1. Make a precise photocopy of the foundation-piecing pattern, either by tracing it on tissue paper or by coping it on an accurate photocopy machine. Leave a 1/4" seam allowence around the block. Foundation sheets are recommended.
1. Make a precise photocopy of the foundation-piecing pattern, either by tracing it on tissue paper or by coping it on an accurate photocopy machine. Leave a 1/4" seam allowence around the block. Foundation sheets are recommended.
2. Center a scrap of brown fabric under the tree trunk section(#1), wrong side of the fabric to wrong side of paper, and pin in place (or hold in place) from the right side of the paper. The right side of the paper is the printed side.
3. Turn fabric side up. With right sides together, position another scrap of fabric on top of the trunk fabric,so that both edges extends approximately 1/4" into the #2 patch. Pin or hold in place.
4. Set your machine stitch length to a very short stitch. (This makes it more stable and easier to tear when the quilt is finished) Turn the block, paper side up. Stitch through the paper and fabric layers along the printed seam line, beginning and ending 1/8" beyond the ends of the line.
5. Turn the block to the fabric side. Trim the seam allowance to 1/8" (or 1/4") Open the fabric to the right side and press the seams.
6. Complete the block by repeating steps 3 to 5 with the remaining sections.Square up the block. Leave a 1/4" seam allowance all around the outside of the completed block. Sew a basting stitch with the seam allowance to stabilize the outer edges. Assemble the quilt top, then tear away the foundation papers. Use tweezers to remove bits of paper left under the stitches.
TIP If you have a favorite block pattern you'd like to use for a foundation block, but it is too big, follow this formula to determine the amount of reduction needed. Divide the size you want by the size you have. For example: You want a 2" block pattern from a 6" block pattern. 2 divided by 6 =.33. Take your 6" block to a photocopy machine with a reduction feature and reduce it to 33%
©Beverly Howell 1997 - 2002
Last updated 2 November 2002