Thursday, October 19, 2017

X-Squared Block :: Tutorial

It finally happened!  I finished a tutorial!  This 16" (finished) 'X-Squared' block is fast fun and so easy.  Great for beginners, perfect for scraps and you'll love the results!

16" Blocks = 64" x 80" Quilt
The PDF pattern is available through my Craftsy Pattern Shop where I have also included a 10" (finished) block and a coloring page for the block.  While bigger can be better, it's always nice to have options!

16" x 16" (finished)
Let's begin, shall we?!

Choosing your fabric is arguably the biggest challenge for this block.  I had a color combination in mind when I made mine using corals, pinks and peach.  And I knew it was going to be as scrappy as I could get with the fabrics I had on hand. 


This block is made up of four (4) blocks assembled together to make one large block.  It's as easy as it gets!

CUTTING:


White:
(4) - 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" Squares
(4) - 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" Squares

Four (4) Assorted Prints:
From each print, cut the following:
(1) - 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" Squares
(1) - 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" Rectangle

Four (4) Assorted Solids:
From each print, cut the following:
(1) - 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" Square
Step 1:
With right sides together, pair one (1) 5 1/4" print squares with one (1) 5 1/4" white squares.  

Draw a line from corner to corner and stitch 1/4" on either side of the marked diagonal line. 

Cut along the marked line and press seams towards the print.

Repeat for the remaining three (3) HST's.

Trim each HST to 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" square.  
 ***For one (1) block you will need one (1) HST.  The 2-in-1 method makes two (2) HST's in the same print or color.  If you are making a large quilt, you will need to cut an additional 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" print rectangle and one (1) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" white square.

Step 2:  
Following the diagram, pair each 4 1/2" HST with one (1) 4 1/2" solid square.  Orientation is important!  This unit along with the next unit need to match up.
Stitch the two (2) squares together using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Press seams open.

Repeat with the remaining three (3) HST's and solid squares.  You will have a total of four units. 
Step 3:
Place one (1) 4 1/2" white squares right sides together on top of one (1) 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" print rectangles.
Draw a diagonal line from the top left corner to the bottom right corner.  Stitch along the diagonal line.

Trim 1/4" from stitch line (red line in diagram) and press seams towards the print.

Repeat for the remaining three (3) rectangle prints.  You will have a total of four (4) units. 


BONUS HST's!!
Before you trim the corners off these units, draw a line 1/2" from the diagonal corner line.  Stitch along the diagonal line and the marked 1/2" line, trim between the stitched lines.  You will have a bonus HST to use in a future project. 
Step 4:
Matching prints, pair the each section together.  Following the diagram for orientation, stitch the two sections together and press seams open. 

 Assemble the remaining three (3) blocks.
Step 5:
Layout your pieces.  Match seams, pin and stitch.  Press seams open.

Finish the block by matching seams, pin and stitch the two sections together.  Press seams open.

And viola!  You have completed one big beautiful X-Squared blocks!
For a quilt using a 4 x 5 layout of a 16" block, your quilt will be 64" x 80".  Or a 3 x 4 layout will be 48" x 64"!  See...options!


I would love to see what you make with this block!  A quilt, a pillow, a mini quilt?!  Email me a photo to jaynebug(at)gmail(dot)com, or tag me on Instagram using @twiggyandopal and #xsquaredquiltblock!


And remember...the PDF pattern is available in my Craftsy Pattern Shop!


LINKING:

25 comments :

  1. I love this block - thanks for the tutorial! It has lots of possibilities depending no the colors we choose.

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    1. I agonize over writing patterns! The options for fabric with this block are endless! I think that’s what I love about it, and the fact that it’s big and super easy!

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    1. My pleasure! I think this could be a popular block for simple fact that it’s easy and fast! Plus great for lots and lots of scraps!

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    1. Thank you for linking up with the Tips and Tutorials Festival!

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  4. I like this quilt and the tutorial seems easy to follow. I love the ability to use bits and pieces and still have a gorgeous quilt in the end. Will definitely give this a try once I clean off my sewing table! Nadine W. N. California

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  5. I've liked the look of this since you shared the first picture of it but I have a question for you. Instead of making it the way you did (which leaves an HST and a bonus smaller HST leftover) why not use a solid square, a print square and both the HST. There would be a lot less waste that way.

    I am curious as I'm interested in pattern writing and looking for different ways of doing things. And I really do like the quilt.

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    1. Very good question! It could have been made either way, but I wanted something that was quick. Of course, if you make the bonus HST it would take more time. I also didn’t want more seams to match up. I didn’t look at the bonus as waste at all. I love playing with any bonus HST’s whether it was to set aside for later or to use right away. The extra HST could be used for an additional block if you cut one extra rectangle and white square in matching fabric. Great for a scrappy quilt where you could use the same fabric a couple times.

      Thank you for asking and you have some great points. Pattern writing isn’t easy! I don’t think I’ll ever become comfortable doing it. When I write, I try to use the easiest method and explain it as clearly as I can. There is always room for improvement!

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  6. Thanks so much for this Jayne. It’s a beautiful block and I’ve ear marked it as I think it would make a great Bee block and go super scrappy.

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  7. Really loving your block design! Thanks for putting together a tutorial!

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  8. Thank you Jayne. Your tutorial is perfect. And I expect nothing less from you. You are a peach and so is this pattern :-)

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  9. This is just super! You did a grand job!

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  10. Great pattern! And thanks for sharing the tutorial.

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  11. Looks like a great tutorial, Jayne! Thanks for sharing it with us!

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  12. Great pattern Jayne. Thanks for sharing the tutorial with Oh Scrap!

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  13. Ooooh pretty! What a beautiful stash buster.

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  14. I've been wondering what to do next with pinks. This pattern really fits my style, big and easy. Thanks for the great tutorial.

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  15. The block looks lovely and your tutorial is great. Looks like fun to make.
    Cheers, Karen
    http://sunburntquilts.com.au/

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  16. PS: I made my first quarter of a block today, but used all charms, because I have tons. It was easy and came out at 8-1/2 inches.

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  17. The great thing about this quilt is although scrappy it all pulls together . Like the fabrics were meant to be together

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  18. Cute block! Your tutorial was well written and beautifully illustrated. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.

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