QUILTERS PRESS BLOCKS – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IRONING AND PRESSING AND WHY PRESS BLOCKS?
So, you survived Block 1? Will it make you smile if I tell you Block 2 is exactly like Block 1? Not exactly. Fabric 4 will be in Block 2 and Fabric 2 will not. One more difference. The large Fabric 1 block in the center of Block 1 is being replaced with a 4 patch square.
I’ll help you with the 4 patch square, then you simply follow the same steps in Block 1, making sure the center 4 patch square is positioned so Fabric 1 runs from the upper right corner to the lower left and Fabric 4 from and to the opposite corners. Ready?
BLOCK #2 – Frayed Four Patch
You will need:
- (4) med light 2 1/2″ squares (Fabric 4)
- (4) dark 2 1/2″ squares (Fabric 1)
- (4) light 2 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ rectangles (Fabric 3)
Lay them out according to the instruction sheet attached with Block 1. the photo below using Fabric 4 and fabric 3 in rows one and three, Fabric 3 and the 4 patch squares made from fabric 1 and fabric 3. Look at the completed block on the right to see how the placement of the 4 patch makes an X so yours will be done the same way.
Making the four patch square requires (2) med light 2 1/2″ squares and (2) of the dark. Put one med light square and one dark square RST. Stitch a scant 1/4″ seam; repeat with the other pair of squares chain sewing. Cut thread after sewing the second pair without cutting the chain stitch between the pairs. Finger press to the dark fabric, RST nesting seams, sew the 4 patch square together. Press with an iron, opening the center seam of the 4 patch to lessen the bulk formed when 4 fabrics come together. Replace the 4 patch square in the center of the block and proceed to construct the block exactly like Block 1.
