Threadology QAL – Block 3
I am back with block three, Shooting Squares, of Fat Quarter Shop’s 2019 Threadology Quilt Along. On this block I chose to deviate a bit from the instructions to speed things up, so I’ll do my best to share these tips with you today.
Shooting Squares (and a few shortcuts)
Each time I do one of these Threadology blocks, I look for shortcuts that I can share with you. I think it increases my learning as both a quilter and a designer. In Block 1, I wrote about how to simplify the process of making an hourglass block. In Block 2, we talked about effective ways to use design boards.
For our Shooting Squares, I’m going to show you my speedy way of making the outside blocks that surround the center nine patch. I’m going to call those outside blocks Half Hourglass Blocks just to keep things straight. I’m sure there’s a different, better name, but that’s all I’ve got!
Rather than cut my A and C blocks once on the diagonal, as shown in the instructions, then sew lots of triangles together, I prefer to “sew first, cut later.” First I stacked all my A blocks on my C blocks (no diagonal lines to draw), then I chain pieced them, sewing a quarter inch down one edge, then again on the opposite edge, like so.
Next, I cut them on the diagonal, but you HAVE to pay attention at this step.
Trust me….you can mess this up. I did the first time, cutting them in the same diagonal direction. WRONG!
After I messed up practiced on my first block, I put the remaining three out and made sure to cut them in a “roof top” manner. Better to be safe than sorry – remember….roof top.
Sort your seamed blocks by color; you’ll have four sets of two. For each pair of the same print blocks, you’re going to cut on the diagonal, but in opposite directions. Make a roof top.
This way, you’ll have two Half Hourglass blocks with the printed fabric on the left, and the other two will have the printed fabric on the right.
Smooth sailing from there! I pinned all my blocks in advance, matching seams.
Ran them through the machine, and things were lining up perfect.
I “popped” my seams (we talked about that in Block 1), also referred to as “spinning.”
Next, I trimmed the dog ears, then did my final press.
It’s really nice when making the same size blocks over and over, to have a ruler the same size as the unfinished block.
It allows you to find the center of the ruler and match it to the center of your block. Match the diagonal (45 degree) line on your ruler with corners of your block to make it square, and you should also have a quarter inch seam allowance along the outside edges.
All the blocks in Threadology are unfinished at 6½” and 12½” if you are thinking of purchasing new or additional rulers.
And I can’t seem to end a post these days without Pepper. I’ve never had a cat that follows me everywhere (and I’m talkin’ everywhere – shower, you name it. No privacy with this cat). She was shamelessly photo bombing me the entire time.
Just a reminder that this year’s QAL benefits Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. Fat Quarter Shop offers all of the patterns for free, but offers the opportunity to make a $5 donation per pattern download to support Make-A-Wish. All proceeds from the pattern downloads will be donated to Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas, with Moda Fabrics partnering along. To learn more about the cause you can view this Make-A-Wish video.
Be sure to follow the Threadology Quilt Along’s web page which includes all patterns and video tutorials, Facebook, and Instagram! Join the Kimberly Stitch Squad Facebook Group to join thegroup of quilters who are also quilting along. And be sure to hashtag your Threadology Quilt progress with #makeawish and #threadologyquiltalong on Instagram so we can see and share your work!
