Sunday, November 24, 2013

Dutchman's Puzzle block {Quilt-as-You-Go Simpler Sampler}

Welcome to week 3 and block 4 in the Quilt-as-You-Go Simple Sampler!


The Dutchman's Puzzle block is made up of 8 flying geese units. We're using the technique detailed here to make 2" x 4" finished geese.  First you'll need to cut (2) 5.25" blocks from your focus fabric plus (8) 2 7/8" blocks from your background fabric.


Using a ruler and a pencil mark a diagonal line across the back of each of the small background squares.


Place two background squares as shown onto each print square and sew 1/4" to each side of the marked line.


Cut the blocks along the line and press toward the darker fabric. Then place a background square as show on each and again sew 1/4" to each side of the line. Be sure your first set of background squares are pressed up before you sew!


Cut again along the marked line and press.  It's easiest to join the units together if you press the seams toward the background fabric.


Join your geese units into pairs of two geese pointing the same way.  The best secret I have found to getting perfect points is to sew with the goose with the "point" on top as you are piecing. This way you can watch and make sure that your seam line goes across just at the point, and doesn't cut it off.


Join the 2-goose units into pairs and then join those together, pressing at each step, to finish the block.


Measure your finished block to be sure it is 8.5" square, and that's it!  Be sure to check out the index post for instructions on how to add borders and make a quilt sandwich if you want to make quilt-as-you-go blocks.


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