BlockBuster #8 54-40 or Fight

BlockBuster # 08 54 – 40 or Fight is a fun & easy block. It requires Deb Tucker’s V Block tool. This block also has four patch units, which you can make by cutting individual squares. I made my four patch units by using Deb’s Tucker’s new Four Patch Square Up tool. The cutting chart gives you options for making a 6″, 9″ or 12″ block. I made a 12″ block.

I chose the 3 fabric colors shown above.

V Block Units

Everything you need to know for making V Block’s is in the tool instructions. I’m starting with the V Block center triangles, I chose a dark fabric for my star. For a 12″ block the cut size of my units will be 4 1/2″. The Size chart and/or the tool itself tells me that for a 4″ finished unit, I need to cut a 5″ strip. To cut the center triangles, layer no more than two layers deep. Fold the ends deep enough to accommodate the slanted cut for a 4″ finished unit and finger press it.

Position the tool on the strip so that the dashed line labeled “Fold Line for Center Triangle” is aligned with the fold and the correct size line of the tool is against the bottom edge of the strip.

Trim along the slanted edge of the tool and unfold to reveal the center triangle pieces.

Move the cut triangles to the side and flip the strip over from top to bottom. Align the center triangle trim line with the previously trimmed edge and cut your next pair of center triangles. For this block you need four center triangles.

Place the strips facing each other, either right sides or wrong side together on the cutting mat. Locate the bold solid line on the tool that reads “Cut Line for Side Triangles”. Position that line against the trimmed end of the strip and the proper size line against the bottom of the strip. Trim along the slanted edge of the tool.

To make the next cut, keep the fabric in the same position on the mat and rotate the tool as shown above and cut. Rotate the tool back to the first position and cut again. You will need four mirror image sets of side triangles for this block.

Lay out the V Block units, making sure you are lining up the long edge of the side triangles with the edges of the center triangle. To sew position pieces right sides together lining up the slanted cut edges “tip to tip” and chain stitch one side triangle to each unit.

Press all seams toward the side triangles.

Position the second side triangles and stitch onto each unit as before.

Have you ever tried to sew with a Chihuahua on your lap? I don’t recommend it.

Press toward the side triangle. Lay the V Block unit on the cutting mat with “V” pointing toward you. Lay the tool on the unit aligning the “Finished Size” measurement with the seam lines. Trim up the right side and across the top. (For left hand cutting directions see tool instructions.)

Lift the tool and rotate the unit. Reposition the tool on top aligning the correct “Cut Size” measurements with the previously trimmed corner and “X” with the sewn seam intersection. Trim up the right side across the top.

Trim all four V Block units. Remember for more help, there are free video’s for each of Deb’s tools at Studio 180 Design.

Four Patch Units

I love Deb Tucker’s new Four Patch Square Up tool, because four patch units are easy to make, so I save them for last. By then I’m tired and my brains have fallen on the floor somewhere. I know for this block I need four 4″ finished four patch units. I simply go to the size cutting chart that came with the tool. I cut one WOF 2 3/4″ strip from each of my two color choices. Position the strips right sides together and stitch them together along the long edge. Cut the sewn strips in half crosswise and press toward the darker fabric. Reverse one half of the strip over the other so each color is opposite the other color. Nest the seams well.

Sub-cut into units the same size as the width that you cut the strips. In this case my strips were 2 3/4″ wide. Chain stitch down the long side of the layered pair.

Swirl the centers and press.

Locate the desired Finished Size circle on your Four Patch Square Up tool and position this circle over the seam intersection of your four patch unit. Line up the dashed lines radiating from the center with your seams. Trim up the right side and across the top.

Lift the tool and rotate the unit. Realign the finished size circle with the center and the dashed lines with the seams. Also make sure the outside trimmed edges of the unit are aligned with the solid cut size clean up lines. Trim up the right side and across the top, and presto you have a beautiful perfectly square Four Patch unit!