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Paperpiecing:
Preventing the "Shrinking Block" (12.09.2008)

Many paperpieced blocks are assembled from several segments. Every one of these seams takes up a little fabric, even if you have followed this tip. As a result, your finished block might end up a little smaller than intended. This is what you can do:

Before cutting your foundations use a highlighter to mark the seam allowances that are going to be at the outer edge of the block. You'll hardly miss these marks later on.

After sewing a segment, trim the fabric even with the foundation's seam allowance - except at the previously marked edges. Here you want to add 1/8" - 1/4".

In this way you will recover your "losses" from joining the segments. Once you have finished piecing the entire block, it is best to remove the paper foundation right away. Iron well and trim to the correct size.

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