Block of the Month

Fabric

Fabric A

Fabric B

One background fabric

Cutting the fabric

	one 2-7/8" x 17-1/4" rectangle of fabric A
	one 2-7/8" x 17-1/4" rectangle of background fabric
	three 4-1/2" squares of fabric A
	twelve 2-1/2" squares of fabric B
	Twelve 2-1/2" squares of background fabric

Piecing the Block

	1) On the wrong side of the 2-7/8" x 17-1/4" rectangle of background fabric lightly draw a straight line 2-7/8", 5-3/4", 8-5/8", 11-1/2", and 14-3/8" and from the short edge dividing the rectangle in to equally sized squares. Then divide each square in half be drawing in a diagonal line in the squares as shown. Instead of drawing on your fabric, you can also use Easy Piecing Triangle Templates.
	2) Place the marked background fabric rectangle on top of the 2-7/8" x 17-1/4" rectangle of fabric A with the right sides of the fabric together. Sew 1/4" away from both sides of the marked diagonal lines as shown.
	3) Cut the sewn rectangles apart on the previously marked lines as shown creating twelve 2-1/2" half-square triangle units. Press the seam allowance toward the darker fabric.
	4) Piece the twelve units completed in Step 3 together with the twelve 2-1/2" squares of fabric B as shown, making sure that the background fabric rectangle is next to the fabric B square. Press the seam allowance toward the fabric B square.
	5) Piece together two of the units completed in Step 4 as shown. Repeat with the remaining Step 4 units to create a total of six squares. Press the seam allowance to either side. The completed square should measure 4-1/2".
	6) Lightly mark a line on the diagonal of the wrong side of the twelve 2-1/2" squares of the background fabric.
	7) Place one of the 2-1/2" background fabric squares on top of one of the 4-1/2" fabric A squares, right sides together, with the marked diagonal line as shown. Sew on the diagonal line. Repeat with the two remaining squares of fabric A.
	8) Trim the fabric 1/4" away from the sewn line as shown. Press the seam toward the background fabric.
	9) Taking the units created in Step 8, place one of the 2-1/2" background fabric squares, right sides together, and marked diagonal line positioned as shown on top of the unit. Sew on the marked line. Repeat with the two remaining units from Step 8.
	10) Trim the fabric 1/4" away from the sewn line as shown. Press the seam toward the background fabric.
	11) Taking the units created in Step 10, place one of the 2-1/2" background fabric squares, right sides together, and marked diagonal line positioned as shown on top of the unit. Sew on the marked line. Repeat with the two remaining units from Step 10.
	12) Trim the fabric 1/4" away from the sewn line as shown. Press the seam toward the background fabric.
	13) Taking the units created in Step 12, place one of the 2-1/2" background fabric squares, right sides together, and marked diagonal line positioned as shown on top of the unit. Sew on the marked line. Repeat with the two remaining units from Step 12.
	14) Trim the fabric 1/4" away from the sewn line as shown. Press the seam toward the background fabric. The completed units should measure 4-1/2".
	15) Piece together one of the units completed in Step 14 and two of the units completed in Step 5 in form the middle row of the Flying Shuttles Block making sure to have the Step 5 units placed as shown. Press the seam allowances toward the center of the row. The completed row should measure 12-1/2" x 4-1/2".
	16) Piece together one of the units completed in Step 14 and two of the units completed in Step 5 in form the top row of the Flying Shuttles Block making sure to have the Step 5 units placed as shown. Press the seam allowances toward the outside edge of the row. Repeat with the remaining Step 14 and Step 5 units to complete the bottom row of the quilt Block. The completed rows should measure 12-1/2" x 4-1/2".
	17) Piece together the three rows to complete the Flying Shuttles quilt Block. Press the seam allowances toward the center row of the Block. The finished Block should measure 12-1/2" square with a 1/4" seam allowance on all sides.

WWQP Quilt Coloring Book page for the Flying Shuttles Block

© Susan E Traudt 1998

World Wide Quilting Page * Block of the Month