Block 2 - Hand Piecing Basics

Supplies:
2-4 fat quarters (depending on the block you choose) or the equivalent, thread for sewing pieces, a needle to sew the pieces with (I use a #9 or 10 sharp but you may use a quilting needle or some other type, whatever's comfortable for you.)

The rest of the supplies with the exception of the rotary cutter and mat are standard for all blocks.
fabric for backing and batting (18.5 by 18.5 square of each minimum)
basting thread
Quilting thread (may be matching or contrasting to fabrics)
scissors, rotary cutter and mat if you have them
#9 or #10 quilting needles
thimble (should have a metal ridge around the top and should snuggly fit the second finger of the hand that you write with)
quilting frame or hoop if desired, not required. See below for instructions on building your own "C" clamp frame.

Before the meeting:
1. Cut the pieces for your block based on whichever pattern you've chosen below. Rotary cutting instructions are given for each block. If you don't have a rotary cutter and mat, then you will need to make a template for each of the pieces in the block and use that to cut the correct number of pieces.
Watch a You Tube video on How to Cut Pieces and Patches for a Quilt

2. Cut a piece of batting and backing fabric at least 18.5 by 18.5 inches, preferably the batting and backing will be slightly larger in case of slippage while quilting.

3. Bring the top pieces, bottom and batting squares for the block to the meeting. Also bring: thread to piece the top, quilting thread, scrap thread for basting, scissors, #9 or #10 quilting needles, thimble, hoop or quilting frame if desired.

At the meeting:
4. Piece the top. I couldn't find any You Tube videos that show how to do this but I did find an excellent webpage with instructions:
How to Hand Piece Page 1
How to Hand Piece Page 2
How to Hand Piece Page 3

5. Put the layers of the block together like we did last month and baste.

6. Quilt the block. Depending on your tastes, you may want to "stitch in the ditch" or you may want to use some other quilting pattern. Anything goes. The patterns from last month's block are available if you would like to use them.
Watch a You Tube video on What is Stitching in the Ditch?

If you want to join the blocks as we go, (you don't have to do this now, you can wait until the whole first row is done or even till you have all the blocks done) here is a video that will show you how to do this.
Joining Blocks after quilting
*Note - this video is part of an advertisment/instructions for a Hawaiian Quilting block pattern, just ignore the first part about the Hawaiian quilting blocks and pay attention to the second half where they show you how to join the blocks together.
Alternatively, you can go to the library and check out Lap Quilting by Georgia Bonesteel. This book has excellent drawings and pictures on how to join blocks as you go. Her other books may also have these instructions but I don't know if they do or not. How to video Links from previous blocks:
Layering Your Quilt for Basting
Hand Basting A Quilt pt 1
Part 2 of Hand Basting A Quilt
*Note - These blocks are quite small and using a board as they show on this video is not really necessary, just lay out the block on a flat surface and baste as shown in the video.
Hand Quilting
Hand Quilting
How to Tie a Knot in Thread
What the Left Hand is Doing under the Quilt when Hand Quilting
Hiding the End Knot in Quilting

Patterns for Block 2
Right click on the picture of the block pattern you want to download. Choose "save link as" and save the file to your computer.

Return to the Block of the Month Page

For more information email the Page Owner

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