The Mint Needle

Hello Friends! A quick trick for all you quilters starting your own designs! As some of you know, my latest obsession is with pattern making. With it, comes a ton of trial and error. So I wanted to share a little something special that helps me figure out 'block size', especially for those that don't have specialty programs that do the configuring for you.  I think all the beginner quilters or visual learners with REALLY love how easy this will make your projects run! So.... take a look at this pic. What I was trying to do, was figure out what size of fabrics I'd need for the center block in the shape shown..... Here's how it works.  Start by measuring the empty space and add 1/2" to that size if you are using 1/4" seams.   This block needed to be 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" trimmed, not sewn. Create a paper template to size.  Draw in the 1/4" seams on all sides first. Then draw the