We might love a pattern but it’s not quite right. Maybe the blocks are too big. Sometimes the blocks are too small. You can change the size of any block but there is a trick to getting it right. If your pattern says to cut 3 1/2″ squares and you want it twice as big, first subtract the 1/4″ seam allowance from the given size and then multiply by the desired number. Then in the final step, add the seam allowance back in.

In this example, subtract 1/4″ from 3 1/2″ which gives you 3 1/4″. Multiply 3 1/4″ by 2 which equals 6 1/2″ and then add the 1/4″ seam allowance which means you need to cut 6 3/4″ squares.