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Make a Railfence Variation Quilt Block

February 13, 2017 by Nanny 4 Comments

Today we will be making the 2nd block of our sampler – a Railfence Variation.

Last year we made a Railfence block using three strips and today we are going to make a Railfence Variation using two strips.

BLOCK 2 – Rail Fence Variation

What you need:

Dark: 5×5″ squares

Light: 5×5″ squares

Let’s Sew:

Take the light squares and fold in half and finger press or draw a line down the centre.
Place the light square and a dark square, right sides together and sew a scant 1/4″ either side of the centre line. (better too scant than not enough)
Cut along the line between the two rows of stitching.

4. You now have a nice pile of rectangles! Take to the pressing board or ironing board and press toward the dark.

Nanny tip: If you are not confident with your measuring and cutting try this – I have put a strip of masking tape along the 2.25″ line. Why 2.25″? This is half of 4.5″ and we are going to trim our squares to 4.5″

5 Place the 2.25″ side of your rule on the dark side and you will notice how the tape butts up against the seam line.

6. Trim the squares – made easy with a 4.5″ rule, but the same process for any size rule.

7. If you are using for example, a 6.5″ rule, place the rule with the 4.5″ line along the bottom and the tape running along the seam.

8. Trim the right hand side and along the top

9. Turn it around, check that you have the 4.5″ mark both ways on the corner (see pen) and the tape running along the seam

10. Trim the right hand side

11. Lay out your squares following the photo – you will have 1 square left over.

12. Complete your 9 patch.

I hope you enjoyed the measuring and trimming – both are really important skills in quilting!

Until next time

Nanny xx

Make a 9 patch Sampler with Nanny

February 6, 2017 by Nanny 10 Comments

Welcome to our Sewalong where we will make a 9 Patch Sampler. This will consist of 16 blocks each measuring 12.5″ and based on a traditional 9 Patch block.

Instructions will be given for the completion of each block. At times I will offer you more detail by providing a link, where, if you click on the word here or the highlighted word, it will take you to the more detailed explanation.

My purpose is :

1. to keep the tutorials short for those already experienced while providing the learners with the more involved detail; and

2. to save me repeating tutorials that I have already done. Feedback is welcomed.

Nanny Note: You will notice a new addition to my pages at the top of the page – if you click on the ‘Print Friendly’ it will prepare the page for printing minus all of the side bars ie you will just be printing the tutorial. Please let me know if you have any problems with it.

Fabric requirements:

I will be using up Black and White charm squares from my stash but look forward to seeing your fabric choices.

I have used 3 fabrics:

A Dark (White on Black background) This is the main fabric
A Light ( Black on a white background) This is like a background fabric and you might choose to use the same Light throughout
Other (plain black) This is a feature or contrast

As I am using my charm squares my fabric calculations will be based on that.

So fabric requirements are:

1st Fabric – my Dark – 1.5m

2nd Fabric – my Light – 1.5m

3rd Fabric – my Other – 0,5m

These are approximate and you will need more depending on how you decide to finish the quilt top. Borders, sashing, backing and binding are not included.

You may choose to select a colour combination, purchase a couple of FQs to get started and build on it as you go. If you decide to do this but with WOF (width of fabric) pieces buy 30cm pieces.

You can cut 12 x 5″ squares from a FQ and 8 across a wof strip so 16 from a 30cm cut.

Charm squares are 5″ square and will be my starting point – I will tell you if you need a different size. I decided to leave the squares at 5″ to allow a bit of leeway and more practice for you at trimming.

I suggest if you dont already have a quilting ruler, now is a great time to look out for one! The 6.5″ square is a very handy size and you will use this to cut and trim squares.

I also suggest that you take the time to check your 1/4″ seam – you can see instructions how to do that here.

BLOCK 1 – 9 Patch

Our first block is going to be a 9 patch as it will be the basis of all our blocks and of course our 9 Patch sampler. To find more detail, please look here.

What you need:

Cut 9 x 4.5″ squares – 5 Dark (black background) and 4 Light (white background) (more details on how to cut squares can be found here )

If you are cutting your own squares cut them at 4.5″ OR if you are using charm squares trim them to 4.5″

Nanny Note: This is a good block to use ‘directional’ fabrics if you have them. I had these Eiffel towers and thought the birds went well with them.

