Thread: Help...how to make a block

I would like to make the block that is in the attached pic that has the 4 blocks with the square in the middle. I have no idea of where to start with making it. Does anyone know the name of it or how to make it. Appreciate any suggestions! Thank you,

If you are talking about the white block with a square in the middle that's easy peasy. This is just one of the ways of making this block, and this is how I still do it.
You start with with the center which is square (red). From contrasting fabric (white) make two squares of the same size as the red square and sew them to the top and the bottom of the red square. From the white fabric make the side strips that are the same width as the starting square and that are as long as the three squares joined together. This is just one of the ways of making this block, and this is how I still do it
For Example:
3"x3" square - make two white and one red. Sew together in order w-r-w
3"x 8 1/2" - cut two white strips and join to the sides of the first pieced strip. (this would be the measure if you use 1/4" seam.
See, easy peasy!

Easy peasy for you! I need to think it thru. I will make a practice block to see how I do. I do appreciate your help. I think my issue was looking it as a 4 patch with a square in the middle. I think you may have cleared up the confusion. Thank you very much for your response. I love your avatar!!

Originally Posted by quilter711

Easy peasy for you! I need to think it thru. I will make a practice block to see how I do. I do appreciate your help. I think my issue was looking it as a 4 patch with a square in the middle. I think you may have cleared up the confusion. Thank you very much for your response. I love your avatar!!

If you are doing a whole quilt ... cut two strips of the white and one of the red and sew them together. Then cut them at the intervals. Eg. 3" strips, then cut at 3" and you have the three already joined together.

Just remember, whatever size you want you need to allow for the seam allowances.

Then once you have all your sets of three cut. YOu can add the other two sides to complete the block. In this case you'd cut pieces 3"x6". Once sewn the unfinished block will measure 6x6 ... finished 5-1/2" square.

For the other block ... same thing ... cut strips of the reds and broad strips of the florals and sew together in strip sets. Then cut at the intervals. Then add your strips on each side. Just remember your measurements have changed as you have a larger centre block this time.

To plan ahead, and get your measurements figured out before you cut into fabric ... draw it out on graph paper to the size you want the finished blocks. Then add in the seam allowances to know what size you need to cut at.

And before you do all the cutting, just make a block or two to make sure you like what it will be. Easier to correct sizings before cutting ... than to but and sew and say, oh dear, it's not right!

Since there are two different whites, 1 white, 1 off white and a red you could cut 2 of each white and the red cut in quarters.
Use the quarter red block on a corner of each white and off white block like you would making a snowball block.
Then put the 4 blocks together with the red in the center.
I'm not sure the size you want so that should be taken into consideration.

The red square would be a larger size due to cutting it in quarters.
I'm sure we could help you with the size if you post how big you want the final block.

Originally Posted by susiequilt

Since there are two different whites, 1 white, 1 off white and a red you could cut 2 of each white and the red cut in quarters.
Use the quarter red block on a corner of each white and off white block like you would making a snowball block.
Then put the 4 blocks together with the red in the center.
I'm not sure the size you want so that should be taken into consideration.

The red square would be a larger size due to cutting it in quarters.
I'm sure we could help you with the size if you post how big you want the final block.

And here I thought it was all one white fabric ... and I sure as heck do not see any snowballs!!

I definitely see three different fabrics! I don't think it is my monitor.
And the snowball block is only one quarter of a snowball block but I didn't know any other way of describing it.
LOL

Originally Posted by susiequilt

I definitely see three different fabrics! I don't think it is my monitor.
And the snowball block is only one quarter of a snowball block but I didn't know any other way of describing it.
LOL

It's not a snowball - the "bite" is a square, not a triangle. I first thought it was the 10-minute block, but that is a snowball (on-point center square)

So many suggestions I'd do the following. I don't see the seams in the photo, but if it's not this then I don't know how they did it without Y-seams. Note that I've assumed 9" blocks. Sew the 4 vertical strips, then attach into a block.



I guess you could make the red a 3.5" square - sew the small strips above and below it, then make the vertical strip with red in the middle, to avoid seaming your red square.

You're right, the snowball would make it a square on point in the center which would be nice also.

Looking at your plan I think I would leave the red intact but do the top and bottom of the red as you suggested and do the edges also as you suggested.