Quilting Hack for Trimming Large Blocks with Rulers You Already Have on Hand
Big block quilts can be quick, easy, and fun to stitch together, but how do you properly trim individual blocks if the tools you have aren’t large enough?
It is not difficult at all! Using just a 6″ square ruler can trim this pinwheel block into a 10″ square!
The key is to have a square ruler that is larger than half the size of the block you wish to trim.
Need to trim a 12-1/2”? Use a 6-1/2” square ruler. Trim a 16-1/2” block using a 9” square ruler.
How to trim large square block quilts
Step 1: Determine the desired “trimmed” block size including seam allowance. Divide that number in half.
In our example below, the pinwheel will be trimmed into a 10″ block size. Divided in half, the block measures 5”, so a 6” square ruler will work
Step 2: Place the 5″ ruler marking directly on the horizontal and vertical center seams and align the 45 degree line of the ruler on top of the 45 degree seam line.
If you do not have center or diagonal seams lines, fold your block in half to determine the center and press to create a horizontal line. Press a vertical center line and then press diagonal lines. Or use a water-soluble marker to draw these lines. Use these lines as your guide.
Notice the 5” lines on the ruler are placed on the vertical and horizontal center seams and the 45 degree line is positioned on the diagonal seam.
Step 3: Once the ruler is in position, hold it in place. Without shifting, trim away the side and top of the block beyond the horizontal and below the vertical seams. In other words, trim over half of the block size.
Step 4: Rotate the block one time. Re-position the ruler, aligning the center seams and the 45 degree seam exactly as in the previous step. Continue to trim up the side of the block and across the top… again, beyond the halfway point of the block.
Rotate and trim the block around all four corners.
There you have it — a 10″ unfinished block size, trimmed using a 6″ ruler. 😊
Looking for a BIG Block quilt? Easy As Pie is not only perfect for large print fabrics, but can be pieced in a day!
Uses only 13 Fat Quarters and makes a great gift for your favorite grad or a special birthday present!
