Snowflake - 2

It’s time to sew block units!  We will be starting by making Blocks 1,2,3,4 and 5.  These blocks are all the same blocks, 24 3 ½” squares in each unit.   Pressing will be very important for this lesson as it is critical for the blocks to lay flat and prevent seams from getting too bulky.  Of course, pressing seams open is an option, but I prefer to press to one side making it easier to butt seams together.  Choose whichever method you prefer.

Start by randomly piecing blocks in pairs – you will need 60 pairs.  Once the pairs have been sewn, join two pairs together to make a row of 4 squares.  Press in one direction.   Now to build the blocks. 

The first row of each block is to be pressed to the right.  Once the first row has been established, the other rows can be flipped to have the seams pressed in opposite directions. 

Make 5 blocks – Assemble the six rows within each block - all blocks should have the seams pressed in the same direction.  Blocks 1, 2, 3, & 4 seams should be pressed up.  Block 5 seams should be pressed down.   Label each of the blocks using the label sheet I have included.  Note the pressing direction for each Block (either Up or down).    

Make ½ square triangle units.  Using the 4” snowflake fabric - hopefully you’ve already drawn a diagonal line on the wrong side! – if not, go ahead and do this now.

With right sides together, match a blue 4” square with the 4” snowflake material.  Stitch ¼” on each side of the diagonal line.  I try to make it a bit less than a true ¼” seam, but there is still a bit of wiggle room so don’t sweat this too much!

Chaining the blocks saves time! 

Clip the blocks apart or use the handy Cutting Gizmo! 

Using the rotary cutter, cut on the diagonal line and press towards the blue fabric. 

Square the blocks to 3 ½” using the Tucker Trimmer.   You should have made 70 half square triangles in a variety of blue and white colours.

Okay, you’ve worked extra hard this session!  Take a break and get ready to make more blocks next time.