March 10, 2002     Added in March, 2002

BLOCK 3, Hole in the Barn Door

Block 3 in the Sampler #101 quilt is another simple block in that it is a nine-patch, however, Block 3 uses HST (Half-Square Triangles) and stripped pieces to create a block that is commonly known as "Hole in the Barn Door".

Block 3 is constructed from three of your six fabrics:  Fabrics A, B, and C .When finished, Block 3 should look similar to this example:

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 and 2.

Since this is a sampler that is teaching some of you new techniques, remember that blocks shall get more complicated as we advance through the year, however, the blocks will not become so complicated that you won't be able to do them.  Just follow the instructions, and if you run into a problem, join in on the discussion board on the forum and feel free to ask questions!

INSTRUCTIONS

1. The first thing to do is to make the HST.  If you do not have a preferred method of making these, refer to the HST Tutorial located on the Web for a fast and easy way to construct HST.  Use the 2 Fabric C 5.5" squares and the 2 Fabric A 5.5" squares to make these HST.  When finished sewing them, trim them to a precise 4.5" square.  You should have 4 HST that look similar to this:
   
   
   The reasoning behind cutting the squares used in the construction of HST one inch larger than they need to be is simple:  It ensures accuracy when trimming in that by cutting the squares larger than needed, there is room to trim.  It is much easier to trim excess fabric than it is to try to glue fabric back on.  

2. The second step involves some strip piecing.  If this is a new concept to you, let me explain.  Strip piecing is a very fast method of sewing strips of fabric together, then cutting these sewn strips into segments that are then used in a block.  In this case, we are going to sew the strip of Fabric A to the strip of Fabric C.  It is important to note that if you do not use an accurate scant 1/4" seam allowance here, that your stripped piece will not be the correct size when completed.  Press the seam allowance toward Fabric C.  Once finished, you should have a single pieced-strip of two fabrics sewn together that is approximately 22" long and approximately 4.5" wide.  It should look similar to this:
   

3. Using the strip sewn in step 2, cut segments from it that are 4.5" wide.  Once cut, they should measure 4.5" x 4.5".  You need four of these segments and should have a few inches of the stripped fabric left over.  Throw this excess into your scraps pile!   These four 4.5" x 4.5" stripped segments should look similar to this:
   
   

4. Accuracy Check:  At this point, you should have 4 HST from step 1, 4 stripped segments from step 3, and 1 4.5" x 4.5" square that you cut from Fabric B.

5. It is now time to assemble the rows of this block.  There are three rows, with three sections in each row.  Sew row 1 as shown below, using 2 HST and a stripped segment.  Make absolutely certain that the HST and the stripped segment are facing the right direction as shown in the illustration below.  Press the seams away from the HST.
   

6. Sew row 2 using 2 of the stripped segments and the 4.5" x 4.5" square cut from Fabric B.  Press the seams toward the stripped segments.  Again, it is very important to watch how you place the direction of the parts used in this row.  Use the following illustration as a guide:
   

7. Sew row 2 using the 2 remaining HST and the 1 remaining stripped segment.  Press the seams away from the HST.  Be careful to watch the placement of the blocks before sewing.  Use the following illustration as a guide to placement:
   

8. It is now time to assemble the block from the 3 rows that you have made.  Sew row 1 to row 2.  It should be easy to match the seams since we pressed them in opposing directions, allowing them to "snuggle" together and "lock" into place.  Pin, if necessary.  Press toward row 2.

9. Sew row 3 to the row 1/row 2 piece.  Press the seam toward row 2.

10. Press the block flat, trim to 12.5" x 12.5".  It should look similar to this:
    
    

Congratulations!  You have just completed Block 3 of the 12 for this Sampler.

The following quilt illustrates what a small quilt/wallhanging could look like just by using the first three blocks in this sampler, the Nine-Patch,  the Pinwheel Nine-Patch, and Hole in the Barn Door:

Here is a quilt that illustrates this what this block would look like with no sashing, and also used throughout the entire quilt.  Notice the secondary patterns it creates?  Wouldn't this be a cute quilt using plaids as Fabric A?

For more information, please contact quilting@quiltingpassion.com

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