Scrappy September - Free 6" Paper-Pieced String Block Template

A quick and easy Autumn table runner

The Fat Quarter Shop is hosting a Scrappy September giveaway with free scrap happy block patterns and the chance to win a Fat Quarter Shop token.  So I thought I would join in.

I like to make small projects so I am using my scraps to make an autumnal table runner for my coffee table.  And here is how I did it.

A large scrappy pumpkin block

Firstly, you will need two 12" (finished size) pumpkin blocks of your choosing.  I chose to enlarge the 6" Orange Pumpkin block from my Sampler Quilt Block pattern book - if you want to resize the block from my book you will need to cut the block pieces as follows:

Piece A:         2½” x 10½” rectangles

Piece B:         2” x 2½” rectangle
Piece C:         2½” squares
Piece D:         3¾” x 2½”  rectangles
Piece E:         2½” squares
Piece F:         2” squares  

You will also need six 6" String Blocks (finished size). 

You will need six of these blocks

I have creased a FREE Paper-Pieced String Block Template which you can download by clicking on the image below.  Just print it onto ordinary printer paper or trace it onto baking parchment.  There are lots of tutorials and videos online showing how to paper-piece if you are new to this method.

The Patchsmith's 6" String Block Template

I  decided to keep my colour palette to autumnal greens and browns for this project.

You will need six string blocks for the runner

Then it was a simple case of putting the blocks together starting with stitching four of the string blocks together to create one large 12½" central string block.  You don't need to match seams but you can if you want.

One large block of scrappy strings

To make the side sections of the runner I stitched the two remaining 6" string blocks together to create one string rectangle measuring 6½ x 12½". 

Which I then cut in half lengthwise to create two 3¼” x 12½" rectangles.

Next I flipped one of the rectangles so the sidebars were a mirror image of each other.  

The finished table runner top measures 42" x 12½" and is all ready for quilting and binding. .

I love bringing the seasons into my home.

Even if you don't want to make a runner, it is worth putting together some scrappy blocks and posting them on Instagram with the hashtag #FQSScrappySeptember for a chance to win one of three $25 FQS tokens.  

And of course, tag me #thepatchsmith so I can see all your lovely scrapilicious blocks too.  Until next time .......

Spelling Bee Picture Day Quilt

Another five blocks are made.  And here are a few tips for sewing along with the Spelling Bee book.

Firstly – don't overlook the pressing directions – they make a real difference.  Especially when nesting the seams of the little triangle corners on the cake block.

Spelling Bee 6" Cake Block

You’ll need good light on a dark, dank August day otherwise you just may misread the lettering on those little diagrams.  I made a mistake on the car block by sewing the blocks for the windows in the wrong order.  It doesn’t make any different in this instance but I may not be so lucky next time.

Spelling Bee Car Block

Measurements are not given in any particular order (i.e. height first and then width) so if you are using a directional print you will need to pay attention when cutting.  Use the handy picture in the top corner of the block page to make sure you get your stripes all going the right way

Spelling Bee Camera Block

And sometimes all it takes is two main fabrics and you can turn four patches into a pretty butterfly.

Spelling Bee Butterfly Block

Finally, use up scraps for the little pieces (the caravan step and curtains) – it is so satisfying to add the finishing touches to a block using something you would normally throw away.

That's it for now - come back next week and I may just have some more fabric fun to show you.  

Patchsmith Schoolhouse Block

Patchsmith Schoolhouse Block 

I am working on the Patchsmith Sampler quilt and created the sweetest little Schoolhouse Block this week.

Patchsmith 6" Schoolhouse

It is so sweet I just had to make a bigger one ..............

The 6” version will be included in The Patchsmith’s Sampler Quilt book which will be released this autumn.

Patchsmith Schoolhouse Sampler Block

So now you can build your own Schoolhouse.  Go figure!

Patchwork Fabric, Fun and Friends

Snapshots Block 2 'Sew on and on'

Every year the Fat Quarter Shop share a beautiful quilt pattern whilst raising thousands of pounds for the charity of their choice.

In 2014 it was the Wishes quilt-along in support of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Click on the photo for the Wishes patterns and tutorials

In 2015 it was the very popular Snapshots quilt-along that raised funds for St. Judes.

Click on the photo for the Snapshots patterns and tutorials

In 2016 it was the Crossroads quilt-along raising thousands for March of Dimes.

Click on the photo for the Crossroads patterns and tutorials

And this year it is the Patchwork quilt-along in support of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Click on the photo for the Patchwork patterns and tutorials

The block patterns are free but it would be lovely if you could support this year’s charity with a few dollars - just go to the Fat Quarter Shops’ Donation page to find out how.

I am joining in again this year with the Patchwork quilt-along but instead of a full size quilt I am making an autumnal table runner.  If you want to join me you will need lots of lovely autumnal fabrics....  

Despite its name I think this collection would be perfect for autumn.

....and you will need to make two of each block. I will be back next week to show you the blocks made so far but it isn't too late to join in - the blocks are quick and easy.