Let’s Sew:

Cut or trim your squares
Organise your squares and prepare for sewing.

2. Fold the left side squares over onto the centre squares and stitch together. Chain piecing saves cotton and keeps squares in order, see here.

3. Now flip the squares on the right over on to the centre squares and sew together.

4. You now have 3 rows to take to the pressing board or ironing board remember to press up and down – dont iron!

5. Press toward the dark so your rows will appear like this.

Notice how with the seams being pressed this way, it makes it easier to ‘nest’ the seams when joining the rows. Nesting means that they lock in place when you hold them together. You can see more about nesting your seams here.

6. Sew the rows together checking that you have them in the correct order. If you nest the seams you will find that you will not need to use pins – keep your finger on the nest as you feed it through the machine. You will end up with nicely joined corners. Please use pins if you prefer but I encourage you to try this method.

7. Press and admire your block! It will measure 12.5″ – if it doesn’t, please check your cutting and 1/4″ seams a s per directions above.

Well that wasn’t painful at all was it – your 9 Patch Sampler is underway!!

Don’t forget to show us your block and ask if you need help.

We will look at Block 2 next week.

Until next time

Nanny xx

WEEK 2: Make a Railfence Variation

WEEK 3: Make Half Square Triangles

WEEK 4: Make a Shoo Fly Block

WEEK 5: Make a Friendship Star

WEEK 6: Make a Contrary Wife Block

WEEK 7: Make a Spool Block

WEEK 8: Make a Churn Dash Block

WEEK 9: Make a Formal Garden Block

WEEK 10: Make a Greek Cross Block

WEEK 11: Make a Chevron Block

WEEK 12: Make a Birds in the Air Block

WEEK 13: Make a Double 9 Patch Block

WEEK 14: Make a Card Trick Block

WEEK 15: Make an Ohio Star Block

WEEK 16: Make Your own Block

WEEK 17: Complete the top

WEEK 18: Backing with a Disappearing 9 patch

WEEK 19: Completion of the 9 patch sampler

New Year Planning

January 26, 2017 by Nanny Leave a Comment

Hi! We are going to start off the new year planning to make a 9 Patch Sampler.

Last year, as a part of the activity on my Nanny Sews and Crafts page on Facebook, we decided to have a beginners quilt block swap.

We made the same block each month and the ‘Queen’ for the month decided on colour placement and layout.

This resulted in some interesting results and lots of practice of those pesky 1/4″ seams!

So. to build on these newly acquired skills, rather than a swap this year, we are undertaking to make a 9 Patch Sampler quilt.

We would love it if you would join us!

Starting in February, I will post each block here on the blog and each tutorial will remain as a resource.

I hope you will join us as you make a 9 Patch Sampler of your own.

I can’t wait to see everyone’s fabric choices!

Until next time

Nanny xx

Make a Rail Fence Block

February 27, 2016 by Nanny 5 Comments

Today I am going to show you how to make a Rail Fence Block which is a great beginner’s block. At the Nannycraft4u Facebook group page Nanny Crafts and Sews , we have a beginners group working together on this to make each other a ‘friendship quilt’.

What you need:

Light, medium and dark fabric

From each colour, you will cut 4 lots of 2.5″ x 6.5″ strips to make our fence squares

Nanny Tip: I am using one width of fabric strip in each colour so that I can make them all at the same time

A 6.5″ rule (if you have one)

Finished block size: 12.5″

Let’s Sew!

1. As we are making these for a swap, please check instructions here for accurate seams. This is very important so please take the time to check.

2. Decide how you would like the strips joined – I think I prefer them as light, medium and dark but the first ‘Queen’ in our hive of busy bees decided that she wanted them with the dark in the centre so that is what I will be demonstrating.

3. Take the first 2 strips and using a 1/4″ seam, right sides together, stitch the length of your strips

4. Repeat for the other strip. Then press – I pressed both towards the dark.

5. Now we need to square up the end by putting your ruler on the strips making sure you have it lined up with the long edges and then cut off the end.

