Originally Posted by bj
Great block and fabric. I like the kaleidoscope effect of the center. You did a really good job of fussy cutting to get the right effect!
This is not so hard bg - heres how I did it
Start by finding a fabric that has an obvious pattern repeat of about 8-10".
I didn't want to 'waste' fabric so I used my 6" square ruler and positioned the centre exactly over the same focus point in the fabric repeat and cut it out eight times.
(If you have any clear plastic square you can use it, I only have the 6")
(the 'stack n whack' idea is to cut strips across the width and then cut them up into 6" squares but I only wanted a practice go!!)
So I had 4 identical pieces 6" square.
Stick a flat head pin EXACTLY through the fabric to keep all patterns aligned, on each half of the square (out of the way of your rotary cutter).
TURN the bundle over so that the pin sticks straight up, fabric flat on table, perfectly aligned on top of each other, using the pins as guides.
Cut them all in half diagonally -Mind those pointy up pins now!!
(I find when I put pins in horizontally, the fabric shifts out of allignment!!)
This provides enough for two harlequins, one from each pile of triangles.
Cut two 8" squares and cut them in half and 4 rectangles, you need to remember to include the seam allowances for the external edge of the finished block, the amount isnt imperative, I find its better to be generous, as it gives you excess to trim up square at the end!!
Piece together in quarters, then halves etc.
Now to coin an american phrase - Is that as clear as mud??????????? :D :D