Block of the Month - April 2016

For our block this month we'll be making a  4-patch block that I'm calling floating shapes.

It might not look like much on its own but when you put several blocks together you get a fun quilt that can change depending upon the layout you choose.

The block is made up of 1 solid color charm square (5" square) and 3 improv pieced units made up of scraps, so it's time to dig out the scrap bins!

Fabric Requirements

1 solid color 5" square
3 small fabric scraps - can be prints or solids
solid white background fabric scraps

Some of the scraps I pulled.

Improv Block Construction

Select a brightly colored scrap and cut it into your desired shape. For my example below I used a triangle. Sew a strip of white to one side, using a 1/4 inch seam. Press the seam and then add another scrap of white to another side. Keep adding white around the side until the brightly colored scrap is completely covered.

Trim your block down to 5 inches square.

Make 2 more improv blocks with whatever scraps and shapes you desire.

Block Assembly

Lay out your block into a 4-patch unit, as seen below.

Sew the units together, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Your finished block should measure 9.5"