MODA Modern Building Blocks - Week 1 - Block 23

MODA Modern Building Blocks

It's always a party at Patched Works. Let's get this party started! WOOT WOOT

One quilt - 48 blocks - 6" to 36" 

So here we are ready to go! I have been waiting since May!!!

Some of you are ready to go as well and some of you are still thinking about it. 

Well we have oodles of enthusiasm and are starting with the VERY simplest of blocks in case you were intimidated! 

Need the pattern? 

We have them here - only 12.95. Upgrade to our PW Exclusive SEWRORITY for only $25. This includes the pattern, monthly parties and a pin!

What fabric should you use? 

Solids or prints – YOU choose! The kit is awesome, but I truly believe the pattern was designed as a blueprint for your own unique fabric selection. We will give you fabric requirements per block – feel free to go SCRAPPY!!! 

Some of the most interesting quilts are individually curated fabric selections. Did you see that? When you pick your own fabrics, you are actually "curating" your collection. How cool is that? 

We can Personal Shop for you as well! 

  

Tools Julie Likes (How does Julie get that perfect 1/4" seam?):

·       

45 mm ergonomic rotary cutter

60 mm is great for power cutting

45 mm is easier to handle for precision, single cuts

REMEMBER BLADES DON'T LAST FOREVER!

  

Big Daddy and Big Mama Rulers by Patched Works

Convenient 6 ½” width

Simple 45 degree markings

Easy to read 1/8” markings for precision piecing techniques

45 degree intersection at the ¼” to spot intersections

BONUS - Cost effective strip rulers – because we make them! 

Use Invisigrip for added grip on the ruler bottom if necessary

Sewline Ceramic Lead Pencils for marking - FAVORITE marking utencil 

Quick Quarter Ruler - economical, accurate method to mark 1/4 inch seam allowances or diagonals

Clover Stiletto - helps you feed those pieces into the machine precisely

June Tailor Mat – I prefer the hard surface and the handle is great

Best Press - Lavender is my favorite flavor

Seam ripper – when is the last time you got a new one?

Aurifil 50 wt thread – the thread melts into the seams creating less bulk

Less bulk = better seams = better blocks = happier YOU!

Schmetz Microtex needles size 10 or 12 –

Universal needles are the “Jack of All Trades and Master of None”

Microtex sharps create a smaller hole for your thread

Smaller needle holes = better seams = better blocks = happier YOU!

Clearly Perfect Angles – Clings to a machine bed and is a wonder when piecing half/quarter square triangles and flying geese.

MODA Modern Building Blocks

If I haven't scared you away yet, here is our first block.

THE HALF SQUARE TRIANGLE BLOCK!!!! (You got this!!!)

Block 23

6” Finished
**I prefer Method B and have included photos for this method.

Sub-units

1 – 6 ½” x 6 ½” Half square triangle block

Method A (pattern)

Fabric	What to cut?	Block Part	What to buy if making scrappy?
#4	1 – 6 7/8” Square Cut in half diagonally once Use one half	B	Standard ¼ yard or Fat Eighth
#5	1 – 6 7/8” Square Cut in half diagonally once Use one half	A	Standard ¼ yard or Fat Eighth

Tips:

·        Put 2 squares right sides together and use caution cutting in half diagonally. 

·        Pin when sewing on the bias.

·        Stitch slowly and use a stiletto or awl while feeding your piece into the machine to prevent stretching the seam.

·        Press half square triangle units open like a fortune cookie from the center out.

·        REMEMBER PRESS DO NOT IRON TO AVOID BIAS DISTORTION!

Method B (PW shortcut) PREFERRED METHOD

Fabric	What to cut?	Block Part	What to buy if making scrappy?
#4	1 – 6 7/8” Square	B	Standard ¼ yard or Fat Eighth
#5	1 – 6 7/8” Square	A	Standard ¼ yard or Fat Eighth

Tips:

·     Use a Quick Quarter ruler and a Sewline pencil to draw stitch lines on the outside of the ruler. To avoid stretching your square as you draw stitch line, don't drag pencil along entire length.

·        Stitch on both stitch lines. Cut apart and have a bonus half square triangle for later!

·     Press half square triangle units open like a fortune cookie from the center out. Trim off any tails and thread.
      Block should measure 6 1/2" square. If it does not - STOP and evaluate :-)

·        REMEMBER PRESS DO NOT IRON TO AVOID BIAS DISTORTION!

BOTH METHODS USE SAME AMOUNT OF FABRIC

Summary:

In conclusion, join us for the MODA Modern Building Blocks quilt a long! 

Improve your piecing skills and share in the camaraderie.

Posts on the blog every WEDNESDAY!

Share your blocks on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter using #modabuildingblocks  

and @Patchedworks

You can also hook up to our Flikr feed!