Block Any Size by Joen Wolfron. Surely you will use it more than once.
Gloria Green :
You will have to draft the pattern to the size you require ie; 12" x 12" then cut out the templates, glue these to a piece of cardboard then add your 1/4" seams all around them. Once you have done this cut out the templates and use.
hpierce :
to make a l2" block from a l0" block,
you can take the l0" block to a copy shop
and ask them to increase it by 120%. If
you love the pattern and it is one that
is too difficult to redraft on graff paper
this is the way to go. Good luck!
wilely :
If you don't have a computer, ask a friend who has one to help you.
Or draft on 1/4" paper . Make a 12" square and enlarge on this grid. Which pattern is it? Quilter's Newsletter Magazine had a monthly series of drafting. Most blocks fall into from 1 - 9, or 12 parts. If , for instance, your block is 9 parts, it would be simple to enlarge to 12". (more difficult to do if it is 5 or 7.) Don't forget to disregard the seam allowances, when enlarging. These can be added to the templates after the drafting.
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