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Crossed Connections Clue Four
Cut from the dark fabric:
- Cut (1) strip 5" wide by the WOF. From that strip, cut (4) 5" x 5" squares.
- Cut (1) strip 3" wide by the WOF. From that strip, cut (4) 3" x 3" squares.
Match these with the (4) 5" x 5" squares and the (4) 3" x 3" squares that you cut from the background fabric in Clue Two.
This
quilt uses half square triangles (HSTs.) In this clue, I am
going to be giving you cutting directions for making HST blocks
using the traditional method.
In the traditional method of making half square triangles, you put two squares of fabric right sides together and draw a diagonal line on the back of the lighter square. Sew 1/4" each on either side of that drawn line then cut on the line and press to the dark. To use a Quick Quarter Ruler (pictured below and in the video), just place the ruler on the diagonal of the back of the light square. You can draw your cutting line through the slot in the center of the ruler. The two sides of the ruler are exactly 1/4" from that center slot, so when you draw a line along the sides, you are drawing your sewing line.
The
video below shows how to make HST blocks using the traditional method
Tip:
Do you have any
1/2" wide painters tape or
Tiger Tape at home?
Use a strip of that on the diagonal of your block. Then sew
on either side of the diagonal, remove the tape and reuse it on
your next block.
Use the traditional method to make (8) HST blocks from the background and dark 5" squares. Press to the dark. Square these up to 4 1/2" unfinished.
Using the background and dark 3" squares, make (8) HST blocks. Press to the dark. Square these up to 2 1/2" unfinished.
Clue Five
This is the Key Block. This is the block that will cross the connections of your quilt blocks - or not. Depending on how you place this block, your other blocks will connect, disconnect or make a pattern. If you have a design board, you will use it today! If not, clean a roughly 60" x 60" spot on the floor or bed to use.
Print out
this paper pieced
pattern. Double check to make sure it printed out at 4"
(finished.) This
block will be 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" unfinished. The picture
above
does not show the seam allowance.
Use the scraps from the previous clues to make (4) of these blocks.
You will also need to make (8) half key blocks like the ones below.
Print out
this paper pieced
pattern. Double check to make sure it printed out at half of a
4" square (finished.) Don't forget to add the seam allowance!
The picture above does not show the seam allowance.
CLUE SIX
This quilt will be set on point! Read our article on How to Set a Quilt on Point if you have never done it before.
In Clue Two, you cut a 24" x 24" block from the background fabric. Cut this block on an X (both diagonals) to make 4 triangles with the straight of grain on the bottom of the triangle. These are setting blocks.
In Clue Two, you cut (2) 12" x 12" squares. Cut these blocks on the diagonal to make (4) triangles with the straight of grain on the edges. These are corner blocks.
In Clue Four, you made (8) 4 1/2" HST blocks and (8) 2 1/2" HST blocks from the background and dark fabrics. Using the (8) 2 ½" x 2 ½" background squares and the (4) 4 ½" x 4 ½" background squares you cut in Clue Two, make (4) of these butterfly blocks. (below). Don't forget to press the seam allowances of the four-patches in opposite directions so they nestle at the seams. Press and square up to 8 1/2" if necessary.
