My pile of make-do wreath blocks has grown!
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| Wreath blocks for scraps. |
Using the Hatchet Block specialty ruler
The original “make do” blocks that inspired this project were made with scraps and strings, pieced on the diagonal of a square.
I used a Creative Grids Hatchet Block specialty ruler to gauge the fabric length for the center section of each unit. Red fabric squares were cut in half diagonally for the corner triangles. The Hatchet Block ruler was designed to be used with 5” charm squares, but it can be used with scraps, too. Quiltmakers love tools that are multi-use and versatile as well as making the patchwork process efficient!
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| The Hatchet Block specialty ruler and a 6.5” square ruler were used to make units for the wreath blocks. |
Four Hatchet units were needed to make each Wreath block. Trimming a few of the Hatchet units also added to my collection of HSTs (half-square triangles).
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| Scraps and trimmings contribute to half-square triangle [HST] units. |
12-block layout
My individual Wreath blocks came to 9.5” square. They needed to be trimmed down to 9” to match the three “make do” blocks—the impetus of this project.
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| Squaring up Wreath blocks to 9” [unfinished size]. |
Twelve blocks make up the layout of this little quilt top. I opted to set the blocks solid (without a sashing). This allowed the diamond shapes—created by the intersection of four blocks coming together—become apparent. This echoes the diamond shapes in the center of each wreath block.
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| Wreath blocks on the design wall. |
If you “spin the seams” at the block’s center (all in the same direction, mind you—either clockwise or counter-clockwise), the seam allowances will nest at the sides, making assembling easier and reducing bulk.
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| Spinning the seams reduces bulk and aids in nesting the seam allowances. |
A simple red border finished the quilt top.
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| Finished quilt top. 31” x 39.5” |
Making these scrappy blocks were fun and stress-free. And I’m pleased that three orphaned “make do” blocks have found their home.
