Fancy Stripes Block Tutorial
Have you ordered the 2017 Quilter's Planner yet? There are some amazing block designs there.
Don't you love a good half-square triangle block? There is so much you can do with HSTs. The Fancy Stripe block is a great example. You can find this design on the August tab of the 2017 Quilter's Planner. So, today I am making a blog appearance to show you how to make this 12" block in a super fast way.
All you need for this block is 16 HSTs, but the best part is that they are made from just two square sets.
So lets get it started.
MATERIALS:
2 Fat-Quarters (one light, one dark)
Cutting mat and ruler
Rotary cutter
Sewing machine
Thread
Iron and ironing surface
Chalk or washable fabric marker
CUTTING:
Cut 2 squares at 7 3/4" from the light fabric
Cut 2 squares at 7 3/4" from the dark fabric
Note: If you like a little room for trimming, cut squares at 8".
* This is a 12" block. For others sizes, follow the cutting chart bellow. Remember to add 1/2" to the finished HSTs in the chart when trimming it before joining the units.
BLOCK CONSTRUCTION:
1. Place a light square and a dark square right sides together. You will have two sets.
2. Mark the blocks with the chalk or washable pen from corner to corner, making an X.
3. Pin and sew 1/4" away from marked lines.
4. Cut first between the X, in a plus sign direction.
5. Then cut on marked lines, in a X direction.
6. Press and open units towards dark fabric.
7. Lay blocks forming the fancy stripe pattern.
8. Start joining the units 2 by 2 and press each row to different directions, following diagram below.
9. Continue by joining the 2 by 2 units to finish joining the rows. Press to same direction as the other units on each row.
10. Nest seams and join rows 2 at a time. Press to the side.
10. Finish by nesting and joining the last center seam. Press to the side.
11. Trim block to 12 1/2" square.
There you go! You are done!
You can always refer back to the 2017 Quilter's Planner reference tab for a diagram of this method and more size options.
Below is a quilt design made by using only the Fancy stripes block in two colors.
Thanks for stopping by and keep on sewing!
Happy Holidays!
S.
