The second block for September 2021 is the Grandmother’s Quilt, it was originally posted in the Kansas City Star on November 03, 1948. The center is made with lots of 1″ squares, commonly called “postage stamps” for their small size and four flying-geese around the outside.
Would be a good block for scraps, you could cut thirty-six 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ pieces from multiple colors.
This block will finish at 12″ x 12″ (12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ unfinished).
Fabric Requirements
- White – 9″ x 30″
- Blue – 8″ x 8″
- Red – 1 1/2″ x 30″
Fabric Cutting
Assembly
Step 1 – Center Squares part 1
Using all Piece A.
Layout 3 of each color, long sides together in the following layout.
(Red/White/Red/White/Red/White)
NOTE: Make sure as you sew 1/4″ seams, a little off on each row could add/subtract an extra 1/4″ to the block.
Sew the long sides together with 1/4″ seams, rotating the direction of the stitching, first row from left side, next from Right, next from left. This alternating will help keep the blocks straight.
Best Practice: If you put a small mark in the seam allowance of the end you start stitching on, this will help you know when to rotate the rows, to keep the alternating directions.
Press towards the dark side.
Step 2 – Center square – part 2
Cut Pieces of strips of 1 1/2″ wide. Cut 6 strips.
Note: There is an extra 1″ to help with trimming, and cutting into pieces, so do not worry if you have a little extra.
Step 3 – Center Square – part 3
Alternating the rows of strips, red then white. Lay them out in the following order.
Sew the strips together with 1/4″ seams, making sure to rotate the direction of the stitching, from left to right, to help keep the blocks laying straight.
Press seams open to reduce bulk.
Square-up to 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″, making sure to trim from all four sides, to keep the block balanced.
Step 4 – No-waste Flying Geese
Using Pieces B & C. Draw a diagonal line across the back of all four Piece C.
Place two Color C on opposite corners of Color B, right sides together, with the lines flowing together.
Stitch 1/4″ along both sides of the drawn lines
Cut along the drawn lines
Press Open
Using one piece, place one Color C on the corner, with the diagonal lines flowing into the middle of the triangles.
Stitch 1/4″ on each side of the line
Cut along the drawn line
Press both pieces open.
Repeat the last three steps to create the other two Flying Geese.
Square-up the Flying Geese to be 6 1/2″ x 3 1/2″, if you trim make sure that you trim from all sides, and make sure that there is 1/4″ seam allowance above the point.
Step 5 – Final Assembly
Using all the pieces, layout in the following layout.
Sew the nine blocks together.
Press Seams.
You have now completed the Grandmother’s Quilt, a postage stamp block with Flying Geese.
I look forward to seeing all your wonderful blocks! Make sure to post on the Facebook group! Remember to add the hashtag #GrandmothersQuilt.
Click Here for a PDF of the instructions.
Lisa's Quilting Passion 