Quote Originally Posted by rebeccas-sewing View Post
Coffeebreak, You might try cutting your blocks a bit larger than 12", apply the applique and then square them up to 12". That should definitely help. If you re-measure after you cut the squares and they're still 12" you're good to go. Also make sure the straight-of-grain on each block is going in the same direction when you sew the blocks together. If your applique is directional, mark the top of each block ( I would use a safety pin) before you sew on the applique so you will be sure to have the straight-of-grain oriented correctly throughout the rows.
Thanks Rebecca . . I just did another set of squares to sew together to make a checkerboard border and I cut them just slightly over the 4,1/4" that I needed for a 4" sq. I worked just fine! So from now on, I will just cut them slightly over and they will fit or at least, there's enough to cut them down to all match. So your idea does work!