When I have blocks that are not the same size, I put a wide sash or border on 2 sides then trim all blocks till to the same size. When you sew them together add a border about the same size on the last 2 sides. the sashing will be close enough to the same size that the difference shouldn't be noticed. Then you can add a border if you want to.

beverly

If you trim the blocks to all the same size and sew them together or to a border as Beverly described, there is no reason to have to resew her stitches. The sewing the seams over the lines of hand stitching will secure them so they won't ravel. Further, hand or machine quilting the top will help secure her stitches even more.

Teresa

I agree with Teresa. Figure out the size of the smallest block and trim the rest to that size. Add sashing as needed to make the top the size you want.

I wouldn't trim the blocks if I could find away around it. Crazy quilts weren't meant to be like other quilts where you could easily identify the individual blocks. They were suppose to be a maze a puzzle.

I'm thinking like Carol. I don't remember authentic crazy quilts looking like they were made in blocks. IMO, it would take away from the presentation. Hope you can find a way to keep them the way they are as much as possible.

SharonG/FL

I agree with Carol & Sharon. If these were blocks from a neighbor with today's fabrics it would be OK to sash, trim, add, whatever. But with something old like these, I'd try not to add anything. If you need to, trim just slightly,otherwise fitting them together jigsaw-puzzle-style is half the fun of crazy quilts!

~Cindy

I agree with the last three posts that you should use the blocks "as is" if at all possible. Can you make "filler" blocks in the same method using similar fabrics? These extra blocks may be any size or shape needed to get the quilt evened out. Might take some math skills!
Salijo

I agree that they are supposed to be "crazy" and not blocks. The only thing you'll need to square up will be the edges. Did she use all different kinds of hand embroidery stitches? I'd love to see what you come up with.

Nancy

Here's a link to a good picture of what it's supposed to look similar to.

Here is a link that might be useful: