If you have ever made the V-block or endless chain.....what is the secret to getting the center right? I am rather new but know I can do it with a little advise. I do piece by hand. I am determined to do a quilt with this block

Try this link, Is it what you are referring to?
http://quilterscache.com/B/BraidBlock.html

Yikes, is this the one you're talking about?
http://thriftycreativity.com/archives/1258

Looks like you'll have to post a photo. Who knew there were so many V blocks?

I like either one of those...not sure about the second one and my skill level yet though.

Actually, looking more closely at it I see it's a modified Kaleidoscope block.

This one could so easily be done by paper piecing. Six steps for each quarter. Sew the quarters together and fin.

I hope the image shows up.

As long as the "V" (pieces A2 & A4) are the same fabric, it can be hand-pieced in the same manner.

I made the first one from quilters cache. It went fast, but, I had trouble finding a good place to trim top and bottom, AND, once it was trimmed, the biases were very stretchy. I call it my "wonky" quilt and am almost done with it. I am having to quilt the life out of it because of stretch. I saw a different pattern in a book which is very similar but calls for stay stitching the panels BEFORE trimming which I would recommend.

http://www.quiltersmuse.com/quilts_o...e_McElfish.htm

I fell in love with the quilt shown here---scroll down a little. I actually have a copy of the pattern in an old book of quilt patterns but think to make it like the one in pic will add the little white tiny triangle to the printed pieces before cutting. I made up a block but the middle did not turn out OK so back to the basics of quilting I guess

Please post a picture---would love to see.

On re-reading your op, I see you're question is really about the center. I'm guessing you're having a hard time getting it to lay flat.

There are a ton of tutorials out there but I this one for a pinwheel - scroll down to when she's sewing the 4 pieced squares into a block. I think that's Eleanor Burns' method.

A couple of other tricks I've used on Mariners Compasses where there tons of seams coming together at the center.

I cut the seam allowance about 1/8" from the half block. I just sort of "spooned" it out to alleviate some of the bulk.

Now, I NEVER hand piece, but the best trick I learned (I can't remember from where/whom) and use with machine piecing was this:

When you're sewing the quarter units into halves, and halves into the whole block, was to NOT sew the seam through to the end. Stop at the seam allowance and back stitch. When you finally sew the 2 halves together, you're left with a tiny whole in the center, but there is not bulk because you never sewed all those seams together.

Works great when you have 4 or more seams in each quarter. Try both methods with some scraps first.

Actually, I would think the second method is similar to hand-piecing where you sew over/under/through but not in the seam allowances

Mommafank. It is still in progress but when I post it I will call it "wonly quilt"

Please send me the link for the tutorial you mentioned. Thanks. PM me if you like.

Sorry - here's the link.
http://patsquiltblocktutorials.blogspot.com/
Go down the page a bit to where she's putting the 4 patch together.

Well...it is true what they say...................try, try try again. I got it to lay flat and wow it looks good.Thanks to all