10 minute block question
 

I saw the pretty quilts posted by using the 10 minute block pattern and thought I would try one. I made a sample block and yes, it is very simple to do, but my question is this a lumpy quilt because of the several layers in the seam at the very center? I was wondering how it would quilt up. Any comments?

Not particularly just be sure to press the seams open.

Have not completed one yet to get to the quilting, but mine do not seem that thick at the center seams. I do usually have my quilts done by a LA er, and she usually doesn't complain.

I cut my centers out.

I don't quilt that close to the onpoint centers.....I sew down the edges of those center blocks and am done

I just finished quilting one - very basic with blocks and sashing. It's going to be on my youngest grandson's bed. It doesn't seem to have a lot of bulk. Just be careful when you pull the center out and press it into place.

I made a 10 minute quilt as a gift for last Christmas. I stitched the center "on-point" squares like they were Cathedral Window blocks - (turning the bias edge in towards the center and stitching it down). Then I meandered the rest of the quilt. So I didn't have any problem with the build up of fabrics in the center.

I have not had a problem either and in fact I made a table runner using 10 minute blocks and FMQ'd the centers. No problems. And it is a FUN pattern!!!

I sewed down the edges Catheral window style, quilted the same shape in the middle of the little blocks. In the center of the 'circle', i quilted an indiviual pattern in each block. I would think that if you tried to quilt through the center where all the layers are, it would be too bulky and if you quilt too close to them, it would make it stick up more.

I cut out the bottom layer of fabric under the center block to help it lay flat. I also stitched down - by request from my longarmer - both edges of the turned-over fabric in the center block. She told me if both edges were not stitched down, the foot of the machine would catch that edge.

I made one and topstitched around the center piece. It came out beautifully and had no extra bulkiness. Echo that it must be carefully pressed. Great patern, enjoy!

I am making a king size one and have quilted in each little block surrounding the cathedral window so that is looks like a flower radiating from the center of each block.

Dealing with the 'lumpy center': I've just made about 40 of these lovely blocks and have found a nice trick to make the centers where the seams meet lie down flat. When you finish the third seam, take your seam ripper and undo the two or three stitches above the main seam, at the intersection. Do this on both sides. These two or three stitches are no longer necessary, and when you take them out, you'll be able to flatten the center intersection into a neat square.

I wish I could post a picture or diagram of this, because it's far easier to do than to describe. It takes only a few seconds and gives you a nice flat background.

Did anyone have a problem getting one end to meet the edge correctly? I had to pin the heck out of my 10 minute blocks and each one had a pucker in it. It was like it was too tight or something. They were the correct size. Any advice?

I know what you mean! This is what I do to avoid the pucker problem:

Open the pocket with two fingers in such a way as the two seams line up. Butt the 2 seams and pin. Then, fold over the top left flap and adjust the pocket so that it is nicely in position against the bottom flap, fold the top flap back over it and pin the layers together near the end of the pocket. Repeat on the right side. Then pin the ends of both sides.

By working from the center out, puckers can be avoided and the edges will hopefully meet up the way they are supposed to!

Hopefully, this is clear!

Me too! Just like with applique

I would like to purchase a 10 minute block book with instructions on how to do this block. Can anyone suggest a good book? Thanks

Suzanne McNeill has 2 books out -- 10-Minute Blocks and 10-Minute Blocks 2 (Variations on 3-seam Squares) www.d-originals.com . She also has a YouTube demonstration.

Hmmmm, looks like she now has a book with "5" Minute blocks. Due out in August 2012.