We are continuing to do more blocks from the “One Hundred and One Patchwork Patterns” book by Ruby Short McKim. The book was published in 1931, and my husband’s maternal Grandmother learned to quilt from this book. These blocks are done in her honor.
The 23rd block for 2020, is Corn & Beans.
“PERHAPS it was corn and beans time of year when this lovely old pattern was first made into a quilted coverlet. Or it may have taken its homely name from the golden corn color with green and unbleached which formed its color scheme. Any patchwork can be made of odd scraps, but the quilts of today are more apt to be planned as are all of our surroundings for exact harmony and smartness.”
(Ruby McKim)
Our block is 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ unfinished. The original block started from the middle and worked its way out. We will be dividing the block into four sections, and then assembling together.
Fabric Requirements
Color A – Yellow – 10″ x 10”
Color B – White – 10″ x 10″
Color C – Pink – 10″ x 13″
Color D – Purple – 5″ x 13″
Fabric Cutting
Assembly
Step 1 – Cut all of the pieces labeled “A” and “C”, in half diagonally, creating 2 triangles for each piece. After cutting, set them aside for the moment.
Step 2 – HST (Half Square triangles) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
You will need to create a total of 12 – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ HST. We will be creating these 4 at a time, so you will repeat this process three times.
Using one piece of each color of Pieces “B” (4″ x 4″ pieces)
Place right sides together
Stitch 1/4″ along all four sides of square (red line is stitching)
Cut Diagonally from Corner to corner both directions (purple lines)
Square up the HST using your preferred method.
Press open, resulting in four – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ HST
You will need to repeat Step 2 two more times, to have a total of 12 HST (2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″).
Step 3 – You will assemble the blocks by creating 1/4 of the block, and repeating three more times. Just changing the Piece A (yellow triangle to white in my example).
Layout your pieces in the pattern below
We will start with the middle pieces, the HST and Pieces C (small yellow/pink triangles). Sew the pieces together according to the picture with a ¼” seam.
Press the seams towards Pieces C (yellow/pink triangles)
Then sew the three pieces together, matching the centers together.
Trim the “dog ears off”. The strip will be 3 1/2” wide by 9” long
Lay the pieces together, and sew the two large triangles to the center strip, and press towards the Large triangles.
- Best Practice is to fold the large Triangles in half, and finger press, to find the middle of the triangle, then match that point to the middle of the strip (between the yellow or pink in my strip.)
You will then need to square up this block to be 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″, the two large triangles will hang out over the edge. Easier to cut a little large triangle, and trim, than to cut out odd size squares.
You have finished 1/4 of the block.
Repeat this process 3 more times, remembering to replace the Large Yellow Triangle with the Large White Triangle on two of the blocks.
You will have four pieces (6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″) blocks. You will lay them out according to the following, and then sew the “four patch” together.
You have now completed this month’s block, Corn & Beans.
I look forward to seeing all your wonderful blocks! Make sure to post on the Facebook group! Remember to add the hashtag #BOMCorn&Beans.
Thank you for joining us for this additional 2020 block of the month!
Click Here for a downloadable PDF of the instructions.
For the previous blocks, you can check under “Units” in the Facebook group.
Examples of Quilts made all with the same blocks, with a couple variations on fabrics.
Lisa's Quilting Passion 