National Quilt Museum Block of the Month

In late December I was contatced by The National Quilt Museum and asked if I would create a block for their Block of the Month Program. It took me less than a nano second to say YES!

The block criteria was to support the HERstory exhibit theme. 

I had some ideas in my head but was not sure how they would play out. I asked my friend Kim from Persimon Dreams for some help in sorting out what was in my head into a vision that was thoughtful, meaningful and would keep in line with the goal. Everyone needs a good friend that will tell them the 100% the truth and not just what someone wants to hear. I love you Kim, thank you for your help💗

 Here is my contribution to the wonderful HERstory inspiration.

You can read the post and down load the templates at The National Quilt Museum Block of Month  page.

Paper pieced blocks are the best way to create points and precision that regular piecing cannot. It is perfect for making use of  smaller pieces of fabric efficiently while creating beauty.

The brilliance of these Courthouse Steps is in the scrappy rainbow. Each block is scrappy and includes your choice of color value.  My blocks were based on what I had on hand in my sewing room and the variations are light, med and dark.

The fabric cuts are generous for you to be able to adjust to what suits your style. If you are a beginner, these will help you gain confidence when learning how to paper piece. For me, I like having wiggle room! These will be trimmed down as you need for each strip.

Courthouse Step 1  Yellow/ orange  Block

Cut –

Red  

(1)Square 1.5” x 1.5”

Scraps of yellow

(10) strips 1.25” x 3.5”
(8) strips 1.25” x 6.5”

Scraps of Orange

(8) strips 1.25” x 3.5”
(10) strips 1.25” x 6.5”

Courthouse Step 2 Green Block

Cut

Red –

(1)Square 2.0” x 2.0”

Scraps of green

(8) strips 1.25” x 3.5”
(8) strips 1.25” x 6.5”

Scraps of blue/green

(6) strips 1.25” x 3.5”
(10) strips 1.25” x 6.5”

Courthouse Step 3 Purple/Blue Block

Cut

Red –

(1)square 2.5” x 2.5”

Scraps of Purple

(6) strips 1.25” x 3.5”
(8) strips 1.25” x 6.5”

Scraps of Blue

(4) strips 1.25” x 3.5”
(10) strips 1.25” x 6.5”

Courthouse Step 4  Red /Pink Block

Cut

Red –

(1)square 3.0” x 3.0”

Scraps of Pink

(4) strips 1.25” x 3.5”
(10) strips 1.25” x 6.5”

Scraps of Red

(2) strips 1.25” x 3.5”
(12) strips 1.25” x 6.5”

Instructions:

There are many different methods for paper piecing. I am a visual sewist and this is my favorite way.

Take the paper template and pre fold the lines of the template. This will help with trimming and being able to see the lines on the opposite side as you are working.  

Place red Square in the template center on the opposite side of the printing.  Center the fabric in the A1 square. To help keep the fabric from slipping, you can use a washable glue stick. Dab a bit on the paper and place the fabric on top.

Take A2 and lay it on top of A1 lining up the edge of the fabric.  If you are more comfortable, place a pin in the two pieces of fabric before turning over to sew.

Turn paper over holding onto the fabrics.The lined side of the paper should now be facing you and the fabrics are on the side facing down.

Decrease your stitch length to 1.5 or 1.6.

Sew the line between A1 and A2.

Trim threads.

Fold the paper back and trim ¼ from the fold line and where the stichline is

 Open the A2 fabric and either finger press or hit it with a hot iron.

Repeat the process with A3 fabic on A1

Sew, flip, trim and press

For the next round ( and all the remaining rounds) proceed to the next number. A4 is next

This is where the prefolding comes in handy. Fold the line over

and trim 1/4in  then do the same on A5.

You are now ready to add the next two fabrics. They are from the orange group.

 The previous trimming makes the 1/4 already perfect! Lay A4 fabric on top, flip, stitch and trim threads.

 Open the A4 fabric. and finger or iron press.

 Do the same for A5

 Press both sides and fold at the seam nd trim the ends.

You have your first round. It seems time consuming but when you have a rythm going, it will go really fast!

Repeat the process and your colorful block will quickly grow!

When all of the blocks have been completed trim the 1/4" seam around the outside

Leaving the papers on, use clips and stitch along the 1/4" seam line

Press the center seam open and place the two halves together

 clip and sew

Open, press and start removing the paper!

There is also a bonus beginner block for those just starting out with paper piecing designed by  Marketing Communication Manager, Victoria Caldwell.


I would love to see your version of this block! Please tag me on social media @gogokim or #gogokim!