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Step 7Doing the Math
By now you should have a pretty good idea of what your finished quilt will look like. These next steps will determine the final measurement for cutting the individual blocks and the overall dimensions of your finished quilt top.
This is not as complicated as it may seem! However, to preserve complete designs (not sewing into any of the print) and have a centered and balanced quilt, a little math is required. Follow the steps below to determine final cutting measurements.
Step 1: Choose any vertical strip to start with
Step 2: Measure the height of each "design" only in the strip, total, and write down.
Step 3: Add 1 inch (1/2 inch seam allowance at top and bottom of block) per # of blocks in the strip and add to the total in Step 2. This determines the absolute minimum height of the strip.
Step 4: Calculate the same minimum height measurement for each strip.
Step 5: Use the longest length (my 16-inch strip @58.5) to help determine the desired height of the finished quilt top. Ideally, your measurements should be pretty close. However, if any measurements seem too different, consider adding an additional design block or two to make up the difference and achieve closer measurements. (I added a 2 inch high design block to my 10 inch wide strip to increase the length to 56.5 inches. Don't forget the seam allowance too!)
Step 6: Determine your desired quilt height. This can be based on your blanket size, your backing material size, standard bed sizes, or just because it is the size you desire.
Step 7: Subtract the minimum height from the desired height to determine how much more length is needed.
Step 8: Divide the additional length needed by the number of blocks in the vertical strip, this will give you the amount that must be added to each design block.
Step 9: Now you have determined how far beyond each design your cut will be. This "total additional per block" is then divided in half to evenly distribute the material around the top and bottom of the design block. Round these numbers UP slightly if needed to make measuring easier.
CONGRATULATIONS, consider a sigh of relief because the hardest part is now over! On to the cutting...
You have all the measurements needed to make the final cuts to your design blocks. So lets get cutting...
This is not as complicated as it may seem! However, to preserve complete designs (not sewing into any of the print) and have a centered and balanced quilt, a little math is required. Follow the steps below to determine final cutting measurements.
Step 1: Choose any vertical strip to start with
Step 2: Measure the height of each "design" only in the strip, total, and write down.
Step 3: Add 1 inch (1/2 inch seam allowance at top and bottom of block) per # of blocks in the strip and add to the total in Step 2. This determines the absolute minimum height of the strip.
Step 4: Calculate the same minimum height measurement for each strip.
Step 5: Use the longest length (my 16-inch strip @58.5) to help determine the desired height of the finished quilt top. Ideally, your measurements should be pretty close. However, if any measurements seem too different, consider adding an additional design block or two to make up the difference and achieve closer measurements. (I added a 2 inch high design block to my 10 inch wide strip to increase the length to 56.5 inches. Don't forget the seam allowance too!)
Step 6: Determine your desired quilt height. This can be based on your blanket size, your backing material size, standard bed sizes, or just because it is the size you desire.
Step 7: Subtract the minimum height from the desired height to determine how much more length is needed.
Step 8: Divide the additional length needed by the number of blocks in the vertical strip, this will give you the amount that must be added to each design block.
Step 9: Now you have determined how far beyond each design your cut will be. This "total additional per block" is then divided in half to evenly distribute the material around the top and bottom of the design block. Round these numbers UP slightly if needed to make measuring easier.
CONGRATULATIONS, consider a sigh of relief because the hardest part is now over! On to the cutting...
You have all the measurements needed to make the final cuts to your design blocks. So lets get cutting...
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