Thursday, February 25, 2010

Making the Block for Our Swap

Welcome to the Block Swap!

This block creates maximum effect with minimum effort.

This block is simple to make. All seams are 1/4 inch. These intructions will make two blocks.

Step 1.

Cut two pieces of coloured fabric 5 inches x 2 3/4 inches. Cut the same of light toned fabric.




Stitch a coloured piece to a light piece along the long edge. Press seams towards the coloured side.



Make 4 sets in total.




Step 2.

Cut each block on the diagonal in opposite directions - as in the picture below.



Step 3.

Lay out your blocks taking care with the placement so that you create pinwheels at the centre. Be aware that the pinwheels will run in opposite directions.



Step 4.

Pin the two pieces along the diagonal matching seams.

Sew and press carefully as this is a bias edge and prone to stretching.




Step 5.

Stitch and press blocks into pairs and pairs into a single block. This block should measure
8 1/2 inches.







Step 6.

Adding the sashing

You can cut your sashing strips at 1 1/2 inches wide but it's probably safer to cut them 2 inches wide and trim your block down to 10 1/2 inches.

From your block border fabric, cut two pieces 2 inches x 8 1/2 inches and two pieces 2 1/2 inches x 11 1/2 inches.

Pin the 8 1/2 inch lengths to each side, stitch and press seam towards the sashing fabric.

Then pin the 11 1/2 inch lengths to the remaining sides, stitch and press seams towards the sashing.

Square up your block and trim to 10 1/2 inches.




It's time for you to write on your block. Record your name, blog name, Block Swap 2010, your location.

Your blocks are now ready for the draw.

3 comments:

  1. oh wow, a lot easier than it looks! Isnt that a lot to write on the blocks though? or can I do mini writing. I have Saturday night peniciled in for making the blocks :) Karen

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  2. Exciting! I can't wait to try this block. Now let's see...which part of the stash should I raid...

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  3. This looks like a lot of fun to make. Oh, what fabric to choose?... -Joanne

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