Spectrum QAL 2020 Block 5: Benartex Wave Texture

Hello and welcome to my version of the Spectrum Quilt-A-Long (QAL) 2020 Block 5, featuring fabrics from the Wave Texture collection by Benartex.

When I write these posts, I always try to show you different or new techniques. Sometimes, like today, I go back to my favorite techniques.

Half-square triangles (HST), flying geese and squares are needed to make Block 5.

Spectrum QAL 2020 Block 5

The design layout diagram below is my guide for placement of the fabric pieces, as well as the overall design and construction of Block 5.

TIP Remember to read the entire post before starting Block 5.

Design layout diagram for Block 5 of the Spectrum QAL 2020

Seven different colored fabrics from the collection are required for Block 5.

The fabric cutting directions are as follows.

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

Fabric B Cut two 6” x 6” squares from 2966-20 Cayenne

Fabric C Cut four 2” x 3½” rectangles from 2966-20 Cayenne

Fabric D Cut one 6” x 6” square from 2966-55 Sky

Fabric E Cut eight 2” x 2” squares from 2966-55 Sky

Fabric F Cut two 6” x 6” squares from 2966-46 Basil

Fabric G Cut four 2” x 2” squares from 2966-19 Dark Red

Fabric H Cut four 2” x 3½” rectangles from 2966-19 Dark Red

Fabric I Cut one 6” x 6” square from 2966-19 Medium Red

Fabric J Cut four 2” x 2” squares from 2966-15 Medium Red

Fabric K Cut four 2” x 3½” rectangles from 2966-15 Medium Red

Fabric L Cut eight 2” x 2” squares from 2966-39 Tangerine

Fabric M Cut one 3½” x 3½” square from 2966-53 Cobalt

Wave Texture fabrics cut, labelled and ready for Block 5 piecing.

The first step in making Block 5 is to make HSTs.

Get started by pairing up the B, D, F and I 6” x 6” square pieces, with right sides together as follows.

B/D – B paired with D

B/F – B paired with F

F/I – F paired with I

On the wrong side of one of the two fabrics from each pair, draw four 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.

Draw intersecting diagonal, horizontal and vertical lines on the wrong side of one fabric piece from each of the fabric pairs.

Note: All seam allowances for this Block 5 are ¼”.

On each set of paired fabrics, sew a ¼” seam on both sides of the diagonal lines.

When you have sewn all the seams, cut along each vertical and diagonal line to separate as shown below.

Sew a ¼” seam to each side of both diagonal lines, then cut along each marked line.

Press open and trim the HSTs to 2” x 2” square as shown below.

Press open the HSTs, then trim each to measure 2” x 2” square. Identify each by their pairing letters. Block 5 in the Spectrum QAL 2020 features fabrics from the Wave Texture collection by Benartex.

Next, draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each E and L fabric piece.

Ensuring all corners and edges are aligned, with right sides together, place a 2” x 2” E square on top of one end of each of the four 2” x 3½” C rectangles.

Repeat with the L and K fabric pieces.

Next, sew a seam on the diagonal line on the E and L pieces, then cut ¼” away from the diagonal line as shown below.

Place 2” x 2” fabric squares on one edge of 2” x 3½” fabric rectangles.

Press then repeat the above step by placing, sewing a 2” x 2” square on the opposite edge of the 2” x 3½”. To complete the flying geese, simply press when finished.

Place 2” x 2” fabric squares on 2” x 3½” fabric rectangles.

Use Block 5’s design layout diagram above as a guide to place all of the individual pieces into their correct positions as shown below.

Use the Block 5 layout diagram as a guide to place all fabric pieces into their correct places.

Sew each fabric piece to its neighbor to create horizontal rows.

Sew each piece to its neighbor to make rows.

The last step to complete Block 5 is to sew all the rows together.

With all the rows sewn together, Block 5 is complete and joins the previous four finished blocks from the Spectrum QAL 2020.

I’m enjoying seeing all the blocks come together into the sparkling creations they are meant to be. I’ll admit I’ve already started Block 6 using the very colorful Wave Texture fabric collection by Benartex. Stay tuned!

Up next this week is Elaine Theriault’s version of Block 5 featuring the Blue Stitch collection from Riley Blake Designs followed by Claire Haillot version of Block 6 using the Little Girl in the Blue Armchair collection from Anthology Fabrics next week.

Please share your completed blocks with us on social media and don’t forget to tag us! #TheSewGoesOn

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