Tutorial/QAYG # 1/Making the Blocks

I started this quilt last November and since It's still a work in progress. I will be using it, as one of the samples, in this series of  QAYG tutorials. This method of making the blocks is sometimes referred to as "Stitch and Flip"

This quilt is supposed to be random and wonky, so placement of strips is just that. Seam allowances don't have to be exact but a minimum of 1/4 inch is necessary so the quilt doesn't fall apart....wouldn't that just get to you??

I pulled a number of fabrics from my stash and went at it....yes, yes I know, who but an addict, can pull this many fabrics, without going to the store. In this type of quilt I don't plan to much....I do look for contrast when placing my strips.

My Supplies of Preference

• Basting Spray
• Cutting Mat
• Rotary Cutter
• Ruler
• Batting...Warm and Natural is my preference
• Iron
• Walking Foot for your sewing machine

• Determine your finished block size...the sample is 14" square.
• Cut your batting and backing squares about an inch larger.....in this case 15" square

I'm making wonky, log cabin type blocks, for this particular quilt. I am not going to attach the backing square to the batting square  until later because I don't want all the stitching starts and stops, to show on the back. If I was just doing straight strips, I would probably attach the backs, at this point, using the basting spray.
  

• Cut a number or strips in varying widths....perfection is not necessary or even desirable, if you are wanting some wonkiness.

• Place a starting shape...that has straight edges, right side up, on the batting square. Where you place it, on the batting, is totally up to you.

• place the next strip...right side down, on the starting shape...lining up the edges.

•  Sew all three layers together.
• Set your stitch length the same as you would for regular piecing...I use I a shorter stitch length when I'm piecing, because I don't want things falling apart.

• Stop sewing when you reach the edge of the bottom (red) strip.  

•  Trim the strip (white), that you just sewed on.

• Press



• Press Open

• Apply the next strip, right side down.

•  Trim the strip you just applied.

•  Press open.

• Keep applying strips in this manner until you have covered the entire, batting square. You are basically using the batting square as a foundation square.

• When the block is covered, turn it over, batting side up, and trim excess fabric.
• Here you can see the starts and stops created from putting the block together.
• This is what I am covering up by putting the back on later.

Coming Up:

• Prepping and Quilting the Blocks