The No Name Block
++++ I do not claim the creation of
this quilt block. I am simply helping an
internet friend out by figuring out the configuration of this block. If by chance you know who created this quilt
block originally, please contact me so that credit can be given to the correct
designer. I believe in giving credit where credit is due. This is a simple strip block probably done millions of times over and given different names throughout the years!
The following instructions are written
assuming you know the basics in sewing and quilting.
A link for the PDF file for these instructions are at the bottom of this post!
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To make one quilt block as shown in the photo above you will need a total of 16 strips of fabric that measure 2 1/2" wide x 9" long. The photo below shows you all sixteen strips cut and then I separated them into individual stacks of 4 strips in 4 piles.
Each set of 4 strips need to be sewn together to create 1 block --- after all strips are sewn together for each block. You will have 4 blocks that measure 8 1/2" x 9" - shown below.
Square up each of the strip blocks to measure 8 1/2" square. I used my Creative Grids 8 1/2" square ruler for this.
Next - using a longer ruler cut each of the strip blocks in half from corner to opposite corner twice to create 4 triangles from each block for a total of 16 triangles.
Below - I arranged each of the newly cut triangles into stacks. 2 stacks per block with each of the strips facing in the same direction. This is not necessary - it was just easier for me to visually see what I had to work with.
Arrange triangles to resemble the images below. You want each triangle that you are matching up to another triangle to have the strips running in opposite directions.
Sew triangle halves together to create 4 individual blocks that now measure 5 5/8" each. Trim off the dog ears on each blocks and square them up to
5 5/8" if necessary.
Arrange these four blocks to resemble the layout below.
Sew together the top 2 blocks and then the bottom 2 blocks to create 2 rows of blocks as shown below.
Sew the 2 rows of this block together to create your block that now measures 10 3/4" unfinished (it will measure 10 1/4" finish)
* Tip #1 -- it is hard to determine in which direction you initially press the seams on the blocks. What I did - way back in the beginning when I sewed four strips together on each block - I pressed all those seams in one direction on each block. Later when I got to the point of sewing the triangles together to create the smaller blocks and also when sewing the rows together to create the finished block I ran into a bit of a problem where seams were not "locking" together or simply put - the seams where facing in the same direction which if sewn this way will create a bump in your finished quilt. I simply re-pressed the seam in the direction I needed it to go sew that my block laid nice and flat.
* Tip #2 -- as always - be sure you begin your quilting with a good sharp rotary cutter and also change the needle on your sewing machine.
*Tip #3 -- I love to use Magic Sizing on my fabrics when I'm sewing. (you can find this in the laundry aisle by the starch in most stores) I spray my fabrics with the sizing prior to any cutting. Press the fabrics. Then I cut and sew. The Magic Sizing will shrink the fabrics a little bit (this would be why you spray your fabrics prior to cutting!) - but it makes the fabric wonderful to work with and also helps to create nice locking seams and good points!
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