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Quilt Block of the Month: February

Have you ever wanted to make a quilt but couldn't find just what you had in mind? The editors of Quilter's World magazine have compiled some block patterns, from the thousands of traditional blocks available, that you can download for free. With a few basic skills and a variety of block patterns, you can create countless designs in no time.

A new 8" x 8" finished block will be available each month along with helpful hints, tips and tricks. We will also give you ideas for block combinations and possible quilt settings from time to time to help you create fabulous quilted projects. We hope these blocks will inspire you to experiment with quilt design and create your own layouts. So get a binder and some page protectors to fill with block patterns and samples to fuel your creative juices.

Double X

Finished Block Size
8" x 8"
Double X

Cutting

From Light Fabric:

  • Cut 1 (4 1/2") A square.
    Double X

  • Cut 5 (2 7/8") squares. Subcut on 1 diagonal to make 10 B triangles.

    Double X

  • Cut 2 (2 1/2") C squares.

From Dark Fabric:

  • Cut 5 (2 7/8") squares. Subcut each square on 1 diagonal to make 10 D triangles.

Assembly

  1. Stitch a D and B triangle together along the long angled side (Figure 1). Note: These are bias edges and will stretch if not handled carefully. Press seam toward D. Repeat to make 10 D-B half-square units.

    Double X

  2. Stitch one C and three D-B units together referring to Figure 2 for orientation to make a block row. Repeat to make a second block row. Press seams toward C or open.

    Double X

  3. Stitch two D-B units together to make a side unit referring to Figure 3 for orientation. Press seam toward D or open. Repeat to make a second side unit.

    Double X

  4. Stitch a side unit to opposite sides of A as shown in Figure 4 to make the block center row. Press seams toward A or open.

    Double X

  5. To complete the block, stitch a block row to the top and bottom of the block center row as shown in Figure 5. Press seams to reduce bulk.

    Double X

Helpful Hints

  • Choose light and dark fabrics for this block. Use scraps from other projects or purchase fat eighths (9" x 22") or fat quarters (18" x 22") to make one sample block.
  • Cut individual pieces from scraps or cut strips and then individual pieces from strips if using yardage or large pieces of fabric. For example, to cut several 2 1/2" squares, cut a 2 1/2"-wide strip the width of the fabric. Subcut the strip into 2 1/2" squares.
  • Use a 1/4"-wide seam allowance for all seams and stitch right sides together.
  • Use common sense and press seams to cut down on bulk. Traditionally, quilters press seams toward the darker fabric. However, some blocks may benefit from pressing seams open. Pressing tips are often given in the pattern.

Choices

Blocks that include large open areas like the A piece in this block are often used in signature or memory quilts. They are perfect for these quilts since you can place a signature, printed or handwritten message, or printed photos in the open area.

With the ability to scan and print on fabric using your home computer, you can add items to quilts from a variety of family collectables including: photos, recipe cards, diary excerpts, old letters, poems and signatures from friends and family.

Remember to follow the directions on the manufacturer's instructions prior to adding printable fabric to your block to ensure the items will not fade over time or through many washings. Look for washable, colorfast printer fabrics or transfer sheets at your local fabric store.

Copyright © 2015 Annie's. All rights reserved.

For more detailed help with quilting techniques, view our Quilting Lessons or consult a complete quilting guide. Your local library will probably have several on hand that you can review before purchasing one.

DOWNLOAD
Click here to download the PDF (360.4 KB)

Other quilt blocks in the series:








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