QAF Block of the Month

September 2007

Knots

9 1/2" (unfinished), 9" (finished)

Knots. What a simple, silly thing to celebrate by making a quilt of them. I just couldn't help myself.

So for September, we are making Knot blocks. This is a very simple block, all squares and rectangles, in a Positive/Negative layout and I am encouraging you to make many for the BOM. Someone could conceivably have a lovely bed quilt this month, from these blocks made of vibrant batik fabrics.

Don't you think the first quilt layout that I've shown is reminiscent of those old woven bedspreads? One fabric manufacturer is showing fabrics this year that harken back to those woven bedspreads. Let's make blocks that will weave together just like that look. The second layout looks kind of like a plaid to me, - plaid knots!

You will need ONE bright batik (any color, marble-y or small prints will work best) and ONE white or WOW fabric for the background and you may make up to 3 blocks from each batik. You may use the white fabric for all the blocks you make, if you like. If you have a stash of 4" batik strips from strip swaps, you could even use them.

As always, all of your fabrics should be 100% quilter's quality cotton fabric, washed and pressed. And as unlikely as it would seem, SOME batiks have been known to have migrating dyes, (and I am SURE you would not want to wish that on any BOM winner - which might be you!), so wash and press those fabrics!

Cut for each block: (NOTE: READ through the directions before cutting; there are decisions to make*).

Batik:

(2) 3 1/2" squares
(4) pc. 2" x 3 1/2"*
(2) 2" squares *

White (or WOW):

(2) 3 1/2" squares
(4) pc. 2" x 3 1/2"*
(2) 2" squares *

*If you would like to strip piece all the 2" segments, then do NOT cut the pieces that are starred. Instead, cut one strip each of batik and white, at least 19" long, and, of course, your 3 1/2" squares as above.

To Assemble Block:

If you are strip piecing, stitch the long edges of the batik and white strips, RST, in a scant 1/4" seam and press to the batik. This strip set should measure 3 1/2" wide. Crosscut the following pieces: (2) pieces 2" long and (4) pieces 3 1/2" long. Sew the (2) 2" pieces together into a 4-patch for the center of your block. Press this seam open. Your 4-patch should measure 3 1/2" square. Lay out all of your patches with the 3 1/2" squares just like the picture above and stitch rows of 3, then stitch the rows together.

If you are simply rotary cutting all the pieces, lay them out as you see above and stitch them together, starting with the 4-patch in the middle, then the pairs that butt up to each side of the 4-patch. Always press to advantage, so that your seams will nestle nicely. Stitch the patches together in rows, then stitch the rows together. Press and you are done! Square up your blocks to 9 1/2" and enter them! Enter many! Just think, you might be the winner!!! Love those batiks!

Following are a couple of quilt layouts:

 

© Mary Evans 2007