Eddie

Several members here bought the Hickory Nut templates, so I thought I'd post a tutorial on how to make the blocks. Below is a pic of a table topper I made using the Small template set, but the same general construction methods apply if you're making the Small, Medium, or Large blocks.

I've got 26 pics to show, so bear with me while I get all the steps posted!

Eddie

Here's the template set. You can see that it's a hexagon shape and the "shell" is the outer ring and the "nut" is the inner hexagon. The ring is 1" larger than the nut all the way around. So the nut is the finished size of the block. This nut is 3.5" across top to bottom, so the ring is 5.5" across top to bottom.

Eddie

Begin by cutting out your shell backing fabric with the ring around the outer edge.

Eddie

Then cut out your window fabric and batting with the nut template.

Eddie

Now, with your backing fabric face down, lay the shell ring template on it with the edges lined up all around.

Eddie

Lay the batting in the center of the ring.

Eddie

Lay the window fabric on top of the batting.

Eddie

Hold the window fabric down with one hand and lift the ring up so that the window fabric and batting remain centered.

Eddie

Beginning with one edge, turn it down over the window fabric and steam press it with an iron down. At this point, 1" of the backing fabric is now showing on the front side.

Eddie

Working counter-clockwise (because I'm right handed), begin working around the edge, turning the backing fabric over and pressing it down. Notice that the points of the turned edge are just touching the edge of the window fabric. This is important as it helps to keep the block "square".