Make Leaf Stem Units for the Maple Leaf Quilt Blocks
You have a couple of choices to assemble the stem units that are sewn in each corner of a Maple Leaf unit.
Method one is illustrated, and involves sewing a background square to opposite corners of a leaf-colored square using the easy Snowball corners technique.
The second method is foundation piecing. I've included a PDF template for quilters who are familiar with the technique.
Snowball Corners Stem Assembly
Do not cut all of your fabric at once. Cut only enough to make a sample block. That's good advice for any pattern you follow, mine and others.
From each leaf fabric, cut:
- (18) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares (from 2-1/2" wide selvage to selvage strips)
- Draw a diagonal line from one corner to the other on the reverse side of each neutral square.
- Place a neutral square face down onto a leaf square, line arranged as shown. Sew a seam on the line.
- Trim away the corner through both layers, leaving about 1/4" seam allowance past the line.
- Flip the neutral corner upright and press in place.
- Repeat on the opposite corner.
- Make a stem for the three remaining leaf colors in your quilt block. After you've assembled a complete test block, make the remaining stem units (a total of 18 of each color).
