Thread: Help!! with 2" block pattern

A few years ago, I did a quilt with 2" squares. Sorted them by color. Had a simple shape/design on a grid - maybe like a counted cross stitch pattern. Got iron-on interfacing with a 2" grid and laid the fabric squares on the grid following the design/colors, pressed them down and then folded and stitched on each vertical line. Then clipped this fold on each intersection of the horizontal lines, folded and stitched the horizontal seams. I think directions for this technique are likely out there on the internet. Lots of fun and a 'complicated' pattern is made easy.

One thing I like to do with them is 3D bow ties, which need 2 of one color and 3 of another. Unfortunately, I am not finding those right now. I guess I'll have to make one. The pictured quilt is called (among other things) Underground Railroad. Lots of patterns use 4 or 9 patches, which do not have to be just 2 or 3 colors. A single, double or triple Irish chain can be done scrappily either with plain alternate blocks or as a setting for other blocks or prints. If you browse through traditional patterns, such as those on www.quilterscache.com, you will find lots of uses. I also use lots of them in HSTs, either with a single alternate color or doing a light/dark variation. Carpenter's wheel can be made with them also.

One way to use a bunch is in crumb chains, with a single background, such as white, black or navy. I am sure there is a name for this as well.

I just used up a box of 2 1/2" squares.... Started out making scrappy 4-patches (light to dark was my only "rule")....The 4-patches grew into blocks made up of a total of 16 4-patches. I decided to make a "stress-free" quilt, nothing fancy, quilt as you go, stitched in the ditch... To make a long story short, I now have a queen-size quilt, full of color!! It's been a lot of fun, just "playing" with those little squares!!