Its been several months since we started the quilt as a BOM but since I'm adding on both inner and outer borders, I figure I better get started making those blocks. The inner border comprises 2 blocks. I need 36 of one (straights) and 4 of the other (corners) so I'm going to try to do roughly 10 per month or so. I'll discuss the inner border corner block in another post.
Inner Border Block
This block I call the "straights." Both of these blocks are different from the rest so far. For these two blocks you have to piece fabric together BEFORE you begin the block. The inner block has a diamond pattern in it and you're going to sew 3 strips of fabric together (fabrics 3, 2 and 4) and then line up the seams onto the stitch pattern. I have found this to be the most difficult step. Its not really difficult but you have to be very accurate. You sew the fabric strips together with 1/4" seam and if they're off your seams will not match up, your diamond pattern will be out of place and the decorative sewing will not match up in the right square and the really frustrating thing is, you won't really find out if your fabric placement was right until the very end.
TIP: Don't try to sew your strips the length of the WOF or you'll be sorry. Yes, I did this and no it didn't work out well for me. Instead, cut them into roughly 10" lengths and then sew them and that way they'll be a bit more manageable. This worked much better for me.
After you've got the strips sewn together, stitch out your block placement outline. You should be able to line up the seam line from your strips onto the block lines for the inner diamond pattern. If your seams line up okay, then cross cut your strips into 1.75" pieces.
After cutting your stripped piece into smaller pieces, iron the seam so it alternates - away from the center and towards the center. This will help to "lock" you seams together. Honestly, this is hit and miss if you ask me. Some of mine seemed to fit better going in one direction then the next piece won't match up well. Then I grab one that is ironed in the opposite direction and it fits. But sometimes I don't alternate at all and they match up fine.
Place the first piece right side up and line the seam to the stitch line and sew the tack down. You can use a glue stick or wonder tape to hold the piece in place. The next piece is going to go right sides together lining up the seam with the stitch line. Stitch the tack down. Be careful here. After the tack down is stitched the machine foot will travel across the piece and mine has been catching the seam and pulling the fabric.
Next, fold that piece over, again making sure that seam is on the stitch line and tack down. Continue the same method all the way across. After that you'll simply place your fabric 3 right sides together for the top piece and the same for fabric 4 on the bottom. At this point, attach the backing fabric and stitch the decorative stitch on the block. I've made a video of the decorative stitching below.
Once you get everything going it seems to go pretty quickly. I was really careful with my seams matching the stitch line and the decorative stitching is still a little wonky in some areas that I wasn't all that happy about. Hopefully, I won't have too many screw ups. One down and 35 more to go!
Inner Border Block Video
If you want to watch the Hoopsisters video putting together the entire block you can find that here.
Inner Border Block
This block I call the "straights." Both of these blocks are different from the rest so far. For these two blocks you have to piece fabric together BEFORE you begin the block. The inner block has a diamond pattern in it and you're going to sew 3 strips of fabric together (fabrics 3, 2 and 4) and then line up the seams onto the stitch pattern. I have found this to be the most difficult step. Its not really difficult but you have to be very accurate. You sew the fabric strips together with 1/4" seam and if they're off your seams will not match up, your diamond pattern will be out of place and the decorative sewing will not match up in the right square and the really frustrating thing is, you won't really find out if your fabric placement was right until the very end.
TIP: Don't try to sew your strips the length of the WOF or you'll be sorry. Yes, I did this and no it didn't work out well for me. Instead, cut them into roughly 10" lengths and then sew them and that way they'll be a bit more manageable. This worked much better for me.
After you've got the strips sewn together, stitch out your block placement outline. You should be able to line up the seam line from your strips onto the block lines for the inner diamond pattern. If your seams line up okay, then cross cut your strips into 1.75" pieces.
After cutting your stripped piece into smaller pieces, iron the seam so it alternates - away from the center and towards the center. This will help to "lock" you seams together. Honestly, this is hit and miss if you ask me. Some of mine seemed to fit better going in one direction then the next piece won't match up well. Then I grab one that is ironed in the opposite direction and it fits. But sometimes I don't alternate at all and they match up fine.
Place the first piece right side up and line the seam to the stitch line and sew the tack down. You can use a glue stick or wonder tape to hold the piece in place. The next piece is going to go right sides together lining up the seam with the stitch line. Stitch the tack down. Be careful here. After the tack down is stitched the machine foot will travel across the piece and mine has been catching the seam and pulling the fabric.
Next, fold that piece over, again making sure that seam is on the stitch line and tack down. Continue the same method all the way across. After that you'll simply place your fabric 3 right sides together for the top piece and the same for fabric 4 on the bottom. At this point, attach the backing fabric and stitch the decorative stitch on the block. I've made a video of the decorative stitching below.
Once you get everything going it seems to go pretty quickly. I was really careful with my seams matching the stitch line and the decorative stitching is still a little wonky in some areas that I wasn't all that happy about. Hopefully, I won't have too many screw ups. One down and 35 more to go!
Inner Border Block Video
If you want to watch the Hoopsisters video putting together the entire block you can find that here.
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