Exploding Block = Exploding Head
 

Oh My! I thought this was supposed to be easy...LOL Soooo many seams to match...Since Thanksgiving I have been trying all sorts of different patterns and techniques just for the sake of learning and challenging my brain...Thought the fast wedding ring was difficult. I didn't have the template so I had to make one and guess at the sizes but I think maybe this one is more of a challenge...three rows down..nine to go. Rounded corners are a nightmare from you know where. Years ago I made myself finish everything I had started before I started anything new and have stuck with it but I'm seriously considering this as a UFO...LOL Any helpful hints will be greatly appreciated...

Hmm, I thought this one was supposed to be easy because all the points were supposed to be cut off. What are you matching?
I really like what you have so far. How big are your blocks? If you really don't want to finish, can you rearrange the blocks into more of a rectangle (like a 5 X 6?) and add a bunch of borders for a nice throw?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHV-x4e500s Here is the tutorial from Missouri Quilt on your block and they sure make it looks easy. I am not sure if that's what you did but check it out.

I thought it would be easier too..except there are 4 point to match instead of 1. With a bias cut it is easy to get just a little out of whack or a less than perfect seam on each one so that when the block is squared it makes different size points. A great deal of starch helps but still as each block goes together side by side it's difficult...Also when the two 4" ones are put together, split and pressed they are slightly smaller than the 5 " block so that has to be wiggled in..the direction it is pressed has a lot to do with the size too...I coulda/shoulda used sashing as I have seen and liked but didn't like the look for this one.

I did watch the video...at least a dozen time...I'd think I missed something and so I'd go watch it again...It looked so easy. I'm sure for those with lots of experience it would be much easier. My block were square so it was no problem lining them up...just the rounded part.

Here's a pic to illustrate..

Ahhh .... I see now. Yeah, on the surface the "don't worry about the points" seems easier until you realize it means an additional seam to match when joining the blocks.

Sashing could fix that problem ... but the secondary pattern might be lost.

I took a quick look at the quilt in the tutorial (at 400%). The seams are not matching there either. Maybe it is just something to 'let be' and enjoy the fast piecing. IMO
Debbie

My monthly group put sashing around each square so there was no matching. It became a raffle quilt for the grange.

A friend and I did a different layout. Very easy and I think it looks great.

I saw the tutorian on Missouri Star and thought what a neat block. But I will be honest I have not had the time to try it out yet. Looking forward to what others have to say about this pattern.

This is a fun block to make. We used Thimbleberries fabrics and by adding sashing around each block, it was easy to put together. It turned out to be a lovely quilt. I plan to make the quilt for myself, using blue fabrics, of course.
Blue Bell

By putting the squares on point with plain squares, the bias is all sewn onto a straight-grain. I would think that would be a big plus.

I think your blocks look great. Maybe you could pin for matching. Would seams that are alittle off be that noticeable after quilting it ?

I made these blocks with batik charm packs. I put 2 inch sashing between blocks. It did take some pulling/pushing, but pressing helped and I really like the outcome. Would not make these very often.

in the tutorial it says they dont match up so thats how it is supposed to be

I just finished sewing a small wall hanging using the Exploding Block Pattern and thought what fun it was. I do like the idea of sashing between the blocks and will try that on my next one. Thanks for the idea!

It just depends on your personal concept of acceptable. I personally have problems with some of these quick methods and the miscellany of results because of bias edges and then trying to match mismatched bias edges. I have looked at this concept and see lots of potential for difficulties that I would not find acceptable. However, I am thinking of trying the concept by cutting squares on the bias. Then the cuts to make the block would be on the straight of grain-or nearly so. But, that eliminated the possibility of it being quick because you could not use pre-cuts. But, I never use pro-cuts anyway.

No advise, just sympathy -- I have yet to find an easy project where there isn't something to give a challenge -- my current one is a warm wishes top where my printed squares are of several different fabrics, a problem of arranging them --should have bought more fabric and used just one :D -- always something -- good luck !!

It would make a great table runner just like it is if you bind it off.

I'm working on an exploding block quilt. I haven't tried putting it together yet. I may have to do some sashing if they don't match up well. I was hoping for a easy quilt.

I would be inclined to add a sashing with corner stones that would elminate your need to match anything except the blocks. I also liked yadroc's photo where she added blocks on point. I like the design you have going with the black outer pieces.

You could finish very nicely as is in the form of a table runner and keep to your no UFO rule !

I am working on this right now. I have been trying to find a pattern for a particular fabric and this is perfect. But, I understand your problem. Because of the bias, the pieces all come out slightly off - no matter how careful you are.
I love the picture of the blocks on point. This will solve the slightly off situation (hide it in the sashing/solid blocks). The solid blocks will also let the fussy cut centers really stand out. I LOVE THIS BLOG!!!

I love the Exploding Star block and I don't believe you were intended to match the resulting points. Just square up the blocks and put them together any way you like. Put sashing between them or as yadroc did they are amazing. I'm using them on 2.5" squares to start and am going to use them to make a baby quilt. Take a look at the block again and see if you could just cut off those offending points as they don't affect the block at all.

Send a picture and note to MSQC about the challenges you are having with the Exploding Block. Jenny might have other suggestions for you.

When I watched the tutorial on the exploding block the points were not made. I am going to watch it again just to make sure. I would put sashing between the blocks.

Well this is kinda embarrassing, but after putting together a couple of more rows I discovered one of the problems was entirely mine...some of the seams at the ends narrowed making it off...I'm correcting them as I run across a wayward seam. Another reason for leaders and enders but I was chain piecing the 120 blocks so it was just my bad....they have gotten better. Quilting is teaching me lots of lessons..about life and quilting..learning to let go of perfection(to a certain extent) and trying new ways of doing things...

I watched a demo a few years ago on making this exploding block. She took the top square, set a ruler from one corner to the opposite corner and and made three short cuts with the rotary cutter. Then she put the ruler on the other corners and made just two cuts, so that the cuts did not intersect with the first cuts. Now, after the top square is sewn on RST, it's super easy to get the scissors into those cuts and finish them into the corners. No drawing lines and trying to get the scissors into the fabric.

I am making the exploding blocks and enjoying them. There is no planning except color values. I plan to put narrow sashing with small cornerstones between the blocks.

I think the sashing is the salvation with these blocks but it wasn't what I was going for...Have used up a lot of scraps though. Sometimes I think I can and do over complicate even the simplest of things...Halfway there so it's going faster. I really enjoyed making the blocks...something different... I will be looking forward to seeing all the different takes on this block...I know there will be some gorgeous ones..

Here is another one! Double Exploding Blocks. A friend came up with this idea.

Those are absolutely beautiful...what a great idea...I finished putting the blocks together for the top, folding it and put it in the drawer...mind you it's not a UFO since I can't have them...I'm calling it an OIW (Object in Waiting)LOL...