leaftitle.jpg (29451 bytes)

6.5" finished

September 23, 2006

      With the onset of cool weather and the display of brilliant fall colors on all the trees, I decided to make a leaf as the October BOM.  But, not just any old leaf!  This one is three-dimensional and still just as easy, or maybe even easier, since there are no HST (Half-Square Triangles) to deal with!

     There are many layouts and colorations for this quilt block pattern.  I've only done a few, but the potential is there.  It is important to note that the instructions given below are specifically for the single block of the quilt pictured and that no matter what size (or color) you make the quilt, the blocks are all made in the same manner as described below. You would simply need to make minor adjustments to the number of blocks needed for the look you like and then change your colors accordingly. The samples show some great options.

     The picture shown above does not illustrate the 3-D effect, but the sample blocks in the "Different Layouts" section do.

     I have two requests: 1) Since this is a free pattern, in lieu of payment, please send me a picture of a completed quilt or block when you finish, and 2) Please be sure to read my copyright notice before proceeding. I have strict (though very easy and reasonable) guidelines that users must adhere to. Thank you!

     Should you run into any problems in making this quilt, or if something in the directions is incorrect, please contact me! It would be greatly appreciated!

     The Turning Leaf was designed using EQ 4.1.

INSTRUCTIONS

background.jpg (24324 bytes)leaffabric.jpg (41100 bytes)

stem.jpg (8276 bytes)

      First, cut the following pieces:
Background Leaf Fabric Stem Fabric
6 - 2.5" squares 7 - 2.5" squares 1 - 1" x 4" strip
     Second, using 4 of the 2.5" leaf fabric squares, fold them in half on the diagonal, with the right sides on the outside, then press, as shown in the illustration on the right.

diagonal.jpg (20147 bytes)

FoldedHST.jpg (33812 bytes)

      Third, lay one of the diagonal-folded squares on top of a background square, making sure to align one of the background corners with the double-folded corner of the leaf fabric.  Also make sure that the fold goes across the diagonal portion of the background square, as shown in the illustration to the left.

     Baste the folded triangle onto the background square along the two edges, using a 1/8" seam allowance.  Press again.  This secures the 3-D leaf into place
     Fourth, using the strip of green stem fabric, fold each side in 1/4" toward the middle.  Press.

     Next, lay it right side up, diagonally on top of a background square and appliqué it into place.  Trim it to fit the square, press into place.  Refer to the illustration shown to the right.

stemapp.jpg (28731 bytes)

assembly.jpg (120311 bytes)

      Fifth, assemble the block into rows as shown in the diagram to the left.
     Sixth, assemble the rows into the block, as shown in the diagram to the right.

assembly2.jpg (119603 bytes)

Finishing your quilt

     Make as many of these blocks as needed.

     Option:  Sew them into groups of four (2 x 2) to make a 12.5" block, unfinished.

     Borders and sashings are optional.  Quilt as desired.

     Enjoy!

OPTIONS!

     While experimenting with this pattern, I decided to try a few things.

  1. Instead of cutting the squares to be folded the same size, I cut them 1/2" larger, then pinned each end in the corners.  After pinning, it left excess fabric in the middle, so I took a small tuck there.  It gives it a very leafy look.   Refer to Samples 3 and 4 below for an actual block done this way.

  2. Instead of making this block 6.5", I also made it 12.5".   To do that, cut your background squares 4.5" and cut the solid leaf parts 4.5".  Cut the squares that you fold for the dimension either 4.5" OR 5", for that "crumply" leaf look described in 1 above.

MORE OPTIONS!

  1. Alternate a quilt with a grouping of 4 of the 6.5" blocks with one 12.5" block.  Refer to Sample 5 below for an illustration of this look.
  2. Make a table runner!  DIRECTIONS are given below!   Refer to Samples 6 and below.

Table Runner

     To make the table runner shown in the samples, you need:

  • 2 of the 12.5" leaves

  • 6 of the 6.5" leaves

  • 2 - 6.5" squares from the background fabric

  • 2 - 10" squares from the background fabric

     Using the 2 - 10" squares, cut them diagonally in both directions, so that each square is cut into 4 triangles. You should have 8 triangles from both squares. These triangles fill in beside the leaf blocks.

     The 2 - 6.5" squares from the background fabric are sewed at each end, to form the "points" of the table runner.

     To assemble the table runner, it is highly recommended that you lay it out first to make sure that everything is facing the direction that you want it to face. You don't have to have yours going in the same directions as mine, either. It is also highly recommended that you sew this one section at a time and to keep referring to the layout. This could save you ripping out a seam or two, should you sew one incorrectly (*cough* not that I did that the first time *cough*). Refer to the diagram to the left for the assembly.  Rows are separated by a narrow black line.

 

Finished Quilt
(The backing fabric was made from the same gorgeous batik that the leaves on the quilt top were made from)

 Section A:
  1. Sew one of the 6.5" squares to a 6.5" leaf, being careful as to which side you place it.
  2. Sew a triangle onto the unit created in the step preceding this one, making sure to sew from the right angle of the triangle, and going down. If possible, put the triangle on bottom to sew. Be careful not to stretch the triangle. This is a bias cut.
  3. Press the seams to one direction.

Section B:

  1. Sew a triangle onto a 6.5" leaf, being careful of the placement, and again starting with the right angle of the triangle, and sewing down. Be careful not to stretch the triangle.
  2. Press this seam to one side.
  3. Referring to your layout, sew the unit you just pressed in the second step of this section to one of the 12.5" leaves. Again, be careful of the placement.
  4. Carefully sew a triangle to another 6.5" leaf, again watching the placement and the bias. Press to one side.
  5. Referring to the diagram to the left, sew another triangle to the adjacent side of the leaf. This unit should have two triangles sewn with a 6.5" leaf in the middle, as illustrated.
  6. Sew this unit to the other side of the large leaf. Keep referring to the diagram for placement.
  7. Press the seams in the opposite direction as Section A.

Section C:

  1. Assemble this in the same manner as Section B, referring to the diagram for placement.
  2. Press the seams in the opposite direction as Section B.

Section D:

  1. Assemble this in the same manner as Section A, referring to the diagram for placement.
  2. Press the seams in the opposite direction as Section C.

Assembly:

     Simply sew A to B, then to C, then to D. There are seams that you can match as you go, to keep it square, but keep in mind that there isn't going to be a seam for every seam to match.

     After you've assembled it, press it flat.

     You can trim the sides, but be sure to keep 1/4" at the intersections of the sewn in triangles, so that you have points when you sew on the binding.

     Quilt and bind as desired.

     I'll update my picture as soon as mine is finished. Please e-mail me pictures of yours, as well? Thanks!

 

DIFFERENT LAYOUTS

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 (real block)
Sample 4 (real block) Sample 5 Sample 6 (Table Runner)
Sample 7 (Table Runner) Finished Table Runner

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