Tag Archives: Tucker Trimmer 1

Doves of Hope

I just finished my “Doves of Hope” quilt and wanted to share it with you.

Deb Tucker designed this quilt for Marie Bostwick’s book “Hope on the Inside”. Deb’s pattern Doves of Hope is a twist on a traditional block titled Dove in the Window. She actually nestled a small dove block inside a large dove block to create a quarter section for each 19½” .

I will be teaching Doves of Hope in January 2020 at Copper Canyon Quilting in Lake Havasu, AZ.

I absolutely love how it came out. I pulled out my Island Batik scraps for this project, it is mostly made with Enchanted Forest fabrics. You will need your Tucker Trimmer I to complete this beautiful quilt and can make it in Lap, twin or King sizes.

Tucker, as usual, supervised this project!

Whistle Stop Tour – Steam Engine

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Deb Tucker’s “Steam Engine” fabric line from Island Batik is simply Gorgeous.

Card Shark: what a great block, made with Half Square Triangles, Non Mirror Combo units & a Stacked Square. Constructed using Studio 180 Design Tucker Trimmer I & Square Squared tools with Stacked Squares & Non Mirror Combo Units Technique Sheets.

Download your Cutting instructions here:

card-shark Download

Half Square Triangles:

Your Tucker Trimmer Tool Instructions give you the information you need to complete your Half Square Triangles. Cut your squares and using your Magic Wand draw two diagonal lines. Match up your dark and light fabric squares aligning the raw edges. Stitch on the lines, cut apart and press to the dark fabric. Remember: whatever you are pressing toward, goes on top. Trim your Half Square Triangle units to 4 1/2″.

Non Mirror Combo Units: Past construction methods would result in mirror image units. Sometimes we need combination units that are the same as in Card Shark which requires two of each units below:

Determine your color placement. Follow the instructions in the Non Mirror Combo Units Technique Sheet.

Make the half square triangles first by using the Magic Wand and mark 4 diagonal lines from corner to corner. Follow the stitching instructions in the technique sheet. Cut apart.

Press toward the dark triangle.

Cut squares for large triangles once diagonally.

Pair small triangles with the large triangles, center and stitch. Press toward the large triangle.

Trim units to 4 1/2″.

Stacked Square:

Layout your Stacked Square unit pieces.

Start by making a four patch and swirl the center. Our Stacked Square is a 4″ finished unit. Check the chart on the Stacked Square Technique sheet to find the Cut size for the center square, which is 2 1/2″. Using my my Tucker Trimmer I trimmed the four patch to 2 1/2″.

Check your color placement and stitch two triangles. Press toward the triangle and add the two more triangles pressing toward the triangles as before.

The Large Square Squared Tool is broken up into two different parts. Part “A” & Part “B” to include guidelines for making 12 different sizes. The chart in the Stacked Squares Tech sheet tells us what size to cut our side triangles and how line up for trimming. The first trim uses Part “A” to trim before adding the second round of triangles.

After adding the second round of triangles, use Part “B” to trim the stack square to a cut size of 4 1/2″.

Lay out your units, stitch together in to rows.

Card Shark is now ready to add the quilt!

I use my Groovy Seam Rippers made by fellow quilter Nancy Townsend as my little helpers while quilting.

The Whistle Stop Quilt is made up of 12″ blocks and 6″ finished blocks.

This is “Roll the Dice”. It is made with Studio 180 Design Square Squared and Split Rects tools. Click below to download the cutting instructions.

roll-the-dice Download

Using your Split Rects tool, cut 4 side triangles for Type 1 units, per your tool instructions from your two fabrics making sure your fabrics are right side up. Stitch triangles together and press seams open.

Trim your Split Rects to 2 1/2″ x 4 1/2″, rotate and trim again.

Square Squared

Cut your center square using Part “A” for a 2″ finished unit.

Trim to the cut size of 2 1/2″ using Part “B” of your Square Squared tool. Rotate and trim again.

Layout your block units.

Place the center square/squared unit right sides together with a Split Rects unit aligning the raw edges of the top and sides. Stitch a partial seam along the dark fabric of the Split rects stopping just past the center of the Square/Squared unit.

Now add a Split Rects unit across the top. Be sure the dark fabric of the Split Rects Units are against the center square/squared unit. Press toward the split rects unit.

Add a third split rects unit and press as before.

Add the fourth Split Rects units.

Fold over the split rects unit with the partial seam and align the raw edges. Stitch meeting up with the partial seam.

