Rhonda's NEW UPDATED Boston Block Tutorial - No Waste Methods
 

I've had many comments on my Boston Block directions and have decided to redo the Tutorial. In this new version I have hopefully addressed all the concerns I have heard from members.

In this version you will find 3 differant ways to make them. My rough cut / a strip method/ and a method using squares.
The strip and the square method have little to no waste. They are not as math free or as quick and easy as the rough cut method but it does allow for the same cut down accurate Boston Block that you get when you cut out a square from the center of the fabrics.

If there are any suggestions that will make this tutorial better just let me know. Thanks everyone! Rhonda

Thank you, I have used your earlier set of instructions without trouble, but a newer quilter will appreciate the updated method, I am sure.

Thank you so very much Rhonda!!!!

Nicely done tutorial.

I would use the 'scrap' method for those odd pieces of fabric or the 'squares' method for larger pieces.

The 'middle' one seemed like too much work for me.

Thanks Rhonda. Another great tutorial.

Thank you. Great tut.

Thanks Rhonda nice work you did!!

A new update to my book.

great instructions, thank you :)

the first two methods result in four bias edges, which can be difficult to work with (for me at least, have to be way too careful with all 4 sides). the last method is the one i often used to make the block.

Thanks for the tute!

Thanks Rhonda. I've used your first method before but might try the other methods some time. I don't like to piece. I've come to that conclusion but thanks to your tutorials I'm not "afraid" of some things like HST and Boston Blocks. :)

Fantastic tutorial, I'm always looking for a better way! Thank you so much for sharing.

You just keep making a good thing better don't you. I prefer the strip method and to be honest, if I have to try to make a Boston Block, Half square, or even a Kansas Dugout, I have to do it your way. It's the way my brain functions now. :)

As you know I strongly believe each to their own. What works for one person doesn't always work for another. But if I can help anyone enjoy piecing a bit more then I am happy!!

You know I was thinking about what you said about bias edges. I have heard this comment many time. I guess the reason I don't have a problem with using this the way it is is because the bias edge allows me to pull the fabric if need be to match the corners and tack them together. If I have had to trim the seam a bit to make the corner square then I can gently pull the fabric so it is as long as the other block. I can fix the block so it matches the first one. that way the corners are matching. Make sense? Without the bias edge the one block that might not be exactly perfectly cut will not be even after they are sewn and you will lose the point in the overall quilt block.

I always tack my blocks together where the seam is going to go through. So there is no stretching as the material is fixed in place where I am going to sew.

Katie I am working on updating all my block tutes. I have 3 differant threads on the wings and I need to pull them all together so all the info is in one place. It gets confusing for me when I go to send someone the info so I know it has to be confusing for others!

I have listened to all the comments and I am trying to improve the tutes so it takes into account those who need to not have any waste left. That isn't a consideration for me as I reuse everything down to threads but I do understand others' point of view.

Thank you :) It took a lot of time to photo plus process description. I still like the rough cut best; sooner to sew than cut.

Thanks RUS I prefer the rough cut too. Most of what I do is usually scrappy and I try not to repeat a fabric. so the strip and square methods don't work as well when you are working with scrappy. I am too impatient usually to take all the time to do the prep required for the last two versions.

Thank you, Rhonda! As usual, you've outdone yourself! I've been using your old method, but I can see it needs tweeking. :)

Rhonda, your the BEST and thank you for always working on making what you have better just for us :) :)

Rhonda love your blocks I like your strip way of doing them goes faster for me. Thanks Juanita

thanks for the new tute! i will try it. nothing ventured, nothing gained. where would i find blocks that use these?

nancia here are some of my Boston Block designs. Under each quilt block you will see the quilt block expanded out so you can see the individual "blocks". I do use some HSTs with the Boston Blocks too

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t149139.html

Thanks Rhonda!

Thank you Rhonda. Also I'm in love with the handsome fellow in your avatar.

Rhonda you are so generous with your time, and so clear with your instructions! I will definitely use these. Thank you!

Awesome Tutorial!! Thank you!

You're more than welcome. I love to share and help others.

Thank you for the tutorial. It is nice to have three ways to cut squares.
Dottie

This makes so much sense! I'm going to start doing my blocks one or the other of these ways. Question - do you do an easy Flying Geese block?

I use HSTs for flying geese. I have a strip method to make the HSTs that I think makes them easy to do.

I just put 2 hsts together and sew them for a flying geese unit.


Really Easy Half Square Triangle Blocks



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You are the best, by now you should know how much we appreciate you showing us all these tricks.....

Thanks Ania it makes my ego happy LOL Seriously I'm glad it helps people.

Thank you for putting this together and sharing.

You are such a blessing to this group! Thank you!! :thumbup:

Thanks I appreciate your comments