QAF Block of the Month

November 2009

Squared Four Patch

10 1/2" unfinished, 10" finished

November is late fall in Oregon, and the leaves are still turning now, and falling and it's pretty and at the same time, a lot of work. So here's a fall block that is pretty, but not so much work, I think.

You will need two lights and one dark and one medium. You may use ANY fall colors for this block, and you may make two the same before changing at least two of the fabrics. How challenging is that?

As always, please use washed and pressed quilters quality 100% cotton fabrics, and no metallics.

Cut for each Block:

Light #1: (2) 3" squares
Dark: (2) 3" squares
Medium: (2) 4 1/2" squares, cut once diagonally
Light #2: (2) 6" squares cut once diagonally...Note: pattern says to cut 5 7/8", but I wish I had cut that extra 1/8", which is why you are getting that direction. You can trim any extra off when you square up.

To Assemble Block:

Note: handle the diagonally cut pieces carefully so as not to stretch the bias edges. Sewing with these pieces on the bottom helps with that a lot.

First make the center 4-Patch. Stitch each light 3" square to a dark 3" square. Press to the dark. Stitch the two pieces together for your 4 patch. Press to one side. Measure with a square up ruler to make sure it measures 5 1/2" square.

Next, apply one of the Medium triangles from the 4 1/2" squares to one side of the 4 patch, placing the triangle RST and with the two little rabbit ears sticking out from each side of the seam line. Press out to the triangle, carefully. Apply the second one the same way to the opposite side, and follow with the other two triangles in the same way.

Press your block at this point and it should measure 7 5/8" square.

Next, apply the Light #2 triangles in the same way as you did the Medium ones. Now square up to 10 1/2" and you are done!

I thought it was really easy...you should have a bit to trim off at the end, but be sure you do leave 1/4" seam allowance at each intersection.

Here are a few quilt layouts:

Here is one with sashing:

 

© 2009 Mary Evans
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