This makes a 12" block, and has been around since about 1896!

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** Preparing the Pieces and Sewing the Block **

 

Start off by cutting the Color 1  7" x 13" strip into four 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" rectangles...

Now cut the Color 2  7" x  21" strip into twelve 3-1/2" squares...

Then speed piece the half squares, by stacking the Color 1 and Color 2  3-7/8" x 7-3/4" strips right sides together and all edges aligned. On the back of the top strip, lightly mark the 3-7/8" square lines. Mark the diagonals in the direction shown at left. Now sew a Scant 1/4" above and below the marked diagonals, pivoting at the square lines. Cut apart on the square lines, and on the marked diagonals between the rows of stitching. This will give you four half squares. Press seam allowances towards the darker fabric. Square these back to 3-1/2" if needed...

Next we'll make the rectangle units, by placing a Color 2  3-1/2" square right sides together against one end of a Color 1 rectangle...all edges aligned. (I show them staggered here just so you can see what two pieces of fabric I mean) On the back of the square, lightly draw the diagonal. Sew ON this marked line. Cut off the excess seam allowance. Press the remainder towards the darker color.  Repeat this with another Color 2 square on the other end of the rectangle. Make four units like this. Square these back to be 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" if needed...

Now sew A Color 2 square to the left of a two colored half square, using that same scant 1/4" seam. Make four units like this...  on to Page 2!
 Mar 5 2002 Marcia Hohn

Traditional Block

pattern from http://www.quilterscache.com