August 19, 2002 
Added in August, 2002
BLOCK 8, Hodge-Podge
Block 8 in the Sampler #101 quilt is another simple block that is my own creation. This one should go together very quickly!
Remember those 8 Baby Rail blocks that we had leftover from Block 4? Well, we're going to use them now. Can't let them go to waste, can we? They should each measure 3.5" x 3.5".
Block 8 is constructed using three fabrics, in addition to the 8 Baby Rails: Fabrics A, C, and 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 7.
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!
| Cutting Requirements | ||
| Quantity | Fabric | Size |
| 8 Squares | A | 2" x 2" |
| 8 Squares | F | 2" x 2" |
| 4 Squares | C | 3.5" x 3.5" |
INSTRUCTIONS
This block is constructed as one large 16-patch, but as you can see, the components of the 16-patch aren't all single pieces of fabric. So, before we can assemble this as a 16-patch, we must first make the smaller four-patches.
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First, to make the 4 small four-patches. Using one of the 2" squares from A and one from F, sew them together, as shown below:
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Repeat step 1 until you have 8 of these units.
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Next, using the 8 units made in step 2, sew them together into four four-patches, as shown below. Be careful of the placement of the colors.
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You should end up with four of these, each measuring 3.5" x 3.5". -
Next, lay the 16 mini-blocks you have for this block as shown below and sew them into rows, OR you can choose to play with the design and lay these out in any way you wish. My layout is only one of many options.
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Sew each of the four rows made in step 4 as illustrated below:
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Press the finished block flat. It should measure 12.5" x 12.5" and look similar to this:
The quilt below is a sample of
using Block 8 alone, repeated nine times. See the diagonal paths
formed? Try rotating the blocks for different patterns.
The quilt below uses Block 7 alternated with Block 8. Notice how Block 7 forms a criss-cross path around the quilt?
The following quilt uses all 8 of the blocks made so far, with one of them repeated (to even out the quilt). What do you think so far?
Congratulations on completing Block 8. In the next block, we are going to make an interesting block!
For more information, please contact quilting@quiltingpassion.com
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