December 07, 2002     December, 2002

Original Block

BLOCK 12, 

Half-Square Nine-Patch Four-Patch

Block 12 in the Sampler #101 quilt is another simple block that looks fantastic when set with a sashing or used in combination with other blocks (samples shown at the bottom of the page).  It is also a great way to use up scraps of fabrics.

Block 12 is constructed using any combination of the six fabrics, A - F.   

It is important to sew with a scant 1/4" (just short of 1/4") seam allowance so that your unfinished block measures 12.5" x 12.5", however, it is even more important to be consistent in your seams.  So, be sure to sew this block with the same seam allowance that you used in the construction of Blocks 1 through 10.

Cutting Requirements
Quantity Fabric Size
2 Squares Any 8" x 8"
18 Squares Any 3" x 3" 

INSTRUCTIONS

     

  1. Mark the 2 - 8" squares once on the diagonal on the back sides.  This can be done with a pencil.  This is NOT going to be the sewing line.

  2. Using the 18 squares, make two nine-patch blocks by sewing three rows of three squares together.  You can lay the fabrics out in any way you want.  You may want to play with them to see which you like best, but you're going to be cutting these blocks anyway, so don't spend a lot of time laying it out.  These nine-patch blocks may look similar to this when finished:

  3. Using one of the squares from step 1, place it right sides together with one of the nine-patches from step 2.  Sew 1/4" on each side of the drawn diagonal line.  Do not sew on the diagonal line!

  4. Cut on the diagonal line and it makes two Half-Square Nine-Patch blocks, as illustrated in step 6.  Note:  Yours will look different than mine, depending on the choices of fabrics you make and the placement of the fabrics.

  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the two remaining blocks.  You should have a total of four Half-Square Nine-Patch blocks now.

  6. Press the four Half-Square Nine-Patch blocks flat.

  7. Trim each block so that it measures 6.5".  You want to trim the excess off of the solid portion, not the nine-patch portion!

  8. Arrange the four blocks in any way that pleases you, then sew them together into two rows of two blocks, forming a large four-patch.  The finished block should measure 12.5" x 12.5" and look similar to the one below:

The quilt below is a simple layout using only Block 12, with the blocks rotated.

The quilt below is a simple layout using only Block 12 set in a straight setting.

The quilt below is a sample of using Block 12 in combination with Blocks 1 and 6.  This is a very striking quilt!  Just look at that diamond framing the old maid in the middle!

Congratulations on completing Block 12.  This finishes all of the blocks for this year!  Be sure to sign up for the class beginning in January to quilt this!

Here is the Sampler so far... it is assembled with 3.5" strips used for the sashing (shown as dark green below) and 3.5" squares for the cornerstones (shown as the fabric A).  It is finished with a simple 2.5" border all the way around.  The binding is added last.

For quilting tips, stay tuned for the sampler quilting class beginning in January!

I hope you have enjoyed this class this year.  I certainly have!

For more information, please contact quilting@quiltingpassion.com

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