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TreadleOn Block Exchanges - Basic Blocks - Disappearing Four-Patch |
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TOBE Blocks are exchanged between members, co-ordinated by a host, and they vary from year to year. You send in sets of blocks as specified by size and fabric and get back a selection from other makers...
These instructions are for the regular, easy, beginners' blocks and are useful for all sorts of projects
This block is good for making you work on your seam allowances, and you need to measure carefully before you make multiple blocks, and regularly as you work
You need:-
Squares of cotton fabric.
For one block, four pieces 5-inches square (charm squares, or cut your own). See the TOBE instructions for your particular swap for colours
TOBE fabrics should be pre-washed before cutting, and pressed
Square ruler at least as big as your trimmed block size
Cutter and mat
Pencil
Treadle or hand-crank machine(s)
Cotton thread, please |
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This is a Disappearing 4-Patch block |
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Start with four 5-inch squares of pre-washed and pressed fabric. Cotton, please |
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Join into two pairs, using 1/4 inch seams, and press the seams open (Note, if you wish to press to one side that's OK, but you will need to re-press some seams when rejoining the block) |
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Making sure you match the centres, join the two rows together and press the seam open |
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Like so... |
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Line up your ruler on the joins and make four cuts 1-3/4 inches from the seams, to make nine pieces. I find it helps to have a small mat and turn it around as you go. If you don't use cutters, mark with a pencil and cut cleanly with scissors |
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Like so... |
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Leave the centre and the outer plain squares where they are, and rotate the four middle squares on each side round one quarter, like so...
It really helps to keep the block on your mat next to the machine and not to leave a block in mid-sew! |
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Join the pieces into three rows, using your quarter-inch seams and pressing these open |
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It really makes a much nicer block if you pin the rows before you sew them together. Pin where you plan to sew, then open the join to check for nicely-meeting.
DO NOT sew over the pins, take them out before you get there... |
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Sewn and pressed |
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These blocks trim to 8 inches square. Set your ruler so that the 4-inch mark is exactly on the middle of the block, like so...
If you prefer, they can be sent untrimmed, but do make sure they are large enough... |