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Kansas Dugout Block
With my cut down method we can make units I call "blocks"
"Kansas Dugout Block"
This unit or "Block" can be made in quantity and in any color combination- then you can use them in any quilt block or project. Traditionally quilt blocks are made by cutting out fabric shapes squares/triangles/etc and then sewing them into quilt blocks which are then sewn into quilts. With my method the piecing is much easier and faster! You will get dramatic looks with easy piecing !
The Cut Down Method - a shortcut to making quick "blocks"
If you are making blocks -- sew fabric together and then cut down to the size you want
If you are adding borders -- sew on border fabric then cut the border to the desired size
Swatches make this process easier to do. A swatch is a piece of fabric that is roughly cut. Please do not cut a perfect square because you will trim this fabric later. The size of your template depends on the project you choose to do.
Tip: If you don't know what size template you need to make that 8 1/2" quilt block or any size quilt block you like try this tip! You can use paper to cut out squares with your template to determine what size template you need for the project you want to use the "blocks" in. Sew the squares in a row and measure to see if the size is right. If it is not - then just change the size of your template. I use a 1 1/2" template and a scant 1/4" seam allowance. My hot pad tops come out to 6 1/2" using a design with 6 squares across by 6 squares down. If I use a 2" template I get an 6 1/2" hot pad top using a design with 5 squares across and 5 squares down. Adding borders will make the top an 8 1/2" top or whatever size you want it to be. If you are making quilt blocks to make a quilt these measurements will create a finished 6" block. So try it and see what you think and what you want to do for the project you choose.
two swatches (about 2" x 2") small print dark cotton fabric
one swatch (approx. 2" x 2") small print cotton medium or light value fabric
1 template - an acrylic 1 1/2" square template ( you can use whatever size you want ) I will send you the first 1 1/2" template free if you send me an email with your mailing address @ patchesbyr@yahoo.com After that the templates are on my online store site @ www.patchworkbyrhonda.com.
Now let's make a " Block"
Illustrations below depict the process to making the block.
Lay the dark swatch face down onto the light swatch. Lay a ruler along one side --with a rotary cutter cut a straight edge. Hold or pin the two pieces together and sew a seam along the cut edge. Open and iron the seam open-- the fabric lays flatter if the seam is ironed open instead of to the dark side. This is more important in small projects than in regular quilts. Small projects show all the little things that would probably blend in in a larger quilt. Place the joined fabric face up on your mini cutting mat.
Next: Trim the center fabric to 3/4" from the seam.
Next: Cut a straight edge on the third swatch ( the other dark one). Place it face down over the cut edge on the face up light side of the joined swatches. Pin them together matching the edges. Sew a seam along that edge. Open and iron. If you iron it flat on both sides it will be easier to cut! Place the joined swatches face up on the mini cutting mat.
Now: Place your template on the joined swatches. Center two opposite corners of the template in the center fabric. Look at the illustration below for placement.
Next: Hold the template in place and using a rotary cutter cut out around the template. Make sure you hold the template firmly in place so you get a good clean cut out square! Make sure to cut against your template -don't angle your cutter out away from the template. You can reuse the scrap leftovers in more blocks. If you pull gently from the inside of the joined seams (where the square is cut out) the fabric should come apart fairly easily.
Illustrations
You can make these assembly line fashion and it goes really quick. Cut all fabric/sew first two swatches/ cut all / add third fabric/and then cut all squares out. We make these up ahead in lots of color combos and then I can mix and match til I have a design I like. I tend to prefer dark fabrics and really light fabrics for lots of color contrasts.
Two swatches Trim to 3/4" Add other black Center template Cut out template Kansas Dugout Block sewn together to the first two
After you have learned to make the "blocks" you can make as many as you want to and try any project or quilt blocks you want to make. You will find free quilt blocks on our Free Quilt Block link. There are traditional quilt blocks and the layout of the "Kansas Dugout Blocks" so you can see how to use the "blocks". If you look at a lot of traditional blocks you will see that you can use this piecing method instead of the traditional way of cutting out triangles and then sewing them together.
If you have any questions you can contact me at patchesbyr@yahoo.com
Rhonda Woodsmall
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