6" ColorBlock Tutorial

This tutorial illustrates how to make the 6" Colorblock (see last picture), which is being swapped in the 4SQS Summer Block Swap. The raw block finishes 6-1/2" square, and uses 1/4" seams.

Cut all fabrics for each block from one color family. Use large or small prints so long as they read one color. Let's avoid use of homespuns and blocks with ALL solids or batiks. Blocks that incorporate some solid or batik pieces should blend well. The block requires four rectangular pieces 4-1/2" by 2-1/2", and one square piece 2-1/2" by 2-1/2".

Arrange prior to sewing to ensure that your block "spins the proper direction. Please make all blocks with a clockwise rotation.

Place the center block on one of the rectangles, right sides of fabric together.

Sew from about the center of the square to the edge. Actually, I sew about two-thirds of this seam, a little more than half. We will finish this seam in the last step.

It should look like this.

Finger press open. I find that the block is simplest to get the last seam done if you press AT THE END. Place next rectangle along finished edge, and sew entire seam.

From the top side, it looks like this. Notice the bottom edge of the center block's seam is not completed.

Place next block (dark rose) onto the block assembly, pin, and sew entire seam.

Finger press open.
Place the last rectangle onto the block assembly, right sides together. Pin & sew entire seam.
Finger press seam open.
OK, not yet pressed in my picture, but you understand. The last step is to finish the seam on the center block and the one below it. Overstitch a few of the stitches already in the center block to ensure that a hole does not develop where the 2 lines of stitching join. It may require a little shaping while pressing to make it perfectly square since we did not press while sewing.
VOILA!...a beautiful 6.5" square color block (or if not quite, then trim a hair).

You may most certainly strip cut the pieces for this block to save cutting time. It does not matter if you send 5 identical blocks. One full width strip (42") from 4 fabrics would make up 9 Colorblocks! Additionally, the block's sewing steps could be chain pieced too. I don't think that you'll find it takes too long to make these blocks up.