Adapting a quilt block to a different size

If you want to make your quilt block in a different size, these tips will make it easier.

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Adapting quilt blocks to different sizes

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If you want to make your quilt block a different size, just make sure the finished sizes of the pieces total the finished size you need.

You can change the ratios to make the math easier.

Just remember that you do the math on the finished size. Remember to add the seam allowances before you cut the pieces.

If you want to make a nine patch block 6″, 9″, 12″, etc, then the math is easy. Just divide the final size by three.

If you want to make it 8″, it will be a bit trickier. Eight does not divide into three equal numbers.

You can make the centre larger, so the squares would be 2-1/2″, 3″, and 2-1/2″. The total is 8″.

The squares at the sides are turned into 2-1/2″ x 3″ rectangles.

Another option is to make the centre smaller, so the squares would be 3″, 2″, and 3″. The total is still 8″.

The squares at the sides are turned into 2″ x 3″ rectangles.

A shoofly is a bit more complicated because there are half-square triangles, but the principles are the same.

A friendship star quilt block also has half-square triangles, but it is trickier because of the layout.

Because of the layout of the block, if you make the centre larger, that will turn the half-square triangles into half-square rectangles.

If you are comfortable with half-square rectangles, then the principles are just the same.

If you make the centre larger, the squares would be 2″-1/2″, 3″, and 2-1/2″.

The half-square triangles turn into 2-1/2″ x 3″ half-rectangle triangles.

If you make the centre smaller, the squares would be 3″, 2″ and 3″.

The half-square triangles turn into 2″ x 3″ half-rectangle triangles.

The easiest way to calculate sizes for other blocks is to sketch them on graph (grid) paper.

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