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Spectrum QAL 2020 Block 5: Riley Blake Designs Blue Stitch

Spectrum QAL 2020 Block 5: Riley Blake Designs Blue Stitch

by Elaine Theriault

Welcome back! How are your quilt blocks coming along? Are you up to date?

I’m using the gorgeous Blue Stitch fabric collection by Riley Blake Designs for my version of the Spectrum QAL 2020. Every time I look at this finished Block 5, I see many alternative fabric placements highlighting a different section of the block. I could’ve played for days, but I had to commit and get sewing! I need an extra block in my on-point layout. Maybe this is the block!

While Block 5 looks very complicated, it’s not difficult at all. I have a very unconventional way of sewing it together so let’s get started.

Block 5 of the Spectrum QAL 2020 using Blue Stitch fabric by Riley Blake Designs.

Block 5 – Spectrum QAL 2020

Cutting

Please note that my fabrics are labeled by the block, not for the entire quilt. So, if I’ve labeled something Fabric D, it might not be the same Fabric D as in another block. I’m picking the fabrics individually for each block as I go.

Fabric A Background (white with the blue dot)

  • Cut 8 squares at 2½” square (half-square triangles)
  • Cut 4 rectangles at 2″ x 3½” (flying geese units)
  • Cut 4 squares at 2″ square

Fabric B Dark Blue with dots

  • Cut 4 squares at 2″ square
  • Cut 4 rectangles at 2″ x 3½”

Fabric C Medium blue floral print

  • Cut 8 squares at 2½” square (half-square triangles)
  • Cut 8 squares at 2″ square (flying geese units)
  • Cut 1 square at 3½” square (center square)

Fabric D White with flowers

  • Cut 4 squares at 2″ square
  • Cut 4 squares at 2½” square (half-square triangles)
  • Cut 4 rectangles at 2″ x 3½” (flying geese units)

Fabric E Light blue

  • Cut 4 squares at 2½” square (half-square triangles)
  • Cut 8 squares at 2″ (flying geese units)

As I’m cutting, I lay the pieces out in the approximate location for the block. That allows me to make sure that everything is cut and see what the block will look like before sewing it together.

The pieces for Block 5 are cut and ready to sew.

The pieces for Block 5 are cut and ready to sew.

Let’s start by making the half-square triangles. All half-square triangles are pressed to the dark and should be trimmed to 2″. You’ll be making several different combinations as outlined below.

Fabric A and Fabric E – use (4) 2½” squares of each to get a total of 8 half-square triangles.

Fabric A and Fabric C – use (4) 2½” squares of each to get a total of 8 half-square triangles.

Fabric C and Fabric D – use (4) 2½” squares of each to get a total of 8 half-square triangles.

 Blue and white half-square triangles for Block 5 made from Blue Stitch by Riley Blake Designs.

Half square triangles made from Fabric E (light blue) and Fabric A (background fabric).

Next up is to make the flying geese units. All flying geese units should measure 2″ x 3½” after sewing. Check to make sure they are the correct size before you start sewing the block together.

Fabric A (2″ x 3½”) rectangles and Fabric E (2″ squares) – make four (4) flying geese units.

Fabric D (2″ x 3½”) rectangles and Fabric C (2″ squares) – make four (4) flying geese units.

As I finish off these units, I add them back onto the design board. I missed taking a picture of the components before I started to sew them together, but I was happy with my contrast and fabric placement, so I was ready to sew the block together.

There are many components in Block 5, and there’s potential for bulky seams. I love to figure out ways of pressing everything to eliminate as much bulk as possible.

I chose to sew the block together in four patches (yes – even though the pieces are not the same size), and I twirled the seams in the center of each four-patch.

Here’s Block 5 after the first round of four-patch sewing and twirling.

The components of the quilt block are sewn into four patches. Block 5 of the Spectrum QAL 2020 using Blue Stitch fabric by Riley Blake Designs.

The components of Block 5 are sewn into four patches

That was very easy to do, and since Block 5 has an uneven number of pieces, I had some single pieces along the side and the bottom. I sewed them together into two patches and pressed them, so the seam nested into the adjacent seam allowances.

The next step was to sew the four-patches into larger four-patches, and don’t forget to twirl the seams as you go. If you need assistance with twirling the seams, refer back to my instructions from Block 1.

Four four-patch units used to create the final Block 5 using Blue Stitch fabric by Riley Blake Designs.

Four four-patch units used to create the final Block 5 using Blue Stitch fabric by Riley Blake Designs.

The final step is to sew those large four patches together to get the finished Block 5.

Block 5 of the Spectrum QAL 2020 using Blue Stitch fabric by Riley Blake Designs.

Block 5 – Spectrum QAL 2020

Yes, it’s an unconventional way to assemble a quilt block. However, the block lies flat because the bulky seams are evenly distributed. That works for me!

The back of Block 5 in the Spectrum QAL 2020 using Blue Stitch fabric by Riley Blake Designs.

The back of Block 5 in the Spectrum QAL 2020

Here’s a close-up of the twirled seams so you can see how it looks. Remember to use your fingers to manipulate the bulk at some of those intersections. Be consistent in pressing – all clockwise or counterclockwise, and you’ll be good!

The twirled seams on the back of Block 5 for the Spectrum QAL 2020 using Blue Stitch fabric by Riley Blake Designs. 


The twirled seams on the back of Block 5.

That wraps up Block 5 and we’re almost halfway through the blocks!

I can’t wait to see your blocks. Did you check out the photos of Block 5 from both, Claire Haillot and Paul Léger, and myself? We’re each making the same blocks, but our fabric choices and value contrasts make each block look unique. Thanks again to Riley Blake Designs for the fantastic Blue Stitch collection.

See you soon with Block 6 in a couple of weeks!

Have a great day!

Ciao!

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