Brandywine Valley Quilters Block of the Month

Block of the Month -- July, 2009
“American Valor”

Block Size -- 6" x 6" finished (6½" x 6½" with seam allowance)

After our year-long trip Around the World of Many Quilt Blocks, we return home to the good ol' U. S. of A. with this patriotic-themed Split Nine-Patch pattern. We thank BVQ member Lee Hickman for discovering this design at www.quiltville.com. She used red, white and blue fabrics to make a quilt to donate to Quilts of Valor. This pattern is so easy, you may want to make one to donate, too!

We hope you have enjoyed the past year's journey! Next up: a new year of BOMs, brought to you by BVQ's new BOM Queen, Sue Nann.

July 2009 Block of the Month -- American Valor

Diagram: Fabric: Cutting Directions:

White triangles White tone-on-tone (2) 2 7/8" squares

Red triangles Red solid or tone-on-tone (2) 2 7/8" squares

Light blue Light blue tone-on-tone or print (1) 2½" square
(1) 2½" x 4½" rectangle

Dark blue Dark blue tone-on-tone or print (1) 2½" square
(1) 2½" x 4½" rectangle

Assembly Instructions:

On the wrong side of each white square, mark a line connecting opposite corners. Pair a white square and a red square; stitch a scant ¼" on each side of the marked line. Cut triangles apart on the marked line; press seams toward the red fabric. Repeat with remaining white/red pair. Set aside one triangle-square for another project.
Arrange remaining patches according to the diagram. Sew patches into rows; press seams away from triangle-squares.
Sew rows together to make the block.

Note: Visit http://www.quiltville.com/9patchsplitpf.html for well-illustrated and detailed instructions to make this block, as well as a French Braid quilt border, using 2½" strips. View numerous other free scrap quilt patterns, tips and techniques, and much more!

Tips to consider:

Use 100% cotton fabrics for the block. Wash fabrics before cutting. Do not use fabrics that bleed or run!
It helps to arrange the patches on a piece of felt, flannel or batting before sewing to aid in assembly.
Stitch all seams using a scant ¼" seam allowance. Please try to be accurate!
Unless otherwise specified, press seams toward the dark fabric if possible, taking care not to stretch any bias edges.

Block of the Month -- July, 2009 “American Valor”

Block of the Month -- July, 2009
“American Valor”