June 02, 2002     Added in June, 2002

BLOCK 6, Brilliant Bargello

Block 6 in the Sampler #101 quilt is another simple block that doesn't look at all simple!  Don't let all of the instructions below intimidate you; they are easy to follow and a snap to do.  This block is constructed using a strip-piecing technique that is easy to learn and looks fantastic; in fact, it looks as though you have slaved over a hot sewing machine all day long!

Block 6 is constructed using all six fabrics:  Fabrics A, B, C, D, E, and F.  It is made up of nine "strips" going across the block, but only five of those strips are different.  In other words, Strip 1 and Strip 9 are identical, Strips 2 and 8 are identical, Strips 3 and 7 are identical, Strips 4 and 6 are identical, and there is only one Strip 5.  Here are the five strips illustrated, in order, 1 through 5:


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 Blocks 1 through 4.

Since this is a sampler that is teaching some of you new techniques, remember that blocks shall get more complicated as we advance through the year, however, the blocks will not become so complicated that you won't be able to do them.  Just follow the instructions, and if you run into a problem, join in on the discussion board on the forum and feel free to ask questions!

Cutting Requirements
Quantity Fabric Size
1 Strip A 2.5" x 22"
1 Strip B 2.5" x 22"
1 Strip C 2.5" x 22"
1 Strip D 2.5" x 22"
1 Strip E 2.5" x 22"
1 Strip F 2.5" x 22"

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. We are going to make one large stripped piece using all six fabrics, in order from Fabric A through F.  This gives us the foundation for making all five of the different stripped pieces that we need.  Lay the fabric strips out in order, A through F, then begin sewing them together, using a scant 1/4" seam.  Fabrics A and B are sewn, then sew C to AB.  Follow by sewing D to ABC, then sew E to ABCD.  Finish by sewing F to ABCDE.  When finished, it should look similar to this:

  2. Press the seams so that they all go in one direction.  It doesn't matter which direction, as long as they all go the same way.  Be careful to not get any puckers on the front side.  

  3. Next, fold the top over to the bottom, so that Fabric A lines up with Fabric F, then sew the top strip to the bottom strip, right sides together, so that it forms a circular tube.

  4. Press this circular tube flat, so that three fabrics are on top and three are on bottom.  You should be working from the wrong side of the fabrics.

  5. Next, using an acrylic ruler, trim the left edge so that it is even (or the right edge, if you're left-handed), being careful to keep the fabric tube lined up evenly, too.  Hint:  To get an even edge trimmed, the two edges should form a right (90º) angle.

  6. Cut two (2) strips from the stripped set that are each 2.25" wide.  This is called Strip 1.

  7. Cut two (2) strips from the stripped set that are each 2" wide.  This is called Strip 2.

  8. Cut two (2) strips from the stripped set that are each 1.75" wide.  This is called Strip 3.

  9. Cut two (2) strips from the stripped set that are each 1.5" wide.  This is called Strip 4.

  10. Cut one (1) strip from the remaining stripped set that is 1.25" wide.  This is called Strip 5.

  11. Pick up the two Strip 1s.  Using a seam ripper, carefully remove the seam that joins Fabric A and B.

  12. Pick up the two Strip 2s.  Using a seam ripper, carefully remove the seam that joins Fabric B and C.

  13. Pick up the two Strip 3s.  Using a seam ripper, carefully remove the seam that joins Fabric C and D.

  14. Pick up the two Strip 4s.  Using a seam ripper, carefully remove the seam that joins Fabric D and E.

  15. Pick up the one Strip 5.  Using a seam ripper, carefully remove the seam that joins Fabric E and F.

  16. ACCURACY CHECK:  You should have two of each of these:  Strips 1, 2, 3, 4.  You should have one Strip 5.

  17. Lay the strips out in this order:  1 2 3 4 5 4 3 2 1
    It should look similar to this:

  18. Beginning on one side (I'll use the left in these instructions), sew Strip 1 to Strip 2, being careful to match the seams.

  19. Next, sew Strip 1-2 to Strip 3, again being careful to match the seams.

  20. Sew Strip 1-2-3 to Strip 4.

  21. Sew Strip 1-2-3-4 to Strip 5.

  22. Sew Strip 1-2-3-4-5 to Strip 6.

  23. Sew Strip 1-2-3-4-5-6 to Strip 7.

  24. Sew Strip 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 to Strip 8.

  25. Sew Strip 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 to Strip 9.

  26. Press the block flat.  It should measure 12.5" x 12.5" and should look similar to this:

Once again, congratulations!  You have just completed Block 6 of the 12 for this Sampler and are half finished!

The following quilt illustrates what a small quilt/wallhanging could look like just by using the first five blocks in this sampler, the Nine-Patch,  the Pinwheel Nine-Patch, the Hole in the Barn Door, the Baby Rails, the Simple Saw Tooth, and the Brilliant Bargello.

Here is a quilt that illustrates what this block would look like with no sashing, and also used throughout the entire quilt.  Notice the secondary patterns it creates?  

Or how about the same block, but turning the middle vertical row so that it goes in a different direction?

And here is another quilt using this block facing in opposite directions for each row?

Here is a sneak peek at the next block!

 

For more information, please contact quilting@quiltingpassion.com

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