Friday, July 29, 2011

Block 6 - Bow Ties


Well, we are going to say goodbye to half square triangles for awhile and move on to a new skill.  I don't know what the "real" name for this skill is, but I call it corner to corner sewing and I am presenting it as a bridge into making flying geese next month.  Plus, I love bow tie blocks.  They are a fun block that I think everyone should know how to make (as an added bonus, they are as easy to make as cold cereal).  :)

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Edited (5/15):  The Skill Builder Sampler will is available for purchase in book form!  It has been renamed "You Can Quilt!  Building Skills for Beginners" but covers the same skills with the easy, medium and challenging blocks and is a million times better than the original quilt along.  It is perfect for the beginning quilter or the experienced quilter who wants to branch out and learn new skills.  Find more information and order a signed copy in my Etsy shop or order on Amazon.  
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Cutting:

For this block you will need:

8 - white 3.5x3.5 inches squares
2 - 3.5x3.5 inch squares in 4 different colors (8 squares total)
2 - 2x2 inch squares in 4 different colors (8 squares total)


Draw a line from corner to corner on each of the 2 inch squares.

Sewing:


 Lay the 2 inch squares on one corner of each of the white/background squares.  Sew together ON the line - Not to the side.


Place the ruler 1/4 inch from the stitching line and trim away the excess corner fabric.  Press open.


 Lay out the white and colored blocks as shown.  Sew a white and colored piece together.  Pressed towards the colored fabric.

 Then sew the two halves together.  Take a second and measure your blocks.  They should measure 6.5 inches on each side.  If they are larger, trim down to size.  If they are smaller than 6.5 inches make your quarter inch seams a bit smaller on the next step.

Now take some time to play with your blocks.  You may want to lay them out like this...

or this...

or this...and sew together.


So many possibilities with just one block.  I can't wait to see what design and fabric you choose.  Be sure to check back in next week for some quilt math, a giveaway and a bonus block challenge!


10 comments:

  1. Hi Leila! I'm having so much fun with this you have no idea! I've never made bowties like this before so I'm excited :) I had posted a tut on my blog for a different kind of bowtie block that my grandma taught me ages ago. Thought you might be interested in seeing it: http://sweetbeebuzzings.blogspot.com/2010/09/puffy-bowtie-quilt-block-tutorial.html
    Thanks for all your work on this QAL.

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  2. This block looks like fun! I still have to make last weeks block too, so I'm going to do it first and then making the bowtie block will be my reward for doing all the HSTs :-)
    Thank you :-)

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  3. Heck yeah!!! I haven't done these before - and I am WAY excited to try! THey look super!

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  4. I love this block. I love whole quilts made from this block. I might not be able to stop at one - I can feel a new project coming along. 6am Saturday here but I'd best wait til everyone's awake before firing up the machine. Thank you for your great tutorials and inspiration. Having heaps of fun on this QAL.

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  5. I am three blocks behind now, with all the hubbub of moving; this is going to be my inspiration to get my sewing table cleaned off and catch up, maybe even tonight and tomorrow! Yay!

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  6. well I did this one first now to go back and get caught up I love my block so fancy with such a easy plan thanks for the inspiration.

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  7. but now I want a use for those little triangles...
    Any ideas?

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  8. I'm loving this QAL - thanks so much for all the great tutorials and block ideas! I've wanted to make one of these bow-tie blocks for a while and I'm glad I had an excuse. You are right, super easy and fun!

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  9. Woo hoo! I'm caught up with you, Leila! You were so right about this block being easy - it took me all of two hours! Thank you so much; I've given you a big wrap-up on my blog :-)
    I have a collection of neckties from opshops that I've been wanting to make into some kind of quilt or wall hanging, and now I have the perfect design to use!

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  10. I thoroughly enjoyed making one with this pattern and spools, and it was so much fun! It went to Kansas and was a 45 x 60 for a two year old.:)

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