6. Now turn the whole thing around and once again, lining your ruler up carefully, cut off at 6.5″

7. Repeat for another 3 squares.

8. Now comes the fun part! You have to decide which way to join them back together,

First we have a whirly gig or windmill thingy in the centre and you can see how different it looks by making either the light or the medium form the whirly gig.

Or you may prefer to make it a Chevron or zigzag pattern. You can see the z forms in the light and medium and this will continue throughout the quilt top

The last example I am calling the weave because when its done it gives the illusion of the strips being woven together.

You can find lots of examples that give a very different effect but our ‘Queen’ has selected the chevron so let’s continue.

9. With the Chevron, the strips are placed in the same order – so the vertical strips go the same way ie medium,dark,light and the horizontal strips go in this case from the top, medium,dark,light.

10. Take the top two squares and with right sides together and using a 1/4″ seam, join and press. Repeat with the bottom 2 squares.

Nanny Tip: When pressing, press one seam to the left and the other to the right so that you are able to ‘nest’ them when joining – see here for explanation

11. Now nesting the seams, join and press. Now you have a completed 12.5″ square.

I am not a member of the swap group so I am going to use this block as the start of another charity quilt. Now I just have to decide on what to add to it!

I hope you make a Fence Rail Block sometime – it is fast and effective and so handy for those times you want to ‘whip’ up a fast gift.

Until next time

Nanny xx

Make a 9 patch block for Fire victims

January 10, 2016 by Nanny 2 Comments

It is that time of year again Australia where our beautiful country displays some of its darker side. Bushfires are raging in Western Australia and a member of one of my Facebook pages ‘Nanny + friends Charity Sew’ has asked for help in the form of 9 patch blocks that will then be made into quilts to provide some comfort to the victims.

Some members of the group are not quilters and have asked for direction so let’s look at how to make a 9 patch block for Fire Victims.

What you need:

9 squares each 4.5″ x 4.5″

What you do:

Check your 1/4″ seam

This may sound like a funny thing to say, but when you are sending quilt blocks, it is so important that you get the basics right otherwise it can create a real headache for those trying to join things together. It is important for your own quilting as well, but when you make all the blocks in the same way on the same machine , differences may not be so noticeable.

You can do this quite simply by taking two measured pieces (I’m using 2 of my squares) –

Sew them together (use a big stitch so it is easy to remove), press and measure and it should be 1/2″ less than the two separate pieces measured (or in my case 8.5″)

A lot of people, when starting out, like to mark their seams and cant understand why their finished block doesnt end up the correct size – so let’s take a look at that.

I will mark 1/4″

Now here’s the trick – In quilting you will often hear the term Scant 1/4″ – this simply means that you sew just a couple of threads to the seam side of the seam line so that when the seam is pressed open, that tiny amount that the seam ‘takes up’ will not affect your measurements.

Press the seam to the side and measure – Perfect!! 12.5″

Once you have your 1/4″ seam sorted, you might like to mark your machine with tape or a large rubber band or a pile of stick it notes – anything that gives you a guide to keep your fabric pieces moving under the needle at the correct distance.

Now the sky’s the limit!!!

Let’s Sew!

I just have to change my thread – I use a light grey when piecing as it blends in to all colours and I also must remember to change my stitch length back ready for sewing.

Take your 9 squares and organise how you want them to look

Now take the first two from each row and join them – I am going to press my seams towards the floral. To do that, put it on the ironing board or pressing board with the floral on top. Press the seam as it is first (this helps set the seam) and then flip it open and press the seam. NOTE: I said PRESS not IRON – we don’t want a lot of back and forward motion of the iron, just up and down!

Now join the 3rd one onto each row and once again press to the floral

Now to join the strips

You will notice now why we press the seams that way – you will notice where they join, one will go to the left and the other to the right and this allows us to ‘nest’ the seams or if you like, butt them up against each other.

If you ‘nest’ the seams, then place under the foot and sew holding the nest together, you wont even have to pin!!! AND you will end up with lovely joins!

You will also see how spending that little amount of preparation time pays off in a perfectly sized block!

So, let’s see how many blocks we can get made and as we make a 9 patch block for fire victims, let’s reflect on how generous the quilting community is and how wonderful it is, as a group, to be able to help each other in a time of need.

If you need any further details please message me.

Until next time

Nanny xx

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