Wednesday, I promised that before the weekend I would post the measurements for the Patchwork Quilt Along Big Block version of Fat Quarter Shop’s monthly blocks. This is lengthy, so you might grab a latte or, being it’s Friday as I’m writing this…maybe a cocktail (wink)!

As a reminder, these patterns are only available through the Fat Quarter Shop, and you will need their instructions for the regular size blocks and my Big Blocks. My measurements will replace those on the patterns from the Fat Quarter Shop, but everything else remains the same. For more information about the Patchwork Quilt Along, see the bottom of this post.

I will try to provide some helpful tips throughout the year, and today I want to talk Half Square Triangles (HST). When I read a pattern that calls out a 7/8-inch cutting measurement, I always see if that particular cut of fabric is going into a HST. If so, I round it UP to the next whole number. I will not be making those changes on the measurements I provide for the PWQAL Big Blocks. If someone doesn’t read this blog post, it would make it confusing. Just know that when it says to cut 6-7/8″ squares to make two HSTs, on this side of the screen we’re really cutting 7″ squares.

My favorite tool for squaring up oversized HSTs is the Bloc Loc ruler, available in several sizes. Originally, I bought the 5½” ruler. It will cut that size and smaller, right? Saves money, right? After the purchase I was dumbfounded to realize how many 2½” HSTs I make. Thousands, I’m sure. I found it much easier to have the 2½” Bloc Loc to do the job. I have several other Bloc Loc rulers (not just for squares) and love them all, so if you haven’t tried one, you might want to check it out.

When you follow the instructions to make a HST, but you’ve oversized it, it will look like this, just a fraction bigger than the needed size. There is a groove in the back of the ruler that allows it to lock into the seam.

Next, you trim off the excess with your rotary cutter, and there you have it – a perfect block. So, that is my one big tip, and it applies to Block 2, Diamond Panes.

Here are the measurements for Big Blocks 1 and 2. In past Quilt Alongs when I have provided alternate block sizes, readers have clicked on, then printed these images directly from the post. I also create a board on my Pinterest Page for each Quilt Along, so you can find everything in one location (Snapshots Mini, Crossroads Mini). This Quilt Along I’m going to provide a link you can click to download a PDF version of the Big Block each month. I also plan to provide a page on this web site where you can get all the links in one place. I don’t have it ready yet, but it will be before Block 3. There is also a Pinterest Board for the Patchwork Quilt Along Big Blocks.

Big Block 1 PDF Download

For Block 1, my fabric came from a Fat Eighth Bundle of Handmade Petite by Bonnie & Camille for Moda Fabrics. I couldn’t get all the pieces from one Fat 1/8th, so that is the reason for two fabrics, but I really like the way it came out. For Block 2 (and probably all future blocks) I’m using from my fat quarter stash of Bonnie & Camille fabrics. (#obsessedwithbonnieandcamille)

I won’t be providing fabric requirements, but I’ll suggest having a fat quarter of print and background fabric for each 15″ block. You’ll have leftovers, but what’s a little more scrap stash?

Big Block 2 PDF Download

In case you didn’t read Wednesday’s post, I want to add this information again. The Patchwork Quilt Along benefits:

Each month during 2017, Fat Quarter Shop will post a new free pattern and video tutorial for the Patchwork Quilt and encourage participants to donate to Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas in lieu of payments. Fat Quarter Shop and Moda Fabrics will each match up to $10,000 of the donations raised. (#awesome) Learn more about it and how you can help here!

Check out the blogs every month of our quilty friends. Watch their process, and see what fun fabric collections they have selected!

*Psst! The designers of the quilt’s fabrics – Bonnie & Camille – are sewing along, too! Fun!
Amanda from Jedi Craft Girl (@jedicraftgirl)
Amy of Diary of a Quilter (@diaryofaquilter)
Andy of A Bright Corner (@abrightcorner)
*Bonnie of Cotton Way (@bonniecottonway)
*Camille of Thimble Blossoms (@thimbleblossoms)
Debbie of Happy Little Cottage (@happylittlecottage1)
Greg of Grey Dogwood Studio (@greydogwoodstudio)
Heidi of Buttons and Butterflies (@buttonsandbutterflies)
Melissa of Happy Quilting (@happyquiltingmc)
Melissa of Oh How Sweet (@ohhowsweet)
Pat Sloan of PatSloan.com (@quilterpatsloan)
Renee of Sewn with Grace (@sewnwithgrace)
Sedef of Down Grapevine Lane (@downgrapevinelane)
Sherri of A Quilting Life (@aquiltinglife)
Sondra of Out of the Blue Quilts (@sondradavison)
Taunja of Carried Away Quilting (@taunjalynn)
Tina of Emily Ann’s Kloset (@emilyannskloset)
Carrie Nelson/Miss Rosie of Moda Cutting Table

Please share your progress and creations along with all of us on our Patchwork Facebook group. Post your blocks using #patchworkquiltalong on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.