I don't want each border to be solid fabric, so for this particular border I'm using the disappearing 9 patch technique...and I'm LOVING how easy it is! I looks like I spent lots of time cutting and piecing when in reality I got all the blocks sewn and cut on Sat afternoon.
Currently, I'm working on squaring up the blocks. I spayed all the blocks with Best Press and pressed them with my new iron. I think the Best Press really helps to make the blocks flat and 'crisp'. (I'll do a review on Best Press later.)
To square them up I'm using my Shape Cut Plus ruler by June Tailor. The ruler has groove marks every 1/2 inch (you slide your rotary cutter in the groove to cut) and guide lines every inch.
I like using this ruler because the weight of the ruler keeps my block in place while I make the cuts, ensuring that the fabric doesn't slip. Fabric that stays in place = perfectly trimmed blocks.
To use this ruler for squaring blocks I place the ruler on top of my fabric and align the stitched seam with the horizontal guide line on the ruler...then center the block (left and right).
Using my rotary cutter I trim off the extra fabric on the left and right sides. (I'm cutting these blocks down so that they are 5 inches square).
This is what the block looks like after making the first two cuts.
Next, I flip the block around and repeat the same process on the top and bottom of the block.
When I'm done cutting I'm left with a perfectly square quilt block.
The whole process takes less than a minute per block...which is wonderful when you have a giant pile of blocks to square up.
Next up...stitching them all together. We'll see how far I get with that before next week's post.
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| My finished squared blocks...along with my pile of trimmed pieces. |
- Kat :)
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