Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Bow Tie Tutorial

Feeling so much better.  Turns out the pollen count is high, high, high and my allergies kicked up to high.  I'm taking Claritin and Flonase and am feeling terrific.

I've been trying to use up some Charm Squares.  I took the left over charms from my mini Jacobs ladder quilt and made some bow tie blocks.



I have since sewn these blocks together and getting ready to machine quilt it.

Step One


Choose 2 contrasting 5" Charm Squares.  All charm squares are not created equal.  Be sure to measure them.  I try and trim some of the pinking edges off.


Step Two and Three


Cut the background charm into (2) 2 1/2" x 5" strips.  You will only need one of these.  Cut this strip into (2) 2 1/2" squares.  You can save the second one for your next block.  From the Bow Tie fabric cut (1) 2 1/2" x 5" strip and (1) 1 1/2" x 5" strip.  Sub cut into (2) 2 1/2" squares and (2) 1 1/2" squares.  See photo below.



Step Four

Take your (2) 1 1/2" squares and draw a diagonal line across the back.  Place each 1 1/2" square right sides facing onto a 2 1/2" background square.


Step Five

Sew on the draw line and trip 1/4".  Then iron the toward the dark fabric.



Part 6

Lay out your pieces to form a 4 patch block.



Step 7

Sew the bottom 2 squares together and then the top 2 squares together.  Iron the open toward the Bow Tie Fabric.


Step 8

Sew the top to the bottom nesting your seams together.  Open and iron open to either side.



Before I iron this block open I remove the stitches above the seam line (1/4"). Then I iron.  It's hard to explain so I will show you the back of the block.



Well I hope this tutorial was helpful for those of you like myself are trying to use up some of those leftover charm squares from previous projects.

Enjoy the day, even if it is cold and overcast like it is here today.  I've got some hand applique to finish, a small quilt to finish hand quilting and some small projects to get ready for machine quilting, so I've got my hands full today.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy

4 comments:

Janet O. said...

Those are some very vibrant bow ties. I have a son that would love wearing them. : )

Kyle said...

Glad you've got those allergies under control and have the energy to get back to sewing full speed.

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

Glad that the allergy meds are helping. And thanks for,the bow tie tutorial. I would have machine pieced my bow tie blocks had I known this quick and easy way of avoiding the inset seams. Now I know for next time. ;-)

Allie said...

Soooo glad you're feeling better - guess I'll have to try claritin next! Your tutorial is wonderful, hon!!!