MQ2: Block 1, "A"

BLOCK 1,

"A"

September 30, 2001

BlockA.JPG (156068 bytes)

Diagram 1

The first block, Block 1, is the alphabetic letter "A". This block is an appropriate block for either a baby quilt or the the school-related quilt and measures 10.5" when pieced together in this lesson.

The A Block is going to be sewn in three (3) units:

Unit 1 - Consists of 2 parts (identical to Unit 3)
Unit 2 - Consists of 4 parts
Unit 3 - Consists of 2 parts (identical to Unit 1)

See Diagram 1 at the left for how this block is broken down into these units.

Tip: Use a scant 1/4" seam allowance when piecing. This allows the room necessary for folding the fabric and pressing. A "scant" 1/4" seam allowance is sewing a couple of threads short (smaller) of a precise 1/4".

UNITs 1 and 3

Units 1 and 3 are identical units and are pieced together in the same manner. Please read the cutting and assembly directions before beginning because these units include half-square triangles (HST). There are many methods for preparing HST, and both the cutting and the sewing directions are given using the method that I use. Refer to my HST tutorial for my (easy!) method of making HST, if you do not have a preferred method.

Refer to the following table for cutting directions.

CUTTING DIRECTIONS
Focus Fabric (red in the sample above)	Background Fabric (white in the sample above)
Cut 2 rectangles, 2.5" x 8.5"	*Cut 2 squares, 3" x 3"
*Cut 2 squares, 3" x 3"

* indicates that these squares are used to make the HST. If you use a different method, then cut these squares the sizes that you need in order to get a 2.5" HST.

Each unit is made up of one half-square triangle and one rectangle.

Unit 1 is assembled as shown:

Unit 1 Assembly	Unit 3 Assembly

UNIT 2

Unit 2 isn't nearly as difficult as it looks! It's done in several parts. Refer to the following illustration to see how this unit is divided into sections.

Unit2Parts.jpg (75755 bytes)

Refer to the following table for cutting directions.

CUTTING DIRECTIONS
Focus Fabric (red in the sample above)	Background Fabric (white in the sample above)
Cut 2 rectangles, 2.5" x 6.5"	Cut 1 rectangle, 4.5" x 6.5"
*Cut 2 squares, 3" x 3"	*Cut 2 squares, 3" x 3"
	Cut 1 square, 2.5" x 2.5"

* indicates that these squares are used to make the HST. If you use a different method, then cut these squares the sizes that you need in order to get a 2.5" HST.

There is no assembly required for Part 1, Part 3, or Part 4, however there is assembly required for Part 2. Refer to the table below for Part 2 assembly.

Unit 2, Part 2 Assembly

Unit2PartAssembly.jpg (13351 bytes)

Once part 2 is assembled, Unit 2 can be assembled.

Unit 2 Assembly

BLOCK "A" ASSEMBLY

Assembly is very easy. It's Unit 1 + Unit 2 + Unit 3. Refer to the illustration below.

BlockAAssembly.jpg (52187 bytes)

Congratulations! Block 1, "A", is now complete! It measures 10.5" and should be pressed flat.

Table of Contents

LESSON	SUBJECT	DATE
0	Introduction	September 22, 2001
1	Block 1	September 22, 2001
2	Block 2	September 30, 2001
3	Block 3	October 16, 2001
4	Block 4	November 10, 2001
5	Block 5	December 05, 2001
6	Quilt Assembly	December 11, 2001