Quilt Block of the Month: July

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.

Fireflies

Finished Block Size
8" x 8"

Cutting From Light 1 Fabric: Cut 5 (2 7/8") squares. Subcut each square on 1 diagonal to make 10 A triangles. From Light 2 Fabric: Cut 1 (4 7/8") square. Subcut on 1 diagonal to make 2 B triangles. From Medium Fabric: Cut 2 (2 7/8") squares. Subcut each square on 1 diagonal to make 4 C triangles. Cut 2 (2 1/2") D squares. From Dark Fabric: Cut 1 (2 7/8") square. Subcut on 1 diagonal to make 2 E triangles. Cut 2 (2 1/2") F squares.

Assembly Stitch an A and C triangle together along the long angled edge referring to Figure 1; press seam away from A. Make a total of four A-C units. Repeat with A and E triangles to make two A-E units. Referring to Figure 2, stitch a D square to the A side of an A-C unit; repeat to make a second A-C-D unit. Repeat with A-C and F to make two A-C-F units. Press seams toward D and F. Set units aside. Stitch an A triangle to the E side of an A-E unit as shown in Figure 3; press seam toward A. Repeat step 3 stitching an A triangle to the adjacent E side on the A-E unit (Figure 4); press seam toward A to complete an A-E corner unit. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to make a second corner unit. Set corner units aside. Stitch A-C-D and A-C-F units together into a square matching seams as shown in Figure 5. Press seam to avoid bulk. Repeat to make a second square. Stitch an A-E corner unit and B triangle together along the long angled edge to make a square as shown in Figure 6. Press seam to avoid bulk. Repeat to make a second square. Stitch square units from steps 5 and 6 together referring to Figure 7 for orientation to complete block. Press seams to avoid bulk.

Helpful Hints

• Choose light, medium 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

So here is a little insight into color: Use it wisely and carefully. Use it as a jumping-off point to do more color research. Then, do your own thing and have fun with color! Because after all color is a very personal thing.

Orange is comforting. Darker oranges can be super cozy. Brighter oranges can give a room, or a quilt, a modern punch.

Yellow, subtle yellow -- like notepad yellow -- promotes concentration and emotive thoughts. Bright yellow can agitate a mind!

Green promotes calmness of thinking and concentration. Because it is nature's color it is very serene and promotes a learning environment. (Maybe that is why I remember it being in all the school hallways when I was a child!)

Warm or bright blues are actually calming, such as the color of water. But navy or dark shades can be depressing in large doses. Blue can cool a person who gets warm easily.

More to come ...

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.

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Other quilt blocks in the series:

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