I have some tips and tricks to share with you today. However, to start this post I do want to say I have no clue what I was thinking when I started sewing this quilt block. That will make more sense as you read along.
Tips and Tricks
We are starting with the cutting instructions for this quilt block. Firstly cut the squares making the HSTs 1/8” bigger than what is instructed in the book. This will give you a little room to trim down the blocks perfectly.
The next step is to also cut one long strip for the bars that are around the crown of thorns quilt block. Rather than cutting each individual rectangle as instructed in the book. By cutting just one long strip you will be able to sew two longer strips together and then cut to the correct size afterward. I find it to be much easier this way.
Just Silliness
Now we get to the part where I have no clue what I was thinking. First I didn’t sew two long strips together to make the bars around the quilt block. I have no clue why I didn’t. All I can say is that I wasn’t thinking. It all worked out though I just went through a little more hassle than was necessary.
The really silly part is the fact that I followed the pressing directions in the book. Including the pressing directions for the smallest quilt block. So good news is that if you do follow the pressing directions your quilt blocks will turn out fine.
However, if I could sew these blocks over again I would press these seams open. There is a lot of bulk, especially in that smallest 5” quilt block. Pressing open will allow your fabric to be more easily feed through your sewing machine.
Despite my silliness, I am pleased with how these quilt blocks turned out. What were some quilt blocks you were happily surprised they turned out? I would love to know another hard quilt block to avoid or try. Let me know in the comments section below.
