Instructions – Block of the Month 2004-2005

There are a couple of patches that are used to construct several of the blocks so we have incuded the instructions for making them here. One is the half square triangle unit and the other is the flying geese unit.

The half square triangle unit method makes two patches at the same time. The formula is to take the finished size of the square patch and add 7/8 inches to it. Cut two squares of the two colors you want your block to be and place the right sides together, darkest on the bottom. Draw a line from corner to corner. Sew a quarter of an inch along each side of the line. Cut the triangles apart along the drawn line. Press to the dark side of the resulting square and trim the ears. The measurements in the instructions for each block are the corrrect ones you need to make the half square triangle for that particular one.

The flying geese unit method is just as easy. For a finished three inch by six inch unit, cut two 3-1/2 inch squares and one 3-1/2 inch by 6-1/2 inch rectangle. Draw a diagonal line across the square from corner to corner as in the half square triangle. Position the square on the rectangle and sew on the drawn line. Repeat with the other square on th opposite corner.

All blocks are twelve inches finished (12-1/2 inch blocks unfinished). This is very important. These blocks don't trim down well because of all the points. Accuracy is very important for a good result.

The rotary cutting method is used rather than templates. Hey, we want this to be as easy and fun as possible.

Be careful sewing these blocks. I pinned a lot to help control bias stretch and to match seams and points. I know it takes more time but the results are worth it. We want this to be a learning experince for beginning quilters and a refresher for more experienced ones.

To finish the quilt to the same size as the sample use two-inch sashing, two-inch cornerstones, a one-inche innner border and a six-inch outer border for a 58 inch by 72 inch finished quilt. These measurements are all finished ones so be sure to add the seam allowances to the strips for the sashing, cornerstones and borders. For our beginners that means adding 1/2 inch to the measurements given for the sashing (cut 2-1/2 inch sashing strips, 2-1/2 inch square conerstones, 1-1/2 inch inner border strips, and 6-1/2 inch outer border strips). When you are ready to put on your borders and sashing strips come ask Kay or me for directions.

Remember: This quilt is a scappy star sampler. I used muted red, white-on-cream, tan or beige, and muted blue fabrics for my example. The background for the block of the month entries should be cream, tone-on-tone natural, or unbleached muslin. The red and blue fabrics are your choice.

If you have any questions or problems, please stop by the table at the quilt meetings or give us a ccall. We are listed in the guild directory.