Boston Star Hotpad -Lesson two - The Quilt Block Top
 

Today we are going to assemble the Quilt Block Top for your hotpad.

In the last lesson you learned to make my Boston Blocks.

Now you need to cut the plain blocks:

1 med 2 1/2" square
4 light 2 1/2" squares

Here is the layout for the Boston Star Quilt Block:

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You can sew them into rows and then sew the rows together if you like.
But I like to sew them into sets of 2 and then assemble the sections.

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My unfinished quilt block is 6 1/2"
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When I sew seams together I like to use a tack.
This is just a stitch across where the seams meet.
I think it is more secure than pins.

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When you have your quilt block assembled
You can stop there if you like the size or
You can add borders to make the quilt block larger and
to give it a finished look.

I cut my borders abit larger than I think I need.

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Then I cut down to the size I want.
I use a 6 1/2" quilt block and then I add
borders to get to 8 1/2" unfinished size.

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Here are some ideas for quilt blocks using my Boston Block shortcut.
I usually design using 6 blocks across by 6 rows or 36 blocks.
To get the 6 1/2" size I use a 1 1/2" template.

If you like the designs but don't want to use a 1 1/2" template you can use a 2 1/2" template and make the quilt blocks 12 1/2" for a quilt. Or use them to make a tote bag or pillow etc.
You can use any size template and make a larger quilt block if you like. It is all up to you!

This is one of my original designs

Bridget
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If you look at the layout this quilt block is made with Bostons and HSTs
Easy to do but looks complicated.

To see more of them check out this thread:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t149139.html

You also can use the Boston Block to make some traditional quilt blocks.
Here is my version of a Card Trick quilt block made with my Bostons
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...k-t112790.html

The cut down method allows you to make intricate looking quilt blocks with easy steps!!

Once you know the trick you can see it isn't hard to make at all. They just look hard!!

Hope you enjoy the process!! Rhonda

Feel free to post a pic of your quilt block if you would like to share!!

Rhonda, this ole sewer is going to try the tack method you use. :-) It should make life easier and I'm not too old to learn something..... Thanks!

I made my square, but I do not know how to post a picture of it. I am enjoying the tutorial.

I'm trying again to attach a picture of my hotpad--hope it works

Click on Reply to Thread

Then click on
- go advanced Blue button under and to the right of the reply box
- manage attachments - you might have to scroll down abit to find it
- Browse -find your pic in your pc file
- Click on Pic
- Click on Open
- Click on UPload
- Click on Close this window
- Click on Submit Reply

You did a wonderful job! Love your prints and colors

Here is lesson three
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...ml#post5458416

Rhonda I just love your methods of just not worring about being accurate and ending up with a perfect block.lol

thanks L that is the whole idea! No muss no fuss just a great quilt block!

i tried one as well... with a surprise in the center
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thanks for the tut, rhonda

Looks good Nan

Nan.........What a great idea putting a family picture in the center of your hot pad!! I Love it!!
:D :D :D :D

I'm a pretty new quilter...
What is the purpose if the tack you mentioned?

Thanks, Sulabug :o

As I mentioned I like to use the tack in place of a pin. I prefer to use it because it holds the seam in place better and doesn't allow the seam to seperate at all. It keeps the fabric from shifting as you sew. With a pin sometimes the fabric can shift a 16th of an inch and then you can lose the precision and the look you want isn't as good as it could be. I work in miniatures mostly and when you do minis the 16th of an inch makes a big difference there.

It takes a bit of time to tack instead of pin but for me it is worth the extra time and trouble. Every time I get lazy and don't tack I end up having to rip and start over.

It's a personal preference and you don't have to tack but I like tacking to get a better look.