Author: Sewing and Vacuum Authority

February Block of the Month

#2.  Churn Dash

Two-color block and finished size 12”.

Color #1:  Lighter Color fabric.

Piece A:  Cut 2 – 5” squares

Piece C:  Cut 4 – 2 ½” x 4 ½” rectangle

Piece E:  Cut 1 – 4 ½” square

Color #2: Darker color fabric.

Piece B:  Cut 2 – 5” squares

Piece D:  Cut 4 – 2 ½” x 4 ½” rectangle

Step #1:

Piece A:

1. Mark a diagonal line corner to corner.
2. Layer A & B Right sides together matching corners.
3. Stitch ¼” from marked line on both sides.
4. Cut on line. Press seam allowance open.
5. Stitch other two pieces A & B following above directions.
6. Using a 4 ½” square ruler, square up piece just created. Match marked line on ruler with seam line from corner to corner.  Using rotary cutter, trim piece to match square ruler.
7. Set aside to be use in Final Assembly.

Rectangle pieces:

1. Using the 2 ½” x 4 ½” pieces, both colors, stitch one of each color along one of the long sides.  This should make a block component that is 4 ½” square.
2. Press seam allowances toward the dark fabric.
3. Complete all four block components, press and set aside to be used later in final assembly

February Block of the Month

#1.  9-Patch Variation

 Two-color block.  Finished size 12”

• Color A:   Should be a darker fabric
•          Cut 4 – 3 ½” squares.
•          Cut 1 – 6 ½” square.
• Color B:  Should be a lighter fabric
•          Cut 4 pieces – 3 ½” x 6 ½.

Following the provided diagram, lay out the cut pieces.

Label each piece of fabric with a position number.   e. Row one should be labeled 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3 starting left to right.

Stitch 1-1 and 1-2 together. Press seam allowance open.

Stitch 2-1 and 2-2 together. Press seam allowance open.

Stitch 3-1 and 3-2 together. Press seam allowance open.

Now stitch the larger piece from row one to the fabric labeled 1-3. Press seam allowance open.

Stitch the larger piece from row 2 to the piece labeled 2-3. Press seam allowance open.

Stitch the larger piece from row 3 to the piece labeled 3-3.  Press seam allowance open.

Now assemble the block. Following the diagram, stitch rows 1& 2 together matching intersections. Press seam allowance open.

Stitch row 3 to the bottom of the piece just stitched. Press seam allowances open.

Press complete block and set aside to be used later.