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How to Sew the X-Quisite Quilt Block
The X-Quisite quilt block is a beautiful and intricate block created through a combination of piecing and appliqué techniques.
Materials:
- Fabric in various colors and prints
- Rotary cutter, cutting mat & ruler
- Sewing machine & thread
- Iron
- Fusible webbing
Instructions:
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Cut your fabric pieces:
- Four 3½" squares of background fabric
- Two 3½" squares for the large triangles
- Two 3½" squares for the small triangles
- Two 3" squares of fusible webbing
- Appliqué: Fuse the two 3" squares of fusible webbing to the back of the large triangle fabric. Cut out the triangles, position them on the background squares, fuse in place, and stitch around the edges to secure.
- Piecing: Cut the two 3½" small triangle squares in half diagonally to create four triangles. Position two triangles on each background square with the large triangles. Stitch in place and press the seams.
- Assemble the block: Arrange the four pieced squares in a four-patch layout, with the large triangles in opposite corners. Stitch the squares together to complete the X-Quisite block.
- Finishing: Press the block and trim to 12½" square. Repeat to create as many blocks as needed for your quilt.
Covered Corners Method
Four Patch Piecing
The secret to a perfect four patch is pressing seams so they butt together when joined. You can make a four patch by cutting individual squares (great for scrappy quilts) or using pre-joined strips for speed.
Cut two A squares and two B squares in your required size. Using chain piecing, join an A square to a B square, right sides together, with a scant ¼" seam allowance. Press toward the dark fabric. Your result:
Press all seams toward the dark fabric so they butt up. Place the two A/B units right sides together with butted seams, pin if needed, and join with a scant ¼" seam allowance. Press.
Wider Application
This technique applies to all kinds of four patch blocks. As long as a block has a 4×4 grid — no matter how many pieces — the basic principles apply. Keep pressing seams in pairs of opposite directions and piecing will be smooth sailing.
How to Resize Quilt Blocks
The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the finished size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.
Important: When working from a pattern's cutting instructions, always remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½" squares, subtract the seam allowances (½"), double the finished block size (3" → 6"), then add the seam allowance back (½"). You'll end up cutting a 6½" piece of fabric.
Resizing Square Blocks
Add ½" to your desired finished block measurement. For a 4" finished square, cut a 4½" square of fabric.
Resizing Rectangular Blocks
Add ½" to both the length and width. To double a block that measures 3" × 4", cut a 6½" × 8½" rectangle of fabric.
Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks
Add ⅞" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut 4⅞" squares.
Resizing Quarter-Square Triangle Blocks
Add 1¼" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut your squares 5¼".
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