Spectrum QAL 2020 Block 10: Wave Texture collection by Benartex

Hello! With nine of twelve blocks complete in the Spectrum Quilt Along (QAL) 2020, we’re closing in on the light at the end of the tunnel!

Today, I’ll be the tour guide showing you how to complete Block 10 featuring fabrics selected from the Wave Texture collection by Benartex.

Today’s techniques were recently demonstrated in my QAL 2020 Block 9 post. This week’s block will be made using a combination of squares, half-square triangles (HST), flying geese, and the rarely seen rectangle.

Below is the design layout diagram to guide us today as we assemble Block 10.

TIP: Remember to read the entire post before starting to work on the block.

For Block 10, eight different colored fabrics from the Wave Texture collection are needed. The fabric cutting directions are as follows:

Fabric A  Cut four 2″ x 2″ squares from 2966-20 Cayenne

Fabric B  Cut one 5″ x 5″ square from 2966-20 Cayenne

Fabric C Cut four 2⅜” x 2⅜” squares from 2966-20 Cayenne

Fabric D Cut one 5″ x 5″ square from 2966-53 Cobalt

Fabric E Cut eight 2″ x 2″ squares from 2966-53 Cobalt

Fabric F Cut one 4¼” x 4¼” square from 2966-53 Cobalt

Fabric G Cut eight 2″ x 2″ squares from 2966-32 Amber

Fabric H Cut eight 2″ x 2″ squares from 2966-15 Medium Red

Fabric I Cut one 4¼” x 4¼” square from 2966-15 Medium Red

Fabric J Cut four 2⅜” x 2⅜” squares from 2966-34 Honey

Fabric K Cut four 2″ x 3½” rectangles from 2966-38 Pumpkin

Fabric L Cut four 2″ x 2″ squares from 2966-19 Dark Red

Fabric M Cut one 3½” x 3½” square from 2966-31 Sun

Step 1 will be to make some HSTs. This is easy to do. With right sides together, pair the Fabric B and Fabric D squares. On the wrong side of either of the two fabric squares, draw four straight lines:

• two diagonal lines going from corner to corner (making an X); and
• two lines going from the center edge to edge both vertically and horizontally, as shown below:

Note: All seam allowances for this block are ¼”.

Sew a straight seam on both sides of each of the diagonal lines only. When you have sewn these four seams, cut along each of the drawn lines to separate.

Press the HSTs open and trim them to 2″x 2″ square.

Step 2 is to make eight flying geese units.

Start by drawing a diagonal line from corner to corner on the wrong side of each of the Fabrics squares C and J.

Take two Fabric C squares and place them, right sides together, on opposite corners of the F square. Repeat with two J squares placed right sides together on the I square. Make sure to align all corners, edges and diagonal lines.

Sew a straight seam on each side of the diagonal line drawn on the back of the Fabric C squares. Cut along the diagonal line, then press as shown below. Repeat with the Fabric I and J squares.

Take the two remaining Fabric C pieces and place them, right sides together, on the corner of each triangular Fabric F section with the diagonal line starting at the corner, as shown below. Sew a straight seam on each side of the diagonal line. Repeat this step with Fabric I and J units, placing the remaining two J pieces on the I triangles. Cut along the drawn diagonal line.

Step 3 in constructing Block 10 is to make the block’s center.

Let’s begin.

Draw a diagonal line on the backs of the four Fabric L squares.

Ensuring all corners and edges are aligned right sides together, place a Fabric L square on opposite corners of a Fabric M square. This time, the diagonal line is placed so that it starts from the center of the Fabric M square’s edge.

Sew a straight seam on the diagonal line. Then, cut ¼” away from the diagonal line towards the outer edge as shown below, and press open.

Now, take the remaining two Fabric L squares and place them on the two remaining corners of the Fabric M square. Sew a seam on each of the drawn lines. Then, cut ¼” away from the seams towards the outer edge of square M and press.

The component parts for Block 10 are now complete and ready to be sewn together.

Using the Block 10 design layout diagram shown at the beginning of this post as a guide, lay all of the pieces and sewn units out in order. Block 10 has 49 pieces, so be careful to place everything in its proper spot!

Working across, from one side to the other, sew each piece to the next to make seven horizontal rows.

Sew all of the horizontal rows to together to complete Block 10!

We’re only two blocks away from putting our Spectrum QAL 2020 quilt tops together! I really love seeing all the great work finally come together.

On Thursday, we’ll get to see Elaine Theriault’s version of Block 10. Next week, Claire Haillot will show us Block 11. I can’t wait!