After I had been quilting for a while, I discovered there were formulas for making certain quilt blocks faster. I thought this was amazing and proceeded to find all the formulas I could. This was great but they had to be calculated properly to work. Sometimes I would enter a number wrong or add a number when I was supposed to divide. Then there was the problem with cheat sheets. They could be cumbersome and didn’t include the block assembly instructions.
After a while, I tried finding a quilting app that would do the formulas for me but with no luck. I considered making my own app but that would be too expensive. Then, I discovered an online calculator builder (UCalc) where I could create my own calculators. I created calculators for ten quilt block formulas. The formulas could now be calculated instantly and each one included assembly diagrams.
I'm now sharing my Quick Block Calculators with the quilting community free of charge. I hope they help those of you who may have been as frustrated as me with block formulas. Enjoy!
USING THE CALCULATORS
• All calculations have been tested for accuracy.
• All measurements are in inches.
• All instructions assume a basic knowledge of rotary cutting.
• The formula for each block is included with each calculator.
DEFINITIONS
Finished Block
• Block dimensions after it has been sewn into a quilt.
Unfinished Block
• Block dimensions before it has been sewn into a quilt i.e. finished block dimensions plus seam allowance.
Parent Squares
• The squares you make using the formula. These squares are used to build your block.
Square Up
• Trimming a block to its correct size.
TIPS FOR MAKING PERFECT BLOCKS
• Block dimensions after it has been sewn into a quilt.
Unfinished Block
• Block dimensions before it has been sewn into a quilt i.e. finished block dimensions plus seam allowance.
Parent Squares
• The squares you make using the formula. These squares are used to build your block.
Square Up
• Trimming a block to its correct size.
TIPS FOR MAKING PERFECT BLOCKS
• Round up uneven results to the nearest even fraction or round number.
I use this handy decimal to a fraction conversion table.
• Double-check your results before cutting your parent squares.
• Make a test-run block before cutting your good fabric.
• Cut the parent squares accurately.
• Use a scant ¼ inch seam allowance to make the block slightly larger and easier to square up.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Scroll down to find the block you want to make.
2. Depending on the formula, enter the finished or unfinished block size you need.
3. Find the parent square size(s) in the orange box. If required, round up the result.
4. Cut the number of parent squares required.
5. Follow the assembly diagrams provided to make the block.
6. Square up block if necessary.
I use this handy decimal to a fraction conversion table.
• Double-check your results before cutting your parent squares.
• Make a test-run block before cutting your good fabric.
• Cut the parent squares accurately.
• Use a scant ¼ inch seam allowance to make the block slightly larger and easier to square up.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Scroll down to find the block you want to make.
2. Depending on the formula, enter the finished or unfinished block size you need.
3. Find the parent square size(s) in the orange box. If required, round up the result.
4. Cut the number of parent squares required.
5. Follow the assembly diagrams provided to make the block.
6. Square up block if necessary.
Calculators . . .