Quilt Block Cutting Instructions
You'll need extra strips if your fabric isn't at least 42" wide.
Dark brown print: (4) 2-1/2" wide strips from selvage to selvage; (2) 2-1/2" x 12" strips
Grayish-blue/brown print: (4) 2-1/2" wide strips from selvage to selvage; (2) 2-1/2" x 12" strips
Tiny blue dots on beige: (1) 3-1/4" x 31" strip; cut (9) 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" squares from strip
Blue-gray print (1) 3-1/4" x 31" strip; cut (9) 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" squares from strip
Assemble 18 Practical Orchard Quilt Blocks
- Sew a 2-1/2" x selvage length dark brown strip lengthwise to each side of a grayish-blue/brown print of the same size. Press seam allowances towards the center strip.
- Square up one end of the strip set and cut as many 2-1/2" segments from it as possible (probably 16).
- Make another identical strip set and cut 2-1/2" segments. Make a third strip set by combining the 12" long strips in the same way. Cut a total of (36) 2-1/2" segments. Set aside.
- Cut (36) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares from the remaining grayish-blue strips. Set aside.
- Use the easy sandwich method to combine a 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" blue dot square with blue-grey square of the same size. The result will be (2) half square triangle units that measure 2-7/8" x 2-7/8". Pair remaining squares to make a total of (18) identical units.
- Use the half square triangle units as parent squares for quarter square triangle units. Be sure that contrasting fabrics are across from each other when you sew the parent squares together (Quarter Square Triangle Unit Instructions).
- Combine the remaining parent half square triangle units to make (18) total quarter square triangle units that measure 2-1/2" x 2-1/2".
- Arrange two strip pieced units with dark brown corners to form rows 1 and 3 of the block as shown.
- Arrange two grayish-blue squares and one quarter square triangle unit as shown to form row 2. Sew row 2 components together. Press seam allowances towards the outer squares.
- Sew the rows together, butting seams for a good match. Press. The quilt block should measure 6-1/2" x 6-1/2". (Quick Fixes for Problem Quilt Blocks)
- Make a total of (18) identical Practical Orchard quilt blocks.
