Block Instructions for Donation Quilt Project - February 2019

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Block size:    17 inches wide  x 12 inches length finished.

Size of Quilt:   76 x 87    ( Size to be determined by the number of patches donated.)

Background fabric: 3.5 yards ( We are planning on black Kona or Bella to make the colors pop.) 

String patches assorted print, tone on tone, solids… whatever you have. BRIGHT / jewel colors work best.  Contrast between fabrics is desirable.

Assorted size of strings: largest 3 inches wide but no smaller than

1-1/2 inches wide.  The skinnier your strips the more sewing you have to do.

You will be given 2 pieces of PELLON grid interfacing.  (Interfacing size is 7.5 inches by  13   inches  in length.)   You can use any pellon light weight you may have ... we just had the grid interfacing.

We are hoping you will fill the interface with assorted strings from your scrap sash. 

Bright colors work best and mix them up on the interfacing.  

Tips for a successful block:

Plan and start and end the interfacing with a 2-inch string.  This will keep any seams on the center unit away from blocks seams and will make easier assembly.   Do not square up the blocks as we will take care of it on assembly.

My strings tended to be 1-1/2 inches to 3 inches wide … the smaller the string the more sewing you have to do.  I used these patches as LEADERS and ENDERS between other work.  Or on days I just wanted to sew mindlessly I would just pull out a lot of strings and sew.

Sew and FLIP on Interfacing:

Take a two inch plus size sting to start your patch.  I often use a dab of glue stick to keep the patch in place. 

Sew a second string on the first patch.  Flip the second string over.  I found pressing (finger pressing, using a wood roller or hot iron) the patch before sewing on the next patch made the best block.  Skip pressing and you tend to get pleats in the seam.

Sew then flip each patch till you reach the end.  Try and have a large patch at the end of the block. 

I found it best to avoid having a seam near the end of the block as it interfered with the block assembly and causes unnecessary bulk in the seams. DO NOT worry too much about if your patch is sewn straight or crooked as we will use what you give us.   I often sewed off the end of the interfacing and then square it up before assembly to the size of the interfacing.

We would also like to take a collection for purchase of background and batting.  If you have 4 yards of one color of solid, tone on tone reads solid fabric.   Donation of money would allow us to purchase the batting and the desired yardage of Kona or Bella Solids.  (Strictly voluntary.)

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