When I first decided I wanted to learn how to make a quilt, the unassuming four patch block was the one I started with.  How hard could it be?

Square by Square Method

There’s probably another name for this.  You get the idea though.

You take 4 equally sized squares of fabric and sew them together in pairs. 

Sew these newly fashioned rectangles together and press them open – either with your iron or your fingers.  Dealer’s choice

And just like that, magically you have a quilt block.

Congrats! *cue confetti*

Strip Piecing Method

Then I googled and discovered strip piecing.  After all, I have yet to see a pattern that only calls for ONE 4-patch.  So making several at the same time is just smart.

There are tons of tutorials on this subject – one I like is from Ruth’s Stichery She has way more patience for filming tutorials than I do right now.

The TL/DR version – Instead of squares, you start with strips of fabric and sew those together. 

You’ll then proceed with round 2 of cutting, before joining those pieces together.

Again, like magic, you have a few 4-patch quilt blocks.

Oh wait – there’s math.

‘Member back in school?  Sitting in math and questioning “When will I ever need this in the real world?” 

Well, when it comes to fractions, the answer is now.

Remember y’all, I too am from the 1900’s.

The seam allowance in sewing is important.  And different depending on what you are making.

For bag making, the recommended seam allowance could be anywhere from 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch. and yes, that extra 1/8th of an inch matters.

For Quilting, a true 1/4 inch seam allowance is the standard.  

There are a grip-ton of products on the market to help you achieve this nirvana.

Special Quilt feet, rulers, seam guides, and countless tutorials on making your own seam guide with painters tape.

Why does it matter? Because Math.

If you take a square, – let’s say 2 inches.  and you sew that square to another 2 inch square, the resulting rectangle will should measure 2 inches x 3 1/4 inches.

When you sew those rectangles together, you end up with a new 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 square.

Wait … What?

If you want me to show my work – each square or strip loses 1/4 inch to the seam allowance.  1/4+1/4 = 1/2

The math tracks.

SO WHY IN TARNATION ARE MY SQUARES NOT SQUARE?

Purple, because aliens don’t wear hats. 

You could definitely spend countless hours sewing, measuring your seam allowance, ripping the seam out, trying again, cursing at the machine, sew again, and with enough practice, you may even be able to hit the perfect seam allowance time and time again.

Or – Cut your starting squares bigger and leave room for trimming.

Don’t think of the trimmings as waste though – they make great stuffing for dog beds, pillows, nest material for our feathered friends or whatever your brilliant mind can conceive.

It’s all part of the process.

That’s life though, right?

You start with a plan.  It’s a good plan. 

You do your darndest to execute said plan with precision and care….

and somehow things don’t end up exactly as you envisioned.

Adapt.  Adjust.  Move on.

and take another sip of coffee and a few deep breaths.