QAL Block 6 - Windblown Square

 

If you are making the full size quilt which is a “Twin” size you will need 3 of these blocks.

This is very similar the last weeks block so you should find it fairly simple to piece. But it isn’t exactly the same so be a bit careful!

Just a note on the pressing….I will be the first to admit that I have been reluctant to cross over to the “open seam pressing” movement. I am kinda old-school I guess! But I definitely found that my 2^nd and 3^rd blocks finished much neater with the open pressing method. But it really is personal preference so press whichever way you like!

Cutting

Background fabric - 16 squares 3”x3”

Pink 1 - 2 rectangles 3”x5.5”

Pink 2 - 2 rectangles 3”x5.5”

Blue 1 - 2 rectangles 3”x5.5”

Blue 2 - 2 rectangles 3”x5.5”

Piecing the Units

Part A

Start by drawing a line diagonally across all 16 background squares.

We are making 4 of the diamond (that’s what I call them anyway) rectangles. You did these last week only smaller!

Place a background square over one end of the pink fabric. Make sure these run the same way on each pink fabric.

Sew along the line. Cut your ¼” seam allowance and press as desired. If you aren’t open seaming press toward the pink fabric.

Place a background square over the other end of the pink fabric. Make sure your line is running the same way as the first line. This will make the diamond shape.

Sew along the line. Cut your ¼” seam allowance and press as desired. If you aren’t open seaming press toward the pink fabric.

You should now have 4 rectangles (2 of each pink fabric) measuring 3” x 5.5”.

Part B

Now we are making 4 flying geese rectangles!

Take your background fabric and lay it over one end of the blue fabric. Make sure it is the same way on all your pieces.

Sew along the line. Cut your ¼” seam allowance and press as desired. Either open or towards the background fabric.

Lay another background square over the other end of the blue fabric. This time have the line coming to meet the other seam at the top. This is will make the flying geese.

Sew along the line. Cut your ¼” seam allowance and press as desired. Either open or towards the background fabric.

You should now have 4 flying geese rectangles (2 of each blue fabric) measuring 3” x 5.5”.

Sewing the block together

I like to lay all my pieces out now. Making sure they are all pointing in the right direction.

It is a good idea to use a pin wherever you have intersecting seams!

Take a pink diamond and a blue goose (that sounds funny!) Sew together as in the picture below.

Do this for all four sets. These squares should measure 5.5” square.

Lay them out again, I had one set pointing the wrong way so it is a good idea to keep checking!

Sew the top 2 together and the bottom 2 together. Press.

Join these together then give a final press and you have completed your block!

Your block should measure 10.5” square unfinished.

These are my other two blocks….

These went together a lot neater when I pressed the seams open.

If you have any questions feel free to pop me an email.

Also, if you haven’t already check out the flickr group. There are quite a few putting photos of their blocks up! It is really great to see everyone’s progress!

I am also putting links to the block tutorials on my facebook page so if you are regularly on there you might like have a look.