Drafting for the Creative Quilter

16 DRAFTINGFORTHECREATIVEQUILTER

if I’m making only one block or if I’m doing a repeat-

block quilt, because then the size of the block is not

as important as working in a grid dimension that I’m

comfortable with.

If the grid dimension plus seam allowance is not ruler-
friendly (the smallest fraction I use with rulers is 1/ 16 )
and I’m using templates for cutting, I use the tem-
plate to evaluate and monitor the patchwork. Refer to
Templates (page 90).

to Measure Patchwork Using Grid Dimension

Measure Patchwork
Let’s assume that we’re going to sew the 6 ̋ Sawtooth
Star block that has a grid dimension of 11/2 ̋ (remember,
the grid dimension does not include seam allowances).
The fabric is cut (including seam allowances), the pieces
and units are created, the block is laid out, and we are
ready to sew together the first two pieces of Row 1.

1½ ̋ 1½ ̋1½ ̋ 1½ ̋

Row 1

Row 2

Row 3

TO MEASURE YOUR WORK, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

1. Add the number of grids you have sewn together
   (in this case, 3).

uuuuuu Noteworthy uuuuuu

When measuring, whenever a shape or unit takes up

the space of more than one grid, it gets credit for the

number of grids it occupies.

2. Multiply the number of grids sewn (3) by the grid
   dimension (11/2 ̋).


3. Add 1/2 ̋ for seam allowance, always. This means that
   for the Sawtooth Star block, 3 grids × 11/2 ̋ = 41/2 ̋ +
   1/2 ̋ for seam allowances = 5 ̋. The first 3 grids of Row 1
   should measure 5 ̋ from edge to edge. If they do, great;
   if they do not, either the cutting or the sewing is in
   question. Do not continue adding grids until the first 3
   measure 5 ̋. When these 3 grids measure 5 ̋, forget this
   number and continue.

1½ ̋ 1½ ̋ 1½ ̋

5 ̋

3 grids of Row 1

4. Add the next piece of Row 1 to those already sewn.
   Because you have now added another grid, you must
   repeat Steps 1–3 to measure your work from edge to
   edge. The piece should now measure 61/2 ̋ (4 grids × 11/2 ̋
   grid dimension = 6 ̋ + 1/2 ̋ for seam allowances = 61/2 ̋).
   1½ ̋1½ ̋ 1½ ̋1½ ̋

6½ ̋

Row 1 complete

Now you can draw and sew any grid-based block in any

size you need!