February Block of the Month - Triple Hearts

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Hello February!  

I hope January was peaceful and positive for all of you!

The block for this month is a fun one – Triple Hearts!  I don’t usually go festive or themed with the monthly block patterns, but I couldn’t resist some hearts! Plus, my goal of writing and sharing these monthly patterns is to expose beginner quilters to all sorts of blocks with varying techniques.  So here we go!

Remember, this is a 12″ finished block.  That means when we’re done with this block, it will actually measure 12 1/2″ square.  The term “Finished” refers to the block being in a finished quilt top. That means when all the other blocks are sewn into the quilt top, this one will measure 12″.  The 12 1/2″ measurement is to allow for seam allowance.

 

 

The cutting instructions below follow the fabric requirements that were given last month.  You can check that post here.

This pattern uses Accent fabric #2 If you’re following the listed fabric requirements.  If you’re going scrappy, feel free to make your hearts multicolored! You will just need (2) 3 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ rectangles of the same fabric for each heart. 

Fabric Requirements:

Background Fabric

Accent #2 Fabric

(2) 3 ½” x 6 ½” rectangles

(6) 3 ½” x 6 ½” rectangles

(6) 3 ½” squares

 

(12) 2” squares

 

Tips and Tricks:

For this block we make a Left heart section and a Right heart section.  Pay attention to how you place the background squares to make sure you end up with the right type of each block!

Secondly, it really helps keep these blocks square if you sew a needle-width away from the drawn diagonal line. And before you trim your fabric, make sure to press it to check that the block is square.  It’s much easier to unpick and fix the seam if you haven’t trimmed it yet!

Ready? Let’s begin!

First, start by drawing a diagonal line on the wrong side of ALL the background squares.  But not the background rectangles. 

 

That means you will be drawing on the wrong side of (6) 3 1/2″ squares and (12) 2″ squares. 

Next, place (1) 3 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ accent fabric rectangle down, right side facing up.  Place (1) 3 1/2″ background square on the bottom edge of the accent rectangle with the diagonal line slanting down to the right.

This is where you should sew a needle-width off of the diagonal line, toward the outside edge where you will discard the fabric. You can also pin in place to help keep things from shifting!

(This pic shows a bad view of trying to stitch a needle-width off of the diagonal line.  But, you can sneak a peak at one of my fav tools for quilting – the Clearly Perfect Angles sheet!)

Before trimming the extra fabric, press the triangle open to make sure the edges are square (not pictured). 
The extra fabric is usually just discarded…
But… If you look closely in the pic you can see that I sewed a seam on the extra fabric.  This can reduce waste because you get an extra little HST from these heart blocks!
Next, take (1) 2″ background square and place it on the accent rectangle at the top left corner with the diagonal line slanting up to the right, as shown. Follow the same steps described above about needle placement and pressing.  Trim after you’ve checked that the edges are square.

Take another 2″ background square and place it on the top right of the accent rectangle. Make sure the drawn diagonal line is slanting down to the right. Follow the same sewing steps as before and then trim!

Now you should have half a heart! This is the Left Heart Section.

Repeat these steps to make (3) total Left Heart sections.

The heart sections should measure 3 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ when finished.

Now we’ll make the Right Heart section.

Follow all the same steps with one difference:

On the 3 1/2″ background square, make sure the drawn diagonal line is slanting up and to the right.

If you do it the exact same way as before you will have all Left side hearts and no Right sided hearts!

Repeat to make (3) Right Heart sections.

Next we will put the hearts together! Place (1) Left heart section with (1) Right heart section, right sides together. Sew with 1/4″ seam and press.  I prefer to press the seam open to reduce bulk when longarm quilting, but press as you please!
Repeat to make three hearts!
These Hearts should measure 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ square. 

Next, sew two heart units together by sewing the bottom of one heart block to the top of another heart block.  Use 1/4″ seam and press the seams open (or press as you please!).

Take the remaining heart block and sew the last (2) 3 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ background squares to the top and bottom of the heart. Press the seams toward the background rectangles.

Finally, sew the two pieces together.  Press the center seam open, and we’re done!

Congrats, you’ve made a triple heart block!

 

As you are sewing along, make sure to use the hashtag #seweasybom or tag me.  I can’t wait to see what you make!