Spectrum QAL 2020 Block 6: Benartex Wave Texture

Hello! Welcome to my version of Block 6 in the Spectrum Quilt-A-Long (QAL) 2020 quilt design featuring fabrics from the Wave Texture collection by Benartex.

When I write these posts I try to show you different or new techniques. For today, I’ll go back to my old favorites.

Constructed from half-square triangles (HST), flying geese and squares, here’s a look at Block 6.

Spectrum QAL 2020’s Block 6

TIP It’s always a good idea to read the entire post before starting the block.

Below is the design layout diagram for Block 6. I’ll refer to it later in this post.

Design layout diagram for Block 6 of the Spectrum QAL 2020.

For Block 6, six 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 two 4¼” x 4¼” squares from 2966-20 Cayenne

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

Fabric D Cut eight 2⅜” x 2⅜” squares from 2966-19 Dark Red

Fabric E Cut two 4” x 4” squares from 2966-39 Tangerine

Fabric F Cut two 4” x 4” squares from 2966-15 Medium Red

Fabric G Cut four 2⅜” x 2⅜” squares from 2966-46 Basil

Fabric H Cut one 4¼” x 4¼” square from 2966-19 Dark Red

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

The selection of Wave Texture fabrics for Block 6.

First, I’ll demonstrate the construction of half-square triangles (HSTs).

The first step is to draw a diagonal line across the wrong side of each of the D, E and G fabric pieces as shown below.

Draw a diagonal line across the wrong side of each D, E and G fabric piece.

Now to pair the fabric pieces to construct HSTs.

With right sides together, pair the pieces into the following sets.

B/D – B paired with D

G/H – G paired with H

E/F – E paired with F

Note: All seam allowances for Block 6 are ¼”.

Starting with the E/F fabric pairs, sew a seam on both sides of the diagonal line drawn on the back of each E piece. After completing the seams, cut along the diagonal line, then press the seams open and trim each E/F pair to measure 3½” x 3½” square as shown below.

For each fabric pair, sew a seam ¼” to each side of the diagonal line, then cut along the marked line, press and trim.

Now for the flying geese.

Take two of the D fabric squares and place them, right sides together, on opposing corners of a B fabric piece. Repeat with two more D pieces and the remaining B piece. Be sure to align all corners, edges and diagonal lines as shown below. Repeat this step with the G and H fabrics.

Place 2⅜” x 2⅜” D fabric squares on opposite corners of the 4¼” x 4¼” B fabric squares.

Place the remaining four D 2⅜” x 2⅜” fabric squares on the corners of the B fabric squares with the diagonal line starting at the corner as shown below.

Sew a straight seam on each side of the diagonal line drawn on the back of piece D. Cut along the diagonal line then press.

Repeat the B/D pairing step as described above with the G and H fabrics.

Right sides together, place fabric piece D on fabric piece B, then sew, cut and press.

Take the four remaining D fabric pieces and place them on the corner of each B fabric section with the diagonal line starting at the corner as shown below. Then, sew a straight seam on each side of the diagonal line.

Repeat the B/D pairing step as described above with the two remaining G and H fabrics.

Using the design layout diagram as a guide, sew the units together.

With the B/D and G/H units constructed, Block 6 is ready to be assembled.

Using the design layout diagram as a guide, sew the fabric pieces and units together as follows.

• Sew the four A fabric pieces to the four B/D units.
• Sew the four remaining B/D units to the four E/F units.
• Sew the four G/H units to the four C squares.

Refer to the photo below for an illustration.

Sew the A/B/D and B/D/E/F units to complete the corners.

Sew the four A/B/D units to the B/D/E/F units together to complete the corners

Almost there!

The second to last step in completing Block 6 is to join three rows together.

First, place each section on your working surface as per the Block 6 design layout diagram above.

Lay out each of Block 6’s constructed units together to create rows.

Next, sew the component row units together.

Now, the last step to finish Block 6 is to sew each row to each other.

With all rows sewn together, Block 6 is complete and joins the five other blocks in the Spectrum QAL 2020.

We’re halfway there!

With Block 6 completed, half of the blocks needed for the Spectrum QAL 2020 quilt are completed. As each block is completed, you may notice that the skills needed to create these blocks are becoming easier and easier.

Watch for Elaine Theriault’s version of Block 6 this week using the Blue Stitch collection by Riley Blake Designs.

I look forward to sharing my version of Block 7 in the Spectrum QAL 2020 on January 19, 2021!

Until then, Happy New Year!

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