This makes a 12" block!

** Preparing the Pieces and Sewing the Block **

Then speed piece the half squares...by stacking the Color 3 and Color 1...Color 2 and Color 3...and Color 2 and Color 1  3-7/8" x 7-3/4" strips, right sides together and all edges aligned. On the backs of the top strips, lightly mark off the 3-7/8" square lines, and then mark the diagonals in the direction shown at left...Now sew 1/4" above the marked diagonals in one continuous seam from the upper left corners to the upper right corners...pivoting at the 3-7/8" square lines...then turn the fabrics, and sew back 1/4" on the other side of the marked diagonals...cut apart on the square lines, and on the marked diagonals...this will give you four of each color combo of half squares....press seam allowances towards the darker fabrics...

Now you can piece the block, by first making rows, and then sewing the rows together to make the block! Alternate pressing directions by row...on to Page 2

Traditional Block

pattern from http://www.quilterscache.com