Charmed Prints QAL: Diamond in the Square Block

November 22, 2011

To print this tutorial, download the PDF file.

The Diamond in the Square is the easiest of the 4 selected for the Charmed Prints QAL. These should whip up in no time!

unfinished block size: a charm - 5"
finished block size: 4 1/2"

**Use a scant ¼” seam allowance for all seams.**

To fussy cut is to target and cut a specific motif that's printed on fabric, rather than randomly cutting yardage as we normally do.

F1. Following the table below, cut your selected charm square down to a 3 5/8” square, making sure to fussy cut the elements you would like to include in that reduced size.

Diamond In the Square Cutting Requirements
Fabric	Quantity	Dimensions
Charm	1	3 5/8” square
Frame Print	2	3 1/8” square

2. 2. From the selected framing print, cut two 3 1/8” squares. Cut the 3 1/8” square across the diagonal to create two triangles. Repeat for the second square.

3. 3. Take 2 of the triangles for the right and left sides of the center square. Finger press a center line on the triangles and square to mark the centers. Place a triangle, wrong sides together, on top of the center square as shown, matching the centerlines. The hypotenuse of the triangle should be centered vertically over the center square. There will be some overlap (dogears). Stitch using a ¼” seam.

4. 4. Open and press seams out. You may trim the dogears here if you like.

5. 5. Repeat step 3 and 4 with the remaining two sides of the center square. Square up your blocks as necessary.

Charmed Prints QAL: Greek Cross Block

November 16, 2011

To print this tutorial, download the PDF file.

The Greek Cross is a perfect way to emphasize that center print. Everything about it frames the center. Easy to piece.... Let's go!

unfinished block size: a charm - 5"
finished block size: 4 1/2"

1. **Use a scant ¼” seam allowance for all seams.**

To fussy cut is to target and cut a specific motif that's printed on fabric, rather than randomly cutting yardage as we normally do.

Fo 1. Following the table below, cut your selected charm square down to a 2” square, making sure to fussy cut the elements you would like to include in that reduced size. Also, cut the appropriate number of coordinating print squares/rectangles and sashing needed for the block.

Greek Cross Block Cutting Requirements
Fabric	Quantity	Dimensions
Charm	1	2” square
Cross Frame Print	4	2” x 1 ¼”
Sashing/Background	4	2” x 1 ¼”
Sashing/Background	2	2 3/8” square
Corner Print	2	2 3/8” square

2. Make Half-Square Triangle (HST) Units: Take the 2 print 2 3/8” squares and draw a line diagonally from one corner to the other. Pair the print 2 3/8" square with a sashing square of the same size, right sides together. Stitch 1/4" away from the center drawn line, on both the left and right sides of the drawn line.

3. Cut the HST units apart on the center drawn line. Repeat to yield 4 HST units.

4. Press each HST unit with seams toward the print.

5. To make the cross frame, place one 2” x 1 ¼” sashing rectangle and one 2” x 1 ¼” cross frame print right sides together and sew along the 2" side using a 1/4" seam. Press. Repeat to make 4 units.

6. Layout each of the 9 patches for the block in the pattern shown in the top final photo. Sew the block together in 3 rows first. Then sew the top 2 rows together. Finally, sew the last row to the top two using 1/4" seams throughout.

Charmed Prints QAL: Star Block

November 15, 2011

To print out this tutorial, download the PDF file.

Here we are.. The first feature block! Nothing beats a classic star to frame a center print. So I'd thought we'd start off with an oldie, but goodie. Let's get started...

unfinished block size: a charm - 5"
finished block size: 4 1/2"

**Use a scant ¼” seam allowance for all seams.**

To fussy cut is to target and cut a specific motif that's printed on fabric, rather than randomly cutting yardage as we normally do.

11. Following the table below, cut your selected charm square down to a 2 3/4” square, making sure to fussy cut the elements you would like to include in that reduced size. Also, cut the rest of the required pieces for the block at this time. **The sashing or background fabric should not be cut from previously cut strips, instead use the leftover and/or extra scraps.**

Star Block Cutting Requirements
Fabric	Quantity	Dimensions
Charm	1	2 ¾” square
Frame Print	8	1 5/8” square
Sashing/Background	4	2 ¾” x 1 5/8” rectangle
Sashing/Background	4	1 5/8” square

2. 2. Make Flying Geese Units: Take the 8 print 1 5/8” squares and draw a line diagonally from one corner to the other.

3. 3. Take one 2 3/4" x 1 5/8" rectangle and place a print 1 5/8" square on top right sides together as shown. Stitch along the diagonal line drawn in step 2.

4. Cut the excess fabric from the rectangle unit, making sure to cut 1/4" away from the stitching line.

5. Press the seam toward the print.

4. 6. Repeat steps 3-5 on the opposite side of the 2 3/4" x 1 5/8" rectangle, stitching along the drawn line, trimming excess fabric and pressing. Make sure the diagonal stitching line is positioned as shown..