This block is actually a combination of two blocks, Contrary Husband (upper left corner) and Contrary Wife (lower right corner). I felt that you needed to have them together. You could make them separately or together.
The block will finish at 12″ x 12″ (12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ unfinished).
You could make them matching or you could make them opposite colors. They are made with Half Square Triangles (HST) and small squares.
These blocks were originally published in the Kansas City Star, Contrary Husband November 09, 1938 and Contrary Wife August 27, 1941. These are fun blocks.
Fabric Requirement
- Color A (White) 12″ x 13″
- Color B (Blue) 7″ x 9
- Red – 6″ x 9″
Fabric Cutting
If you would like to do multiples of the blocks, here is a list of the pieces for each.
- Contrary Husband Pieces A, B and C
- Contrary Wife Pieces D and E
- Solid Blocks – Piece F
Assembly
Contrary Husband
Step 1 – Half Square Triangles – 8-at-a-time
Using one of each color of Piece A (4 3/4″ x 4 3/4″), draw a line from corner to corner on the back on the lighter fabric, creating an “X”.
Stitch 1/4″ on both sides of the drawn lines, creating a double X (Black lines)
Cut along the drawn lines, and then halfway vertical and horizontal halfway. (Cut on the Red lines)
Square up the HST with your preferred method to make sure they are 2″ x 2″ HST.
Press 4 towards the dark side, and 4 towards the lighter side. Then match these together, so they nest when sewing together
Square-up to 2″ x 2″. Press open, and trim dog ears.
Step 2 – Layout
Sew the pieces in the following layout.
Best Practice: Sew the first column and third columns together. In the middle, sew the top and bottom 2 pieces together. Then sew the middle section together. Then sew the three rows together. (see Pictures)
Square-up to 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″
You have completed 1/4th of the block.
Contrary Wife
Step 3- Half Square Triangles – 4-at-a-time
Using pieces D (4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″)
Place the 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 your triangles to 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ HST
Press towards the dark side.
Step 4 – Layout
Sew the pieces in the following layout.
Press seams.
Square-up to 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″
Step 5 – Final Assembly
Using the Contrary Husband (Steps 1-2) and Contrary Wife (Steps 3-5) and Pieces F.
Layout in the following layout (Husband in the upper left corner, and wife in lower right corner, and using pieces F.
Sew the blocks together, press seams.
You have now completed the Contrary Husband & Contrary Wife Block.
I look forward to seeing all your wonderful blocks! Make sure to post on the Facebook group! Remember to add the hashtag #ContraryHusbandWife
Click Here for a PDF of the instructions.
Lisa's Quilting Passion 