Help me downsize this block

[Iris Girl]

I founds this cute block but its too large at 14 inches square. Can someone good at math help me to convert the sizes to make a 7 or 8 inch block? Thanks all.

http://www.mccallsquilting.com/content_downloads/Garden_Path_Block.pdf

[MRoy]

Re: Help me downsize this block

To go down to a 7" block each measurement will be 1/2 of what it is in the 14" block. For example, the 6 1/2" square would be reduced to a 3 1/4" square & the 2" x 6 1/2" rectangle would be reduced to 1" x 3 1/4".

You can make a 9" finished block using a 3 1/2" middle square (finishes at 3") with 1 1/2" (1") wide white strips around it, and 2 1/2" (2") strips for the outer "ring" of the block.

[Iris Girl]

Re: Help me downsize this block

Myrna thank you so much! 9 inch sounds great! I could have figured it out I think but the more I thought about it the more my head hurt. Beginnings of a migraine here from the weather changes and I have to work today so didn't push it.

[MRoy]

Re: Help me downsize this block

You're welcome! I hope you feel better soon.

[Bubby]

Re: Help me downsize this block

Myrna beat me to it....it would look great 9".

[Grey Lady]

Re: Help me downsize this block

This looks like Hyacinth Quilts Garden Fence. That finishes at 10 inches.

http://hyacinthquiltdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/garden-fence.html

It's one I made. My sister loves it.

[DeniseSm]

Re: Help me downsize this block

I am sorry to disagree, but I do not think dividing all the cut measurements by 1/2 will give you a half size block. Since it is not a uniform grid, the pieces will not even go back together.

Here is an example of what I mean.

The pattern says cut a 6.5 square. It will finish 6.5-.5 (for two .25 seam allowances on two sides)= 6

If you divide the cut size in two to 3.25 the finish size will be 3.25-.5=2.75. You were trying to get a finish size of 3 not 2.75.

What you need to do to make the block half size is take each cut size and subtract .5, divide that number by two, then add .5 back to that number.

So 6.5-.5=6

6/2=3

3 +.5= 3.5

Try it with scrap fabric first before you cut all your pieces.

[Hulamoon]

Re: Help me downsize this block

This looks like Hyacinth Quilts Garden Fence. That finishes at 10 inches.

http://hyacinthquiltdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/garden-fence.html

It's one I made. My sister loves it.

If I read that right you could do this one with a jelly roll and charms or a layer cake.

[Grey Lady]

Re: Help me downsize this block

If I read that right you could do this one with a jelly roll and charms or a layer cake.

Yes, that's correct. I used a layer cake, but a charm pack and a jelly roll will work. The center of her block is a 4 1/2 square. Then 2 1/2 by 3 or 5 inch rectangles.

[Hulamoon]

Re: Help me downsize this block

Yes, that's correct. I used a layer cake, but a charm pack and a jelly roll will work. The center of her block is a 4 1/2 square. Then 2 1/2 by 3 or 5 inch rectangles.

I peeked in your albums and it's really pretty!

I looked up the history of this block and it's based on an Asian fence or gate. Maybe this should be the pattern for all my Japanese fabrics.

[Vonnie]

Re: Help me downsize this block

Charm square, honey bun and jelly roll. Probably come out to be 10 1/2" square.

[Hulamoon]

Re: Help me downsize this block

Charm square, honey bun and jelly roll. Probably come out to be 10 1/2" square.

Did you cheat and look at the measurement? lol

[Vonnie]

Re: Help me downsize this block

Did you cheat and look at the measurement? lol

I used the finger method. As I counted each round I put a finger out to keep track. Luckily I did not have to use my toes. But it was close.

[mommadeb]

Re: Help me downsize this block

This might help too. I've never used it myself but I keep it bookmarked just in case.

http://thequiltedsnail.com/scale.html

[sewluvit]

Re: Help me downsize this block

I'm excited about your 14 inch garden path block for a 20 inch cushion cover I want to make! I've been looking at blocks and trying to pick one to convert. Thank you!