Large Square Squared | If These Threads Could Talk

The fabrics in the post were generously given to me by Northcott Fabrics.

I chose Northcott fabrics from the Sew Musical Row by Row Palette 2018. When I choose my fabrics from Northcott, I get so excited when they are delivered. As soon as I touch the fabric, I feel the quality. These colors are luscious with just enough texture to give depth and interest.

Crossfire is a Studio 180 Design pattern designed by talented Certified Instructor Sarah Furrer. It is a companion pattern for the Large Square/Squared tool.

The block featured in this quilt is called “Bird of Paradise”. The pattern describes this quilt as “whirling stars with accents and chains of black and grey. A new fun variation of a Flying Goose makes for a star with loads more sparkle”, and it does.

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If you follow me, you know I love to organize my quilt making process by labeling paper plates for my block pieces as I cut them out. I never get lost or forget what the pieces are for. All my block pieces are cut and ready to put together.

Star Blocks: You will be making 8 star blocks, they will be made in pairs. Each pair will contain the same colors, but their arrangements will give you two different looking blocks. Label one of the colors in each pair as Color 1 & Color 2. If you follow the instructions in the pattern you wont have any trouble. After construction the diamond square units are trimmed to the cut size of 6.5″ x 6.5″

Beautiful, perfectly trimmed units leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance, so I will not lose my points. After all…no one wants to be pointless!

Next, we make half square triangles and perfectly trim them using our Large Square/Squared tool.

Lay out your trimmed half square triangles and the and two white triangles as shown. Work with one triangle at a time, stitch & carefully press toward the white triangle as not to distort the shape.

Laying Out the Blocks: Pay close attention to Step 10. Split your pieced geese into two piles of four. Lay out your side triangles so that on one pile you have four Color 1 side triangles on the right side & four Color 2 side triangles on the left side. The other pile will have four Color 2 side triangles on the right side & four Color 1 side triangles on the left side. If you lay them as I did above for every color combination, you will be fine.

It is very important to pay attention to Step 11: Position the right side triangle so that Color 1 shows a bit beyond the white along the top edge. Stitch and press toward the side triangle. Trim the units according to pattern instructions and put your blocks together.

Crossfire is a fun, skill expanding pattern. Finished quilt measures 60″ x 84″.

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Not that I have anything against paper piecing, but…if I can get the same results without having to paper piece, I’m all for it! Earlier this year Deb Tucker introduced her new tool “The Large Square Squared” and it is teriffic! It operates like the original Square Squared, but the original was limited to 6 sizes whereas the large Square Squared gives you high precision for 12 different size units from 1″ to 12″. As always it offers minimal waste and right & left handed instructions. With it’s improved guidelines it takes two tools, Part A and Part B to accomplish all this.

But wait, there’s more! Deb has a new pattern about to be released called Peach Melba. It is a Studio 180 Design companion pattern for the Large Square Squared tool that makes a beautiful pineapple block.

I only have one block done so far. But with this great Kaffe Fassett fabric I can’t wait to finish it. This is a 12″ finished block. The Large Square Squared tool made the process easy. I would never have guessed I could make a pineapple quilt so perfect with out paper piecing! The pattern gives you the choice of Lap, Twin or Queen size quilts.

I did finish “Filigree” another Studio 180 Design companion pattern for the Large Square Squared & Corner Beam tool. It was design by fellow Certified Instructor Sarah Furrer. This pattern also gives you the choice of Lap, Twin or Queen size quilts.

Filigree

I made the Lap size, 54″ x 70″. I love this pattern. It is a great way to get to know your new Large Square Squared tool.

There are only two blocks. The first is the Snail Tail that uses the Large Square Squared tool, the second uses the Corner Beam tool.

See why I call it perfectly paperless piecing? What a beautiful back of a block! Both Peach Melba & Filigree are not yet released, so be sure to sign up for the Studio 180 Design Newsletter at www.studio180design.net so you get news first.

Fellow Studio 180 Design Certified Instructor, Michelle Hiatt has also just released a new companion pattern for the Large Square Squared and Diamond Rects tools called Jenn’s Journey!