Quilt Pattern - but no seam allowances

[absenceofcolour]

Hi, I found a lovely quilt pattern, but it warned that it was just a 'suggestion' picture of the final image, and seam allowances were not taken into consideration.

Essentially, everything is made from a square cut into fourths, so you have 4 equal right triangles. When sewn together, the squares need to be 4" on each side.

I'm fairly new to quilting, and horrible at geometry. Can anybody tell me how big I need to cut my squares so that after I quarter them and then sew a 1/4" seam, the completed pieced squares will be 4"?

I hope this isn't that confusing, I don't have access to a scanner to get the picture on here, unfortunately. Your help is greatly appreciated!

[roobee]

To end up with a four inch square cut them four and one half square to begin. 

[Mrsblocko]

I'm horrible at math myself.  I'm a very visual person.  I've found that if I draw the pattern out on graph paper first, I don't run into any measurement issues.  I draw it out without the seam allowances. Usually having each square on the paper to be a quarter inch usually works well for me.  You'll figure out what works best for you and the particular design you are working on. Then I write down the different pieces' measurements for each color and type.  Sort of like a key on a map.  Then I add my seam allowances those measurements.  I actually write out the math so I know that I've added the seam allowances to all sides of the block. 

Just remember where ever there is a seam you add a quarter inch.

ps. are you wanting to make a block that is 4 inches, and that block is composed of 4 smaller squares?  If so your smaller squares should be 2.5 x 2.5 

[SewHelpMe]

Is this your block?  I printed this from EQ6, and it says you need to start with a 5-1/4 square to end up with a 4" block.  Definitely test one out first to see, though!

[Eowynt]

If in doubt, cut the squares a little bigger than you think you need, and trim to size.  It's a trick I picked up from Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day fame.

[KyTriplets]

If in doubt, cut the squares a little bigger than you think you need, and trim to size.  It's a trick I picked up from Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day fame.

GREAT tip!!  Then you KNOW it is right.  Eleanor makes things so simple, 'ya know?

[Eowynt]

If in doubt, cut the squares a little bigger than you think you need, and trim to size.  It's a trick I picked up from Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day fame.

Yes, I am quoting myself.  I should have stated that you trim to size after sewing the block.  Ooops.

[absenceofcolour]

Yes, SewHelpMe, that is exactly the block I'm trying to make. I'll use some scrap fabric and test it out. I overbought fabric, just to make sure I had enough. I never waste it, anyway!

Thank you all for your help and replies!

[SewHelpMe]

that is exactly the block I'm trying to make

One more thing...  (somebody correct me if this is wrong):  that pattern is called quarter square triangles; the calculation is finished block size + 1-1/4" (so EQ6 was right!).  And, just an FYI:  the calculation for half square triangles is finished block size + 7/8". 

Post a block and let us know how you're doing.  I've tried blocks like this before, and got frustrated with the bias edges.