Week 15 quick trick

Here is a shortcut to easily make the triangle part of this week's block without having to cut or sew triangles on bias sides. First cut two 2-1/2 inch squares for the square corners, cut two 2-1/2 x 3-1/2 rectangles for the four small half square triangles and one 4-1/2 x 5-1/2 rectangle for the two large half square triangles.

Sew each corner square to a 2-1/2 x 3-1/2 rectangle and then sew them to each other as shown below (picture shows the wrong side after sewing). Make a small snip in the seam so that each side can be pressed away from the corner block. Draw two diagonal lines that go from one corner, through the point of the corner square, to a point 4-1/2 inches away from the edge. (I'm sure the picture does a better job than my words.)

Put this unit right sides together with the remaining 4-1/2 x 5-1/2 rectangle and sew on the drawn lines. Then cut between lines to separate into two blocks. I find this method easier than cutting and sewing triangles with bias edges and hope it makes the block easier for everyone. -- Kathie

Edited to show other size block instructions:

The general rule for the rectangle sizes for any size block you are making is that the long side is 1 inch longer than the short side.

For a 5 inch finished block: Square is 3x3, small rectangle is 3x4 and large rectangle is 5-1/2 x 6-1/2.

For a 6 inch finshed block: Square is 3-1/2 x 3-1/2, small rectangle is 3-1/2 x 4-1/2 and large rectangle is 6-1/2 x 7-1/2.