Ocean Breezes Block of the Moment #3

Now it's time for an easy block! This is simple rotary cutting and machine stitching with 1/4" seams. But you really must pay attention to those 1/4" seams! This week's block is the Square in a Square - also called a Four Patch Variation (which I used in the calendar).

Four Patch Variation

Here are the parts for two blocks as I cut them, based on what you will see in the calendar page. The other side of this page has the cutting sizes (which you'll see in the pattern you will download). You will cut squares and triangles. You need to make two of these.

Four Patch Variation parts, cut and ready to stitch.

I sewed the center green and white four patch together. Then I added the red triangles (which are first cut from squares.) Here's where they will be sewn.

Notice that the tip of the red triangle aligns with the center 4 Patch seam. The little triangle tips MUST extend over the sides as shown.

Two sewn and pressed toward the red. Adding the 3rd red triangle.

Now we add the outer white triangles (also cut from larger squares.) Let's see them as I auditioned them.

Auditioning white triangles

I can place and pin two opposing triangles as shown.

Adding the outside triangles

This will measure 8-1/2" unfinished. If you are not getting accurate 1/4" seams, I suggest you find a 3 x 5 note card (made in the USA, not in a country that uses the metric system!!) and use that to help. Did you know the distance between the lines is 1/4"?!!!

Do NOT remove the little triangles where two patches come together. Don't snip them off because you don't like the way they look. They can, many times, aid in aligning your next patch. Let's see those again. You should have 1/4" seam allowance all around the outside of your block as shown below.

Four Patch Variation Block

Now, go get your Block #3 and make two of them. See you next week for our 4th block!