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Quilt Block of the Month: September

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 block download 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.

Square & Star

Finished Block Size
8" x 8"
Square & Star

Square & Star
8" x 8" Finished Block

Cutting

From Light Fabric:

  • Cut 4 (3 1/4") squares. Subcut on both diagonals to make 16 A triangles.

    Square & Star

  • Cut 4 (2 1/2") B squares.
  • Cut 1 (3 3/8") C square.

    Square & Star

From Dark Fabric:

  • Cut 2 (3 1/4") squares. Subcut on both diagonals to make 8 D triangles.

    Square & Star

  • Cut 2 (2 7/8") squares. Subcut on one diagonal to make 4 E triangles.

    Square & Star

  • Cut 4 (1 7/8") F squares.

    Square & Star

Assembly

  1. Stitch an E triangle onto one side of the C square; press seam toward E. Repeat, stitching an E triangle to the opposite side of C referring to Figure 1; press seam toward E.

    Square & Star
  2. Continue adding E triangles to C referring to Figure 2 to make a center unit. Press seams toward E triangles.

    Square & Star
  3. Stitch an A and D triangle together referring to Figure 3; press seam toward D. Repeat to make 8 A-D units.

    Square & Star
  4. Referring to Figure 4, stitch an A triangle to one side of an F square; press seam toward F. Repeat and stitch an A triangle to the opposite side of F; press seam toward F. Repeat to make four A-F units.

    Square & Star
  5. Stitch A-D units to long sides of A-F units matching seams. Press seams open to avoid bulk. Repeat to make four side units referring to Figure 5.

    Square & Star
  6. Stitch B squares to either end of a side unit (Figure 6); press seams open. Repeat to make a top and bottom unit.

    Square & Star
  7. Stitch a side unit to opposite sides of the center unit; press seams open (Figure 7).

    Square & Star
  8. Stitch a top and bottom of the center unit to the top and bottom referring to Figure 8 to complete the block. Press seams open.

    Square & Star

Helpful Hints

  • Choose one each light and dark fabric 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.

Batting Tips

Choosing a batting for your quilt should be based on the finished quilt's intended use, desired appearance and quilting method and density.

Is your quilt for a child who will tug, pull and drag it around so that it requires lots of washing? Are you giving it to someone who suffers allergies? Or is it a gift you hope will become a family heirloom? There is a batting to meet all needs.

  • Natural fibers range from 100% cotton, silk, bamboo or wool to blends of these fibers with each other or with synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers are available made from corn, recycled plastic or polyester.
  • Just like shopping for food stuffs, when shopping for a batting read the labels! Labels provide information about loft (the thickness of the batting), washability (match to fabric used), shrinkage (preshrunk or not), warmth and maximum quilting distance (the maximum distance between stitching rows that will determine the density of the quilting you should do).
  • Consult your complete quilting guide for more information on batting choices and making the right one for your quilt. Or, go to the website of the manufacturer you are considering. There will be information about how the battings are manufactured, their care and use.
  • After choosing a batting, remember that you must purchase the same size batting as the determined size backing (some tips for determining backing sizes are in the August Block of the Month posting). Follow the suggested preparation instructions for the batting chosen. Finally, choose a quilting pattern that meets the suggested quilting density for the batting you have chosen (if someone else is quilting for you, they may have suggestions).

Copyright © 2013 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 (538.2 KB)

Other quilt blocks in the series:








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