When sewing blocks for a quilt, one of the most important steps is “squaring up”– that is, making sure all blocks are of uniform size and shape and are perfectly square. Squaring up a block is pretty straightforward, but recently when I was squaring up a bunch of blocks for a quilt, I started using this trick to make things run a little more smoothly and quickly.
First, I take 2 pieces of masking tape and I align them on my cutting mat based on the size of the blocks I am trimming. In this case, I was trimming blocks to be 8.5 inches square, so I made sure the inner edge of the pieces of tape were 8.5 inches apart.
Next, I laid my square between the pieces of tape. I just eyeball it to make sure the middle is centered, but you could mark this off with tape, too.
I position my ruler along the inner edge of the tape, and I trim the block. Note– I also make sure the ruler is lined up with the grid lines on the mat above and below the tape to ensure that the cut is perfectly straight. But, having the tape as a guide makes it much faster to line the blocks up and trim evenly from both sides.
After trimming 2 sides, turn the block to trim the remaining sides. Make sure that the trimmed sides line up perpendicular to the taped lines. I usually pick a horizontal line on the mat and make sure my edge is flush with it before trimming.
And there you have it! Perfectly square blocks, all trimmed quickly with the “cheat” lines taped onto the mat.
I feel the need to confess that I am SO lazy when it comes to squaring up blocks!! Thanks for the reminder that I really need to get my butt in gear next time I make a quilt!
I learnt very quickly that even when making scraps into a change table mat one needs to press and square! It’s good to be reminded of the basics!
Thank you for the great tip on using tape to aid in squaring up! It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of that” tips!
Natalie – this is a really good idea – I always struggle with squaring up squares. Thanks for sharing.
love the masking tape idea… I admit I have gotten distracted and miscut when squaring up in the past.
This tutorial is so helpful! I’m awful at squaring my blocks, and I always end up with uneven corners. Thanks so much!
This is brilliant. Thank you.
Oooh, great trick!
What if they are too small?
Great tip ! Debora – as long as ALL of your squares are the same size it doesn’t matter if they are a little smaller – just determine your ‘one-and-only’ measurement and set up to cut all to that dimension.
Terrific idea! I’ll be trying this out the next time I need to square up.
Hi all, I think that this is a terrific idea too! But I would use painters tape on my mat,
for it would not leave a residue to be cleaned off.
thanks
Emma
Thanks so much. I am just ready to square a bunch of ity bity blocks and dreaded doing so because I never square up right. This seems to be the answer to my problem. I will try this right away.l
Found this on Pinterest, thanks for a great tip!
What a brilliant and simple trick. Thank you so much.
Loved your tip. I have made many a wonky quilt due to forgetting to square my blocks! Tanks for the easy method!
Hate, hate, hate squaring up blocks. This is a great tip!
wonderful! just the tip I was looking for. Thanks
I’m going to try it. THANKS.