Materials & Cutting - 18-1/2" Square Spools Quilt
Spool blocks can be assembled in more than one way, but we'll use a combination of squares and half-square triangle units to put them together. References to 42" strips refer to strips cut across the fabric's crosswise grain, from selvage to selvage. Do not trim-back longer strips.
Choose prints that vary in scale, but avoid large prints that might become too choppy in small blocks.
Assortment of sixteen thirties prints for quilt blocks, each scrap measuring about 5" x 6". From each scrap, cut:
- Cut two 1-7/8" squares for half-square triangle units**
- Cut three 1-1/2" squares
**When I make small half-square triangle units, I usually start out with parent squares that are larger than necessary, then trim-back the units to the exact size after assembly (taking care to use a square ruler and aligning the center diagonally so that unit halves are identical).
Neutral background, cream or white, 3/16 yard
- Cut one 1-7/8" x 42" strip and one 1-7/8" x 20" strip; cut thirty-two 1-7/8" squares from strips.
- Cut one 1-1/2" x 42" strip and one 1-1/2" x 7" strip; cut thirty-two 1-1/2" squares from strips.
Dark inner border, 1/8 yard.
Medium print for wider border, 3/16 yard for crosswise strips that are not pieced, or 5/8 yard for lengthwise grain strips
Dark binding, about 90 running inches for applied binding (binding strip instructions).
Backing, 3/4 yard
Batting, about 26" square
Assemble Blocks & Quilt
Refer to the assembly instructions on page 2. Use the 1-7/8" print and background squares for half-square triangle units. Units should measure 1-1/2" square after assembly.
Use the 1-1/2" print squares and background squares for remaining block components.
Sew block rows together as shown. Assemble quilt as instructed.
