The Patchsmith: Patchsmith Sampler Block 5

This week’s block, the Paths around the Square block, requires little seam matching making it ideal for the beginner. It doesn’t even matter if your paths are not straight.

What I like about this block is the fun you can add to it if you fussy cut the middle square. Fussy cutting is where you cut your fabric in such a way that you highlight a specific part of the fabric pattern. And I have two methods for fussy cutting, to share with you, that require little more than an ordinary quilter’s ruler.

For my Paths around the Square blocks
I used Lori Holt's Modern Minis fabric.

The pattern requires a center square measuring 3½” square so to fussy cut fabric you should initially cut your fabric at least 4” square with the highlighted design in the middle.

If you wish to fit the complete emblem into the block the actual printed design should measure 3" square or less.

Method 1 – the tape measure method is a really simple method. You will need some sticky tape – it doesn’t matter which tape (washi tape is good) but it helps if it is not clear.

1. Position two strips of tape onto your ruler to create a template that measures the same size as the required cut square – in this instance 3½”.

The blue square measures exactly 3½" square.

2. Position the ruler onto your square of fabric so that the fabric extends past the two cutting edges and the two taped edges and your chosen emblem/design is central. Trim the left-hand side and bottom edge using your ruler.

Trim the left-hand and bottom sides.

3. Next turn the ruler so that the taped edges align accurately with the trimmed left-hand and bottom edges as shown. Trim the right-hand side and the top edge. Your square should now measure exactly 3½”.

Trim the right-hand and top sides.

Method 2 - the eyeball method involves a little bit of math.

1. Firstly you need to calculate half the width/height of the required square. For Block 5 you need a square measuring 3½” so half of this is 1¾”. This measurement is very important. (If you struggle with math just enter the required block size into a calculator and divide it by 2.)

2. Position your quilter’s ruler so that the half-width (1¾”) line marking is roughly in the middle of the design vertically as shown (click on the picture if you want to see it close-up). When you are happy with the position trim the right-hand side.

NOTE: It is important that the left-hand side of the fabric extends past the 3½” line marking on your ruler and the right-hand side of the fabric extends past the cutting edge of the ruler.

3. Line up the 3½” line marking on your ruler with the trimmed right-hand side of your fabric square and trim the left-hand side as shown. Your fabric should now measure 3½” wide.

4. Turn the fabric a quarter turn and line up the bottom of the ruler with the trimmed bottom edge of the fabric.

5. Repeat step 1 by positioning the ruler so that the 1¾” line marking is central to your chosen emblem/design ensuring that the left-hand side of the fabric extends past the 3½” line marking on your ruler and the right-hand side of the fabric extends past the cutting edge of the ruler as before. Trim the right-hand side.

6. Line up the 3½” line marking on your ruler with the trimmed right-hand side of your fabric square and trim the left-hand side as shown. Your fabric should now measure 3½” square.