Category: Build a block

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Build a block scraps

Werquilters Build a Block: Friendship Star

This post goes along with my YouTube short of the same title. It is part of my series on using up bonus half-square triangle blocks. I like friendship star blocks because they are simple. The asymmetrical aspect of the block makes me a little crazy. I always lay the pieces out ahead of time so I don’t have to pick them and fix them later.

I will practice a little more with this fish-eye zoomed in view. It is an interesting perspective.

After laying out the pieces, sew the pieces together like you would any old nine patch.

After sewing the first two pieces together in each row, I lay the pieces back on the design board. Better safe than sorry!

Add the rest of the blocks of the blocks to each row. Lay them out again….safety, safety, safety.

Press the top and bottom rows outward.

Press the middle row toward the center.

Sew the top and middle row together. Seams should nestle together.

Sew the bottom row to the unit you just created.

The little friendship star is assembled and ready to press.

I heat the block first to make it more willing to press the way I want it to go.

I pressed the rows towards the outside, but you could press the seams open or towards the inside. This was just my personal preference today and at the moment.

I also gave the block an extra little press from the back.

Ta-done!

What easy block do you enjoy making?

I look forward to hearing from you!

Later,

Lorrie

Categories
Build a block quilting scraps

Werquilters: Build a Block 9 patch turned 4 patch

It is time to use up some more of those scraps! Let’s make another basic block…9 patches added to larger squares to create a 4 patch. These blocks are versatile. When set together, they make an adorable scrap quilt. See my YouTube short showing this same block. It is part of my series on using up bonus half-square triangle blocks.

Here is a block waiting to be sewn. You will need the following pieces to make this 6 1/2″ block:

  • 2- 3 1/2 inch squares
  • 18- 1 1/2 inch squares to make both nine patch blocks

This block could easily be made in a variety of sizes: 12 1/2″, 18 1/2″, etc.

Start by speed piecing the rows of the nine patches.

Press the seams open…if you wish.

Sometimes I use my fingers to gently pull on the block so I can get the seam open to press it. Without burning my fingers, of course.

Look at those nice, little rows. Sew the rows together.

I press these seams open, too. It cuts down on the bulk and the blocks lay flatter.

Occasionally, I have difficulty getting those seams open. I have a stylus…actually it is a dental tool from the hardware department of a flea market…that helps me grab the seam.

You can see my stylus a little better here in this picture.

After the 9 patches are ready, sew the bigger blocks to them. Press towards the larger block.

When you turn the block pieces around, the seams will nestle.

Press the seam whichever direction you so desire…or open if you want.

Tah-done! What a cute little scrappy block!

What blocks have you been making to use up your scraps? Please comment below. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Later,

Lorrie

Categories
Build a block quilting scraps

Werquilters: Build a Block Scrappy Star

This week, I am adding a second block, the scrappy star. It is pictured here as a 4 1/2″ block. It could easily be made into a 8 1/2″, 12 1/2″ or 16 1/2″ block.

This tutorial reads like a picture book. I learned how to edit photos! Many of the directions are right in the picture. This also matches my YouTube short that shows how to use up some of those bonus triangles we all have. Most of the pictures are the same as those in the video, too.

Here is the finished star:

I have been making these as leader/ ender blocks for the entire summer. I have a nice little pile going.

The first image is parts you need if you don’t cut triangles to make this block. The directions are in the pictures below to make the triangles from squares. Just look for the tan and yellow squares.

This second picture, with the lavendar background, is the number of pieces that you need if you ARE cutting the triangles. I use an accuquilt die to cut those little triangles, but it is not necessary to have one of those to cut pieces.

The easiest way to make any block, is to lay out the pieces before you start.

The first sewing step is to make the 8 half square triangles, whether you are using triangles or squares.

The images with brown fabric are constructed from squares.

I love the washi 1/4″ tape. It doesn’t leave a residue. It stays on for a long time. There is a lot of it on a roll.

Now that your star points are sewn, it is time to press.

Background fabric should be towards the inside. Star points should be on the outside.

Sew the star point pieces together in pairs.

I prefer to press these seams open to reduce bulk. You can press the seams to the side if you prefer. I know this is a controversial topic in the quilting world. No judgements here!

Lay your pieces out again. This is a double check of your star points, etc.

You have the parts assembled for all 3 rows.

Time to finish the block. Sew the rows together.

Again this is to reduce bulk in these little seams.

Here it is again…the cute, scrappy star block.

I hope you are enjoying making little scrap blocks. There are many more blocks to come!

What is your favorite scrap block to make?

Later,

Lorrie

Categories
Build a block quilting scraps

Werquilters: Build A Block 4 x 4 Scrap Block

  • You will need 16 blocks of your choosing for this block. Choose one of the following sizes for the best results: one and a half inch, 2 1/2 inch, 3 1/2 inch or 4 1/2 inch. Block should I have a nice contrast between them.
  • Lay the blocks out in a 4 x 4 formation like the illustration above.
  • Sew the blocks in each row together. You will have four rows.
  • it is now time to press the seams of your block. There are two options. You can press the seams to one side or the other or you can press the seams open. I recommend pressing the seams open even though this seems counterintuitive. It creates a flatter block in the long run. I have never had any problems with weaker seams because of pressing seam allowances open.
  • Sew the rows together.
  • Press, the row seams.
  • Enjoy your block!

Later,

Lorrie