Spectrum Quilt-A-Long 2020 Block 1

Welcome back to the Spectrum Quilt-A-Long 2020. Last week I shared with you the story about my desire to make a bed runner for the QAL. I also gave you the fabric requirements using The Little Girl in the Blue Armchair collection from Anthology Fabrics for the bed runner.

Little Girl in a Blue Armchair fabric collection by Anthology Fabrics are dreamy

Spectrum Quilt-A-Long bed runner design featuring Little Girl in a Blue Armchair by Anthology Fabrics.

I can’t wait to see the finished product for the final touch in my new bedroom! Let’s go with making Block 1 today!

Presenting QAL2020 – Spectrum Block 1!

Outline of Spectrum Block 1

Block 1 Instructions

Please refer to my first blog post for the cutting instructions for all 12 quilt blocks.

Step 1

1. Align a D1 triangle with a D2 triangle, right sides together, and stitch together on the longest edge.
2. Press the seams to the darkest fabric and open.
3. Makes a 2½’’ square.
4. Repeat to make 4.

Step 1

Step 2

1. Stitch 2 squares from step 1 together.
2. Press the seams to the lightest fabric and open.
3. Makes a 2½’’x 4½’’ rectangle.
4. Repeat to make 2.

Step 2

Step 2 Back Side

Step 3

1. Stitch the 2 rectangles from Step 2 together.
2. Makes a 4½’’ square.

Step 3

If you’ve pressed the seams as mentioned above, you’ll also be able to create a mini pinwheel on the back of the block when pressing the seams. You’ll notice that it helps reduce the bulk in the center of the block.

Step 3 Back Side

Step 4

Take two E triangles and stitch on opposite edges of Step 3 square, ensuring that the four points triangles are aligned with the center of block.

• Press and open triangles.

Step 4 A

1. Take the other two E triangles and stitch on the last opposite edges of Step 3 square, ensuring that the points of triangles are aligned with center of block.
2. Press and open triangles.
3. Makes a 6½’’ square. Trim off excess if needed.

Step 4 B

Now for steps 5 and 6, you can read my 4 best kept secrets to accurately make a Flying Geese!

Step 5

1. Take your C squares and, on the wrong side of the fabric, mark a full line diagonally in the center as well as two dotted lines at ¼’’ on each side of the centerline.
2. Take 2 C squares and align diagonally on your B square.
3. Stitch on the two dotted lines.
4. Cut on the full line.
5. Makes two units.
6. Press open the triangles on each half square unit.

Step 5 A

Step 5 B

Step 5 C

Step 6:

1. Take another C square and align on the corner of a unit made in Step 5.
2. Stitch on the two dotted lines, beginning on the corner edge to ensure stability.
3. Cut on full line.
4. Makes two flying geese rectangles size 3 ½’’ x 6 ½’’.
5. Press open the triangle on each unit.
6. Repeat to make 4 units.

Step 6 A

Cut on full line and press open the half square triangles to make two flying geese.

Step 7:

1. Stitch 2 A squares on edges of a Step 6 rectangle.
2. Makes a rectangle size 3 ½’’ x 12 ½’’
3. Repeat to make 2 units.

Stitch 2 A squares on edges of a Step 6 rectangle to make a 3 ½” x 12 ½” rectangle and repeat to make 2 units.

Step 8:

1. Stitch 2 Step 6 rectangles on opposite edges of your Step 4 square.
2. Makes a rectangle size 6 ½’’ x 12 ½’’.

Step 8

Step 9:

1. Stitch your 2 Step 7 rectangles on opposite edges of your Step 8 rectangle.
2. Makes a 12 ½’’ square.

Step 9

I can’t wait to see your first block made for the QAL2020 Spectrum! Please, do take a picture and add in the comments below. I just love seeing how everyone’s quilt block turned out. You can also be part of our sewing and quilting community at #TheSewGoesOn and post your Block there.

If you’re unsure about the colorway… stay tuned, as Paul will show you on Thursday his version of the same block using his colorful fabric collection, Wave Texture from Benartex. I’ll be back next week with the instructions for Block 2 of our Spectrum Quilt-A-Long 2020.

Go back to: Fabric requirements for Spectrum QAL 2020: Anthology Fabrics

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