Today is another free block day, so I want to carry on with the 5-patch block theme. If you remember, a couple of months back, I presented the first 5-patch block called Four-X Star block, and last month I introduced another called Flying Squares (showing details of how to construct a block using partial seams). This week's block is called Grandmother's puzzle - a block for the advanced quilter for sure.
Actually, because this block is a bit more advanced than the previous blocks and will take longer to make, I will present it in two parts. Today will be the first part where we cut out the fabrics and make some of the units... next week, I'll show you how to make the remaining units and put the block together.
Whenever I make a new block, I take a careful look at it to see how it can be broken into grid lines for construction. Is it possible for this block? Grid lines won't work for this without making a right-angled corner seam so we can do one of two things.
- Cut two of the large triangles into smaller sections
- Use set-in seams (y-seam).
Since I don't wish to make extra joins where two connecting fabrics are the same, I will show you how to create this block with set-in seams. It's easier than you think!
Let's get started....
For Grandmother's Puzzle, you will need four fabrics. From the four fabrics, you will need to cut the following:
|
amount |
5" finish |
10" finish |
|
|
Background fabric: |
four four |
1-7/8" squares 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" rectangles |
2-7/8" squares 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" rectangles |
|
Main fabric: |
two |
2-7/8" squares |
4-7/8" squares |
|
Corner fabric: |
four |
1-1/2" squares |
2-1/2" squares |
|
Center fabric: |
one |
1-1/2" square |
2-1/2" square |
First, you will need to cut the two larger squares along one diagonal. That's the background and main fabric squares.
Unit One: To ONE rectangle, add ONE corner square. Repeat this to make ONE more.
Unit Two: Now, we will make the top left and bottom right corners. You will need ONE corner square, TWO background triangles, and ONE main fabric triangle.
Start by attaching one small triangle to the square. Position the square corners together so the raw edges are even and stitch from the square corner along the seam. Notice the triangle tips extend beyond the square. Once sewn, press the seam toward the square.
Add the remaining small triangle section in the same way, remembering to start stitching from the square end.
Your unit will look like this after it is pressed. You can trim the ears off to neaten it (little bits sticking out).
Next, you will add the large triangle. Both these triangles should be the same size.
With right sides together, sew with the pieced triangle on top so you can see where to stitch through the connecting seams. Sew right through the middle where the three pieces of fabric connect. Be careful with this seam, you are sewing along the bias of the fabric so it may stretch. If you prefer, use a little fabric starch to prevent stretching. You could also loosen off your presser foot to help prevent stretching.
Make one more of these units, then make a third, replacing the corner square with the center square.
You should now have TWO Unit One blocks and THREE Unit Two blocks.
That's it for now. Next week, I'll continue with the next units and we'll get to try that set-in seam. See you then!
