As I prepare for the Star Kissed Quiltalong, I thought to share a few thoughts on scale.
It is amazing how the same quilt made with different size pieces changes appearance. Yes, the block pattern remains the same, but the quilt will feels different.
What size is right? The size that YOU are happy with. Yes, I tend to use very small pieces (or small to some people, at least) but that doesn’t mean I am a better-worse-or-otherwise quilter than you are. It is just that small pieces are my preference.
Husband observed early in my quilting history that the sizes seemed to get smaller as my stress level rose. Hmmm…he might have something there.
Anyway, let’s take a look at scale.
Here are squares: 1-1/2″, 2″, 2-1/2″.
Turn those into 4-patches (think the corner accents in the blocks) and they are 2-1/2″, 3-1/2″ and 4-1/2″ square.
When you get to 25-patches, they are 5-1/2″, 8″, and 10-1/2″.
A single block center based on 2-1/2″ squares is the same size as the entire block made with (crazy lady) 1-1/4″ squares.
Hmmm….think on that for a while and I’ll be back soon with more information.
Wedding Dress Blue 
Wow! That really puts it into perspective. It’s amazing how such a small change can make such a big difference.
If using 1-1/4″, simply cutting 2-1/2″ strips in half lengthwise, would be a resource. – Or sewing 2, 2-1/2″ strips, right sides together, on both edges and then cutting into 1-1/4″ “pairs” (cut lengthwise and cross-wise).
Please be clear in instructions – 1-1/4″ squares (which you originally mentioned) or 1-1/2″ squares?
She used 1-1/4″ squares in her blocks. In her comparison, Deanna used 1-1/2″ squares. These aren’t instructions, just something to think about.
I’ve notices scale differences when designing. I tend to sketch small, and some ideas that work perfectly small don’t look so good when enlarged to the needed size. Your final contrast is quite dramatic!
Thank you for the visual! I love this!
I tend to go bigger as time goes by. I’ve made all the designs you’ve put up with the 2.5″ squares, and they’ve all been beautiful, so I have no qualms about continuing on that way. I don’t have enough years left to make something with 1-1/4″ squares. LOL!
I love the smaller pieces too! Very interesting about the stress level and the size. I’m going to keep that in mind and watch how mine goes, but I do think that I can agree with the intricacy and my stress relief. Thank you for pointing it out!😊❤️❤️
yes there is a sanity factor lol
Love seeing the different sizes next to each other. And how you used the tiny ones inside of the star, gives it a wonderful look. Looks like tiny good for scrapes, bigger shows off the fabric.
Yep, 1 1/4″ squares are “crazy lady” size. LOL!
The size of these blocks make me nervous and excited. Thank you so much for sharing this Quilt Along.