Sunday, August 8, 2010

The Arrows Have It

This past week at camp we had a 48 hour break instead of our regular 24 hours off, so I took advantage of it and went to the Portland Modern Quilt Guild sewing night at Modern Domestic. I really enjoy those sewing nights, and this past one was no exception.

One of the other members of the guild, Amber Lee, mentioned that I'd said I'd post something about the arrow blocks in my Hey Cherri quilt. Now, when I made that statement, I'd really meant to do it. I'm just, you know, sort of terrible at regularly updating my blog, or following through on ideas. That sort of thing.

I had some time tonight though, so here is the process for one type of arrow block. The five blocks below are ones that use this technique, which is sort of like a snowball block. I'm sure they could also be made by paper piecing.




I made these at a two inch scale, so that's what my measurements reflect.

For one two inch finished block, you need the following:

1) 2.5 x 2.5 square (arrow color)
2) 2 x 2 squares (background color)
1) 2 x 2 square (arrow color)

Step 1:

Draw a diagonal line on the 2 x 2 background color block, and sew it to the 2.5 x 2.5 arrow color block as shown. Cut a 1/4 seam allowance and press open. I usually just used scissors and approximated a 1/4 seam allowance.



Step 2:

Repeat step 1 on the opposite corner.


Step 3:

Use the same process as step 1 and 2 to attach the arrow color block.



After the final seam is pressed out, you'll have a nice looking arrow block!




4 comments:

Jill said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jill said...

Great tute Kristen, thanks! These blocks are really cool, and very striking!

Cherri said...

Great blocks and even greater directions and graphics! I'm gonna make some arrows right this minute.

Amber said...

Dude you rock, I love these! Your arrow quilt is just wonderful. I am going to start with some pillowtop sized projects and see if it's as easy as you say. Thanks!