QAF Block of the Month

April 2009

Sixteen Patch

10 1/2" (unfinished), 10" (finished)

For April we are revisiting a very traditional block, the Sixteen Patch, also sometimes known as Hopscotch. But this time we are calling for BATIKS!!! That's right, your favorite! We will use all colors in the Warm color spectrum - tans, med.browns, oranges, yellows, reds, peaches, creams, etc. If in doubt, look at the quilt shown in these instructions. I tried to include many warm shades, maybe you can even find more! I showed some darker than I think you should go...those mediums look spectacular with ones a little lighter.

You will need one medium batik and one light to med. light batik for each block you make, and you may enter up to 3 blocks in the BOM drawing.

Have fun with this one...it's such a simple block.

Cut for each block: One strip of medium batik - 3" by about 25" or so

To assemble block:

Stitch the light and medium strips together lengthwise with a scant 1/4" seam.. Press to the darker color. At this point your strip set should measure 5 1/2" across. If it doesn't - too big OR too little, start over. Then, cross- cut sections of the strata at 3". You will need 8 pieces.

Next, stitch two of these pieces together in a 4-patch, nestling the seams so you have a nice crisp intersection. Repeat with the other sets. These patches will measure 5 1/2" square. Square them up and you will have perfect blocks. Then lay out your 4-patches per the block picture above, stitch by twos, then stitch that last seam. Press seams and square up to 10 1/2". That's it! You may enter 3 different blocks in the BOM drawing.