QAF Block of the Month

April 2003

Floating 4 Patch

6 1/2" unfinished size (6" finished size)

This is a simple little block that will be smashing made of batiks! You can use patterned batiks, hand-dyed batiks, lights, darks, mix it up. Just make sure your fabrics are batiks, that is, they are the same on the back as on the front. This block will be a perfect use for batiks from March's QAF's Strip Swap . Just slice those 4" strips into 2" strips! Mix them and match them! Is it true that all batiks go together?

For each block:

Cut: (2) light squares, 2" x 2" and (2) medium to dark squares, 2" x 2". These squares can be different lights and different med. to darks. There should be at least some subtle value contrast here.

Cut: (2) 3 1/2" x 2" rectangles and (2) 6 1/2" x 2" rectangles from one fabric that goes well with all the squares.

To Assemble Block: Sew with 1/4" seams. Sew each light square to a medium or dark square. Press to the darker piece. Sew the two pieces into a 4-patch block, following the picture. Press the seam to one side. This piece should measure 3 1/2" x 3 1/2". Be sure to measure before you apply the rectangles. Sew one 3 1/2" x 2" rectangle to either side of the 4-patch. Press to the rectangle. Sew the two remaining rectangles to the other sides to finish your block. Measure your block(s), they should measure 6 1/2" square before mailing in a swap.

Make lots! You just might be the lucky winner!!

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The following setting ideas may also give you ideas about how to use your batiks together.

The first setting uses 25 blocks and is set on point. It reminds me of yummy sherbets and gelatos.

The second setting uses some of the same blocks, but looks very different. It's a straight setting of 25 sashed blocks, using darker sashing and borders.

Here is a really bright one, straight set with a pieced border.