Exploring Blocks Sampler Quilt – Month 6
December 27, 2023
Hi!
I can’t believe we’re now at the tail end of 2023. It seems to have gone by very quickly this year, and it seems the days counting down to Christmas with our Quilter’s Advent Calendar just flew by in what felt like minutes! Just as well that we still have several blocks to make in our Exploring Blocks Sampler Quilt – at least this will keep us going for a few more months still!
This month, our block is the Grecian Square Block, and we’re going to end up with three variations when we’ve finished playing around.
To recap – here’s what we’re aiming for:
For fabric requirements etc for this Exploring Blocks Sampler Quilt – go back through previous posts on our Blog, and you’ll find the previous patterns (one each month), and the fabric requirements in Months 1 and 2.
Let’s get started today, on your
Block 6 – Grecian Square Block
You Will Need:
Three (3) fabrics that contrast. We used charcoal, silver and maroon.
* You will need to make THREE (3) of these 10 inch Grecian Square blocks. Refer to the rotary cutting guide below for cutting directions and quantites for EACH block.
Cut:
Assembly:
Start by making the Half Square Triangle Units for this block. (Don’t crosscut the A squares)
On the wrong side of the maroon square A pieces (before you cross cut them in half), mark a diagonal line from corner to corner.
Pair each maroon square with the matching charcoal one, one on top of the other, with right sides together.
Sew a line a ¼ inch either side of the marked line, then cut in half on the line.
Open out and press well. Each square gives you two half square triangle (HST) units as shown.
You will need four of these HST units for each block.
Lay out your block as pictured, with the HST units in the corners.
Sew the rectangle strips together to make the middle squares on each side and press.
Sew the units into rows as pictured. Press seams well and in opposing directions between the rows.
To finish, sew the rows together and press well.
Make three of these blocks in total.
Repeated, this block would allow you to show off a larger print fabric in the silver centre squares, or separate out for a simpler overall design.
4-Patch:
And now let’s play! This block can also be cut into a 4-patch block, the units rotated, and re-pieced, for a completely different block.
We’re going to try a couple of different variations on this theme, this month.
Cut one of your Grecian Squares blocks into 4, as shown.
As your finished block should measure 10½ inches square, you should be able to cut in half vertically once at 5¼ inches, and do the same horizontally.
However – if your block is slightly out, don’t worry – make the cuts so they run straight through the centre square as shown.
Rotate each quarter 180 degrees to change up the look.
Or rotate opposite squares only.
Or rotate each square a quarter turn anticlockwise as we did.
Sew the blocks together in pairs and press seams in opposite directions.
Join the pairs together to re-complete your block.
Also – as you have cut and re-pieced your 10½ inch block, the finished block will now be about a ½ inch smaller all round.
This is fine, and we will take it into account when we put the quilt together.
9-patch:
And don’t stop there! Now let’s try a 9-patch as well!!
This is an UNEVEN 9-patch.
Square up your block first, then cut 1 inch either side of the centre silver square, as pictured. Cut horizontally, and vertically to divide your block into 9.
Rotate the centre units on each side 180 degrees, as shown.
Match up the seams and sew the units together in rows.
Press seams well, and in opposing directions between the rows.
Finally join the rows together to reveal your new re-pieced 9-patch Grecian Square Block, with a new star revealed in the centre.
As before, this finished block will be smaller than your original block (approx. an inch), but we will take care of that when we assemble the quilt top at the end of this project.
Enjoy having a play with this block this month, and keep an eye out for our next block in this Exploring Blocks Sampler series, at the end of January.
Happy New Year!!
Regards,
4 responses to “Exploring Blocks Sampler Quilt – Month 6”
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Haven’t been able to sew for a year. Now I have time to sew again, I’m glad to see a pattern I really like to start with again.
That’s great news Marilyn! Scroll back through our previous posts and you’ll find all the preceding blocks too. Have fun making these, and we’d love to see a photo when you’ve finished your quilt.
I’m struggling again, Jody, to read the cutting instructions for the block. It’s simply not clear enough to sell what the fraction amounts are!
Sorry if it’s a bit blurry. The “A” corner triangle measurements are 4 1/8 x 4 1/8 inch squares. The “B” strips are 2 1/8 x 3 7/8 inches, and the “C” centre square is 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches. Hope that helps!