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:

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TGIFF

Can I Get A Whoop Whoop

Finished or Not 

A Pattern Comes To Life

As with the past New Block Blog Hop blocks I've made, I always try and make a 'real' thing from the block.  It reassures me that the design really does work!  Star Thistle was no exception.  This time I didn't make a quilt, but a table runner.  Since this block was paper piece, it would have taken far longer than I had time!

STAR THISTLE12 1/2" UNFINISHED

The block is available in my new Craftsy Store if you'd like to download it!

16" x 43 1/2"

Making three blocks was very doable for a test project!  I was itching to use these colors! I love how graphic this combination is.  The fabrics are Kona Black, White, Lipstick and Ash.  



Deciding how to quilt it seemed daunting at first.  I ended up letting the block dictate the design.  There were a lot of threads to bury!  I used my walking foot for all of it.  Much to my surprise, it was so easy!  

  

Yes I did!  I used red and black thread!  And white and grey.  I thought it would make for an interesting back, and it did.



The inside black border is 1", the same size as square in the block.  The outside border is 1 3/4". I'm wondering what it would look like if the binding had a red flange added to it?!  Next time perhaps!



I don't know if anyone will use my paper pieced block pattern, but if you do I hope you share it with me!  It's always exciting to see what the possibilities are!



That being said, I put a call out for pattern testers on Instagram.  I was stressing!  Because this is my first paper pieced design, I wanted to be sure my pattern was correct...instructions and templates.  If you ever need a tester....Instagram is the way to go!  

Here are what they came up with for me!  I was so thrilled that anyone would want to test for me, thankful that they did and amazed at their blocks!  I can't really thank them enough!



Katie @Katie Quilts did this one!  We had the same 'red' idea!  I really like the patriotic vibe...it works so well!

Tish @Tish's Adventures In Wonderland picked prints, which I was excited to see.  I tend to shy away from prints, but wondered how they would look in this block.  I do believe I like it!



Isabelle (Instagram @southbaybella) did a beautiful print too!  Alison Glass fabrics never disappoint!  Having the dots on the blue print all going the same direction is such a great idea!

Before I left on a quicky trip to Atlanta to visit IKEA, I made a smaller version of Star Thistle. Hopefully after I get my furniture assembled from said visit...I can finish this little one!

6 1/2" STAR THISTLE

 Another pretty combination to inspire you...and me!

LINKING:

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Fabric Frenzy

Can I Get A Whoop Whoop

Fabri-Quilt New Block Blog Hop {Giveaway}

Welcome to my blog!  But mostly...welcome to the Fabri-Quilt New Blog Block Hop!  This promises to be an amazing show of creativity!  With over 60 participants sharing their blocks over a 4 day period, there will be some ‘hopping” to be had!  

Today, I would like to share my block 'CASUAL LINK', along with a semi-simple tutorial!  

CASUAL LINK
12 1/2" x 12 1/2 Unfinished

This block is all about secondary designs.  While interesting on it's own, it becomes amazing when more and more blocks are added!  (really!)

Watermelon Summer Palette

We were generously supplied 6 - fat eights from Fabri-Quilt, Inc.  The rules for this challenge:  Use at least 3 of the colors, make the block 12 1/2” unfinished (12" finished) and write a tutorial.  Piece of cake!!!    

CUTTING:  

White:

2 - 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" Squares

4 - 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" Squares

6 - 2" x 2" Squares

Teal:

4 - 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 Squares

2 - 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" Squares

2 - 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" Rectangles 

Blue:

1 - 4 1/2" x 4 1/2 Squares

2 - 2" x 2" Squares

2 - 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" Rectangles

Step #1:

Once all your pieces are cut, mark a diagonal line on the 2" and 2 1/2" inch squares. 

I use this method for sewing the corners. 

Step #2:

Follow the diagram below for corner placement. Sew, trim and press corners.

Sew (1) 2” blue square to each 4 1/2” white square 

 Sew (1) 2” and (1) 2 1/2” white square to each of the (4) 4 1/2” teal squares 

Sew (2) 2 1/2” teal squares to the  4 1/2” blue square

Step #3:

Sew (1) blue and (1) teal 2 1/2” x 4 1/2” rectangles together.  Press. 

Step #4:

Sew (1) white 2” square  to the corner of the teal.  Press.

Step #5:

Block Assembly.  Following the layout below, sew each row of blocks.  Press. 

Step #6:

Sew Rows together. 

Alternative Block:  

The only change is the middle top and bottom blocks.  Assemble the rectangles the same as above, except change the placement of the corner.

In the end, there are so many different layouts you can achieve with this block!  

This layout is with one block, rotated throughout the quilt.

Perhaps a two color quilt?

When you combine the original block with the alternative block, you get yet another design! 

...this plus this...

Equals this!

I wasn't sure if this block would work in a quilt, one never knows!  I ended up making a quilt to prove to myself...it would work!  I'll give the quilt it's own 'spotlight' in a later post, for now...enjoy the HOP!

GIVEAWAY!!

  
Wouldn't you love to play with these colors?! You have two chances to win a half yard bundle of the Watermelon Summer Palette!  Check out  Inspired by Fabric , and Quilting Jetgirl  for all the details!

Now you must check out these other blogs to see their block tutorials!  I know they will be amazing!!

Thank you to our wonderful hosts: 

Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl

Cheryl @Meadow Mist Designs

Stephanie @Late Night Quilter

Terri Ann @Childlike Fascination

Josi @Avocado Quilts
Stephanie @Quilt’n Party
Cristy @Love You Sew
Sarah @Sarah Goer Quilts
Shelly @The Carpenter’s Daughter Who Quilts
Jayne @Twiggy & Opal
Sharla @Thistle Thicket Studio
Adrian @Making It – Family Food Quilts Crafts
Julie @Pink Doxies
Sarah @123 Quilt
Jane @Jolly and Delilah Quilts
Carrie @The Zen Quilter

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