Saturday, May 4, 2013

Let's Get Ready to Rumble ~ Stash Buster BOM kickoff!

Block #1 Greek Square

(Designer Note:  All fabrics will be referred to as either background or scraps when I'm working with blocks)

 

12" finish size block

You have the option of either using 3 fabrics or 4 fabrics or really any number if you like! 

Four fabrics - I like this one better.

Three fabrics - OK but not jazzy enough for me.

I made the first block with just three fabrics and wasn't sure it had enough zing for me so I added another fabric and made another one.  Pretty sure I like the second one better but I will wait till all the blocks are done to decide.  It's just a little fabric after all.  ☺


Accurate cutting is important - please measure and cut carefully. Please remember to press after each step.  I also use Magic Sizing - helps with precision and makes your blocks easier to construct.  

 

Do you have an issue with your blocks turning out too small?  Try using a thinner thread - helps minimize "turn of the cloth" issues that can lead to smaller blocks.  I piece with good quality serger thread - gasp - I know!  Have been for years!  Not the bargain bin stuff at JoAnn's but good quality thread. All the myths you have heard about cotton fabric/thread/ripping the fabric/destroying the quilt/etc. are just that, myths!  I have been quilting for 38+ years and it hasn't happened yet!

 

Layout and Cutting: 

 

A:  4 7/8" x 4 7/8"  square. Cut two of background fabric and two of scraps.

C:  4 1/2" x 4 1/2" square. Cut one of scraps.

B:  4 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangle.  Cut 4 of background and four of scraps


Construction:  Lets start with A

Draw a line down the middle from corner to corner. Be careful not to cut Winnie's paw or tail ☺




Pair it with the scrap square.
Sew a 1/4" seam on either side of the drawn line.
Cut down the middle (on the drawn line) to make 4 Half Square Triangle units
Press seam to the dark fabric.
 Match up rectangles and sew down the long edge using a 1/4" seam.
Again, press to the dark.  Just lay the unit so the dark is up and press gently away from you.
Layout the block making sure to orient the HST units the correct way.  (this is showing my first block fabric choices)
String piece the units together - don't clip the threads in between.  Do one side and then the other. Pin if you need to.
It will look like this.  Now to the iron. 
If you look at the end of my pencils you can see that the seam allowance is pressed in different directions.  This is very important.  At the point of the white pencil you will note that you can see the intersection of the triangles and rectangles is showing.  Be sure to press so that is visible as you will need to see that when you join the blocks later so you don't cut off the points. Notice that the yellow pencil is pointing at the seam going the opposite direction.  Press your block accordingly. 
Because the seam allowances are pressed in different directions the block units nest quite nicely and make for precision piecing.  Put a pin on either side of the seam.
Sew a 1/4" seam.
 Pay attention to how you press the final two seams...remember you want to be able to see that intersection at the end of my white pencil.

Ta Dah!!!  Stash Buster BOM Block #1 is done.

Hopefully you found this tutorial helpful.  If you did, leave a comment ☺!











5 comments:

  1. Here I go off with the first silly question: In the beginning you say we can use "Magic Sizing" I have not heard of this term what is it?

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    1. Magic Sizing is a spray - kind of like starch but it doesn't leave a residue. Makes your blocks crisp and gives them body. Helps with precision. You may have heard of Best Press that is sold in quilt shops....does the same thing but is super cheap, works great and is available in most grocery stores. I won't be without it ☺

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  2. Please dont delete these instructions anytime soon as I have just found your site and would love to make these squares. thank you Debi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not to worry Debi, they will not be removed. Have fun! ☺ LT

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