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I usually follow these steps to make any of my Quilt As You Go applique quilts. . .

1. cut quilt blocks (and batting) 11 inches square
2. quilt the blocks
3. applique the blocks
4. outline stitch the applique
5. trim quilt blocks 10 1/2 inches square
6. sew the quilt blocks together
7. press seams open
8. baste to backing
9. quilt
10. bind

I’ve had several requests for more information about step 5 – specifically a video showing how to square and trim quilt blocks. It’s actually really easy – if you have the right tools.

Here’s how. . .

I don’t have very many rotary cutting rulers – but this is one that I really can’t imagine doing without. I highly recommend it if you do any quilting at all.

This is the exact ruler that I use to trim quilt blocks – the one you see in the video. It’s not inexpensive, but Joann’s always seems to have a good coupon and that can make a big difference. 🙂

For bigger quilt blocks (like the ones in this free Polaroid Quilt Block Tutorial) I use an even bigger ruler – one that’s a whopping 20 1/2 inches square! It’s a little unwieldy, so I only use it for the bigger blocks.

Here are my posts about trimming quilt blocks.

• How to Trim Finished Quilt Blocks
• How to Clean a Fuzzy Cutting Mat – trimming finished blocks WILL make your mat fuzzy
• Quilt Block Sizes for Alternate Grid Layouts

And here are my posts about how to assemble Quilt As You Go Blocks

• How to Join Quilt As You Go Blocks
• How to Assemble and Finish Your Quilt As You Go Quilt
• How to Assemble a Quilt that Uses an Alternate Grid

Finished with this topic?

Return to the Let’s Make a Quilt main Table of Contents.

Move on to the lessons about basting and final quilting.

Happy quilting!