This second block for July is Salute to the Colors, and was first released in the Kansas City Star on May 06, 1942.
This would be fun to do in different colors. There are different variations of this block, and even found one that was done for a Queen.
This block includes a 4-patch in a square, and split-Half Square triangles (S-HST).
This block will finish at 12″ x 12″ (12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ unfinished).
Fabric Requirements
- White – 16″ x 8″
- Blue – 14″ x 6″
- Red – 14″ x 6″
Fabric Cutting
Assembly
Step 1 – Four-patch in a square.
Using Pieces A, sew together long sides.
Press to the Dark side.
Cut into strips 2 5/8″ wide strips. (there may be a little extra length, in case you need to straighten on end, or off on cutting.
Using the two pieces, lay one and flip the second, so the colors do not match.
Sew together.
Press seams, square-up to 4 3/4″ x 4 3/4″
Using 2 pieces of Piece B (white), cut diagonally in half.
Match the center point of the Piece B (White) triangle to the middle line of the 4-patch. This will center the triangle on the square. Sew 1/4″ seam along the long side of the triangle.
Finger press seams towards outside (large triangle).
Working around the 4-patch, continue to add a Piece B on each side, finger pressing towards outside (Piece B).
When you have added a piece all the way around, press with iron.
Square-up to 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″, making sure to trim from all four sides of the block. Match the 3 1/4″ lines at the center point of the block. And make sure you still have 1/4″ seam allowance over the points of the center 4-patch.
Step 2 – Half Square Triangles (HST)
Using Piece C (4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″), Color B (Blue) & Color C (red)
Draw a line diagonally across the middle of the lighter color fabric.
Place fabric right-sides together. Stitch 1/4″ on both sides of the line.
Cut down the centerline, creating 2 HST.
Press Open the HST, do not worry about squaring-up.
Repeat with the other Piece C, Color B and Color C to create 2 more HST.
Step 3 – Split Half Square Triangles( S-HST)
Draw a line diagonally down the middle of Piece D, Color A (White).
Place right-side together Color A over one HST Created in Step 2, with the diagonally line the opposite direction of the seam between Color B&C.
Stitch 1/4″ on both sides of the line.
Cut down the centerline, creating 2 Split-HSTs. (see both sides of piece)
Repeat with the other HST created in Step 2, to create two more Split-HST.
You will have a total of 4 Split-HST. There will be two sets with Color B on one side, and two sets with Color B on the opposite side. They should be mirror copies.
Square-up to 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″, make sure that you trim evenly on both sides, as the split HST does need to stay balanced.Here is how it looks when using the Triangle Square-up ruler.
In the picture the centerline of the ruler goes down the stitch line between the two pieces, and the 3 1/2″ line goes across the stitch line. Then trim both sides.
If using a square ruler, make sure you still trim on all four sides, not just two.
Press open, you will have two different sets of Split-HST.
Step 4 – Sides – Square with triangles – two different sets
Cut four Piece G (4″ x 4″ White) diagonally in half.
Cut Piece E (4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″) of both Color B & Color C diagonally in half both directions.
Assemble side sections – Color combo 1 – Blue Square/Red triangles
Layout a Blue triangle/red square/blue triangle.
Fold the right piece inwards, making sure to align them together, like this. (the point of the right triangle will hang down a little from the square. Make sure that you line up the Blue and red at the right point.
Press towards the triangle.
Fold the left piece inwards, making sure to align them together like this. (the point of the left triangle will hand down a little from the square. Make sure that you line up the blue and red at the left point.
Press towards the triangle.
Layout the piece with a Color A Triangles, like this.
Fold the white triangles in half to find the center of the longer side, just finger press to temporarily mark.
Repeat the same process, fold the right piece inwards, making sure to align the center.
Press.
Add the left side.
Press.
Square up to 6 1/2″ x 3 1/2″, make sure to trim from all four sides, leaving 1/4″ at the top point of the square, and matching the 3 1/4″ line at the center of the piece.
Repeat the same layout for 2 of the same.
Assemble Color Combo 2 – Blue Square/Red Triangles.
Layout in this layout and repeat Step 4, just using the different colors.
When you are done, you will have two sets of two 6 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ squares.
Step 5 – Final Assembly
Layout the pieces in the following layout.
Sew the pieces together, and press.
You have now completed the Salute to the Colors block.
I look forward to seeing all your wonderful blocks! Make sure to post on the Facebook group! Remember to add the hashtag #SaluteToTheColors.
Click Here for a PDF of the instructions.
Lisa's Quilting Passion 