Block Size -- 6" x 6" finished (6½" x 6½" with seam allowance)
This year, in keeping with our 2008 Quilt Show Theme, we’re going “Around the World with Many Quilts!” Most of the upcoming blocks will be based on a 4-patch grid and will finish to either 8½" or 12½" (including seam allowances).
This is another Nancy Cabot pattern from Maggie Malone's 5,500 Quilt Block Designs. Typically, the center diamond is a darker color than the background. We’re adding a touch of spring flowers and foliage! This simple cutting and piecing method will leave you with four leftover half-square triangle units to use in another project. So quick and easy you will want to make a gardenful of blocks!
Diagram:
Fabric:
Cutting Directions:
Floral center diamond
Colorful medium- to large-sized floral print
(1) 6½" square
Green triangles
Tone-on-tone green
(4) 3½" squares
Assembly Instructions:
On the wrong side of each green square, mark a line connecting opposite corners. Place a green square at one corner of the floral square (right sides together), matching raw edges and positioning the green square so that the diagonal line meets the centers of the floral patch’s sides.
Stitch along the marked line and then stitch another seam ½" away, toward the corner of the square. Cut away the corner triangle midway between the two seams; repeat for the remaining green squares.
Open out the green triangles on the large unit and press carefully, taking care not to stretch the bias seams. There’s your Dutch Tile block! See, wasn’t that easy?
Open the triangles of the remaining patches, press (again being careful not to stretch the bias seams). Trim off the dog-ears even with the block edges. Voilà! Four half-square triangle units to play with!
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.
