Stash Buster BOM Block #11 - Chain

Whew!  Breaking the "chain" from all the triangles with this block!

This one is super easy but you need to make 6 of them all alike.

 This quilt is made up of scrappy blocks and lots of fabrics (which is the idea and supposedly to help us bust our stashes!) and this block along with the 4 patch bonus block we made a few months ago is what ties it all together. 


You will notice that the center of this block and the 4-patch are the same.  When you have a lot of different blocks made of lots of different units a block like this can really help tie them all together.  Or if you will, "chain" them together ☺

Four patch block - you made 17 of them

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Cutting: 

 

A   2" x 2" squares

Cut 8 of red print (scraps)

Cut 8 of tan print (scraps)

Cut 8 of black (background)

 

B   3 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangle

Cut 4 of black (background)

 

 

C 3 1/2" x 2" rectangle - cut 4 of black (background)

 

As you know by now, I like to layout all the pieces.  Spencer seems to think he has to help with this part.

I start with the 4 patch units.

 

 

 I just chain piece them making sure I have them placed so I can just fold one over on top of the other and have them going the right way.  I also sewed the small squares to the inner rectangles at this time.

Once again, back to the layout part.  Just making sure everything is going the right way.  The red fabric is directional so I want to be sure I don't get one of them turned the wrong way.

 I always pin when I have things I need/want to match up.

 Center unit is complete.

 Sew the corner 4 patch units to the larger rectangles.  Pay attention to how you press these units so you can easily nest them together when you join the sides to the center unit. I pressed toward the big rectangles and away from the pieced blocks.

 Super easy.  Now make 5 more for a total of 6!

Note:  You can make these blocks using strip piecing for the four patch units, just cut your strips 2" sew them together and then sub cut into 2" units and sew together as usual.

 

Ta Dah!  Once you have all 6 made you are done with this step.  

kind regards,  Linda T.

 

Stash Buster BOM Block #10 - Magic Box

Just because I know you love triangles!

I wonder if the magic part of this block is when your points all come out perfect? The block reminds me of a combination of a Square in a Square and a Churn Dash.  I like blocks that have lots of pieces and sections so I can really get scrappy with it and this block is perfect for that!

As you can see I used five different prints and the black background fabric. If you want an even scrappier look you could add more - maybe the triangles are all different prints of the same color?  Go ahead, have some fun with it.

 Cutting:

A   3 7/8" x 3 7/8" square 

Cut 2 squares of background fabric and then cut on the diagonal once

Cut 2 squares of tan print (scraps) and then cut on the diagonal once

Cut 2 squares of black/tan print (scraps) and then cut on the diagonal once

B   6 1/2" x 2" rectangle 

cut 2 of background 

cut 2 of scraps

 

C   4 1/4" x 4 1/4" square

cut 1 of scraps and then cut again on the  diagonal twice to make 4 triangles 

D  3 1/2" x 3 1/2" square - cut one (scraps)

 

When I make a new block I always lay out the pieces to make sure I am happy with my choices. I also check for any fabrics that are directional and get things lined up properly.  As you can see my triangles have a stripe to them and I want to be sure they all end up going the same way.

I like to start with the center.  Take your square D and pair it with a triangle C.  

Make sure that the little ears are extending beyond the square and that they are even.  If not, go back and check your cutting.  This is an important step. Sew. Add the opposite triangle and press toward the center of the block.

Do the same thing with the remaining two triangles.  Be sure to keep an eye on those little ears.  This time press to the triangle.  Pay attention to the intersection at the tip of my scissors - it should be visible.  If you press correctly you should be able to see all 4 of them.  This is really helpful when you go to add the next set of triangles.

Center unit is complete. Points look good, seam allowance is correct. At this time you can square things up if you need to.  The center unit should measure 4 3/4" x 4 3/4" - be sure when/if you trim not to cut off the seam allowance on one side more than the other.  Take care when trimming!

 Now add the next set of triangles A.  Again note those little ears - make sure they are even and stick out on either side of your center unit.  You should have a 1/4" of fabric showing on each ear.

 When you go to sew the triangles on, place them on the machine bed so you can see that intersection at the tip of my pencil. If you need to, pin in place.  Make sure your line of stitching does not cross over that intersection or you will cut your points off.

 Perfection- points are intact.

 Yay.  All 4 points look good. On to the next step.

Remember to keep an eye on that intersection.

 Sew the rectangles together using a print (scraps) and a background piece. Press to the darker fabric.

 

 At this point I like to lay out all the parts just to make sure I have things going the right way.  Now it is basically like sewing a nine patch together.  Sew two of the rectangle units to the center square in square unit and press toward the rectangle unit.

 Watch out for that intersection I am always talking about ☺  Always sew with that on top and visible.If you do your points will come out perfect! 

 Sew one half square triangle unit to one rectangle unit.

 Repeat with the opposite end.  Press toward the rectangle.

Once pressed you should be able to see the intersection.  Repeat for the other side.

 Add the side units to this center unit to complete the block. Be sure to watch out for the intersection of the center square unit. I always pin at this point.  Make sure the opposing seams are nested together nicely and put a pin on either side.  Sew the last two seams and you are done!

Yay - all of the points are intact!   Block should measure 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" but don't stress too much if it is off a tad. The sashing will help with that when we go to put them all together.

Congratulations!  Block #10 is complete!!  

 If you find these tutorials helpful please leave a comment ☺

Linda T.