February 15, 2002     Added in February, 2002

BLOCK 2, Pinwheel Nine-Patch

Block 2 in the Sampler #101 quilt is similar to Block 1 in that it is a nine-patch, however, Block 2 uses HST (Half-Square Triangles) to create a pinwheel effect.

Block 2 is constructed from three of your six fabrics:  Fabrics A, C, and D .When finished, Block 2 should look similar to this example:

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 Block 1.

Cutting Requirements
Quantity Fabric Size
4 D 4.5" X 4.5"
1 C 4.5" X 4.5"
2 C 5.5" X 5.5"
2 A 5.5" X 5.5"

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. The first thing to do is to make the HST.  If you do not have a preferred method of making these, refer to the HST Tutorial located on the Web for a fast and easy way to construct HST.  Use the 2 Fabric C 5.5" squares and the 2 Fabric A 5.5" squares to make these HST.  When finished sewing them, trim them to a precise 4.5" square.  You should have 4 HST that look similar to this:


    The reasoning behind cutting the squares used in the construction of HST one inch larger than they need to be is simple:  It ensures accuracy when trimming in that by cutting the squares larger than needed, there is room to trim.  It is much easier to trim excess fabric than it is to try to glue fabric back on.  

  2. To assemble this pinwheel nine-patch, lay it out so that it looks similar to the sample block given in step 1 above.

  3. Using the sample in step one, sew each row together (being careful of the placement of the HST!), beginning with the top row, row 1, as shown in the following illustration.  Press the seams away from the HST.

  4. Sew row 2 as illustrated below, pressing the seams away from the HST.

  5. Sew row 3 as shown below, pressing the seams away from the HST.

  6. The final steps are to assemble the rows into a block.  Begin with row 1 and sew it to row 2, making sure the HST are in the correct place.  Refer to the diagram of the sample block in step 1 to see the placement.  Press the seam toward row 1.

  7. Sew row 3 to the row 1/row 2 piece.  Press the seam toward row 3.

  8. Press the block flat, trim to 12.5" x 12.5".  It should look similar to this:

Congratulations!  You have just completed Block 2 of the 12 for this Sampler.

The following quilt illustrates what a small quilt/wallhanging could look like just by using the first two blocks in this sampler, the Nine-Patch and the Pinwheel Nine-Patch:

For more information, please contact quilting@quiltingpassion.com

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