Welcome to block 3 of the Allure Block of the Month quilt along!
Allure BOM Block 3
Block 3 is one of those blocks that looks more complicated than it is.
In block 3 we are making 3 different Flying Geese (FG) units – in 2 different ways! This block is a great way to try these different methods for making them.
Let’s review the 2 methods used in the block and I will also explain why we used both methods!
Method 1
For one set of FG units we are making them using the No Waste or 4 – at – once method. I love using this method as it really does involve less waste and you can oversize if you want!
This is a great method when you need 4 or more of a specific FG unit and if the 2 end pieces are the same fabric. It can be done with end pieces of different fabrics but it is trickier and you end up with FG units that are mirror images, not FG units that all look the same. but since we need 4 of this FG unit, this method works perfectly!
Math for Method 1
To know how big to cut your pieces, you need to know the finished size of your FG unit. For example let’s say it finishes at 2 ½” x 5″.
For the “goose fabric”, you would add 1 ¼” to the length (5″) for the goose square. So for our example, you would cut a 6 ¼” square.
For the side pieces, you add ⅞” to the height (2 ½”) and, for our example, you would cut 2 squares 3 ⅜”.
To see my tips on how to sew FG units using this method, check out my blog post on FG units here.
Method 2
In the pattern, the second method we are using is basically stitch and flip. You start with 2 squares and 1 rectangle of your “goose” fabric and stitch and flip the squares in the corners of the rectangles. It’ s fun method and easy to do. But it does have leftover triangles!
One thing you can do, is draw a second line ½” away from the first line and sew on both lines. Then when you trim the ¼” seam allowance, you already have a HST unit sewn and ready to trim! You can use these leftovers to make a small mini quilt or coasters!
To see how to sew FG units using the stitch ‘n flip method- check out my bog post on FG units here.
Why use 2 different methods? Because we have some FG units that have different fabrics on each side of the unit. So for these units, we are making 2 different stitch ‘n flip FG units.
Math for Method 2
The math for method 2 is slightly different. For the goose fabric, you cut the fabric into a rectangle that is ½” bigger than the finished size of of FG unit.
In our same example, for a FG unit that finishes at 2 ½” x 5″, you would cut the goose fabric rectangle 3″ x 5 ½”.
For the side pieces, cut 2 squares the height of the finished FG unit + ½” or, in our example, 3″.
Have fun with Block 3 and I will see you next month for Block 4!
Happy quilting!
Kate
Please Note: All the sizes need for Block 3 are in the pattern. I am not sharing block or cutting sizes on the blog; you will need the pattern to make the quilt.