Below is the complete schedule for the Whistle Stop Tour:

Monday September 9^th

Karen Overton – The Quilt Rambler

Tuesday September 10^th

Michelle Renee Hiatt – Sew on the Go
Marie McKay – Ribbon Star Studio

Wednesday September 11^th

Sarah Furrer – Studio 180 Design

Thursday, September 12^th

Gail Renna – Quilt Haven Threads
Kathie Beltz- Kathie Beltz Designs

Friday, September 13^th

Jackie O’Brien – If these Threads Could Talk

Saturday, September 14^th

Tammy Silvers – Tamarinis
Carolyn Ratola – CaTs Quilting

Sunday, September 15^th

Tina Dillard – Quilting Affection Design
Bonny Peters – Cat Den Mountain Quilts

Monday, September 16^th

Sarah Furrer – Studio 180 Design

#studio180design #SteamEngine #Islandbatik #WhistleStopTour

Rockets Red Glare

October in Vermont

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What could be better than a quilt retreat at the Strong House Inn in Vermont in October? Well, how about learning everything you need to know about Studio 180 Design’s Tucker Trimmer! I will be there October 24, 25, 26 & 27, 2019 teaching you how to master using your Tucker Trimmer.

The Tucker Trimmer is used to quickly and accurately trim down pieced squares to exact measurements for perfectly sewn units every time. In this workshop you will learn to make:

Half Square Triangles (HST)
Combination Units
Quarter Square Triangles
Shaded Four Patch Units (Technique Sheet Required)
Shaded Nine Patch Units (Technique Sheet Required)

Tucker Trimmer Sampler Quilt:

You will be making 3 blocks:

I will give you the full fabric requirements and block layouts so you can complete the quilt at home.

But wait there is more! Then we will learn all about the Shaded Four Patch unit.

You will make a table runner using your Shaded Four Patch units.

Then you will learn to make Shaded Nine Patch Units.

You will make this wall hanging with your Shaded Nine Patches:

There will be some surprises. By the end of the workshop you will be completely comfortable using your Tucker Trimmer I. I have no doubt the Tucker Trimmer will become one of your favorite quilt tools!

Don’t miss out, make your reservations now at the Strong House Inn!

Log Cabin Challenge

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The Island Batik challenge for November is to incorporate a log cabin block or variation into my project. I decided to use Studio 180 Design’s Geese on the Edge Technique Sheet. This is a variation on the Log Cabin block and is a fun way to use your Square/Squared tool, Tucker Trimmer I & Wing Clipper I.

My beautiful Island Batik fabrics from left to right: Mr. T Blocks: Arc Pine Needle, Dash-Grasshopper, Seed Circle Custard, Arc Waves Grasshopper, & Sprinkles Playful Pachyderm, & Paisley Dot: Apricot, Candy Corn, Nasturtium, & Item number 121412189.

I have named my original design “Converging Geese” because each block has Flying Geese & Geese on the Edge units, along with Square/Squared units.

Each 16″ block contains 12 – 2″ x 4″ finished flying geese, 4 – 6″ finished geese on the edge & 1 square/squared unit. These Geese on the Edge units are soooo much fun to make! The technique sheet gives instruction for making geese on the edge in 10 sizes from 3″ to 12″!

You begin with starter squares, add logs by chain stitching, square up two sides with your Tucker Trimmer.

Trim apart.

Using your Wing Clipper trim the corner leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Add a replacement triangle and press toward the triangle.

Trim after every addition of a replacement triangle. Add more logs.

The final trim down is performed when I have four rounds of logs for a 6″ finished geese on the edge unit.

Stitch the flying geese units into sets containing 3 each.

Block layout.

I have created a down loadable pattern for Converging Geese (measures 60″ x 60″) that can be purchased on my If Threads Could Talk Etsy Shop.

#islandbatik #bestofbali #studio180design #debtucker #geeseontheedge

New Years Star

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The fabrics featured in this post were given to me by Northcott Fabrics.

This fabulous pattern, “New Year’s Star” by Deb Tucker is fun to make using your V Block & Tucker Trimmer I tools. It can be made in 3 sizes: 50″ x 66″, 66 x 82″ & 82 x 102″. I love pink and aqua & retro fans. I guess you can say the photo above shows my fan club (HAHAHAHA).

I chose 4 fabrics from Northcott’s “Strokes of Brilliance” collection. The colors are so deep and rich.

Pinwheels: Making the pinwheels begins by making half square triangles using the 3″ dark & medium squares. Trim to 2 1/2″ with your Tucker Trimmer. Arrange the trimmed squares into pinwheels.

Use Care Here!. The blocks should spin exactly as shown in the pattern instructions.

V Block High/Low:

I have cut my background squares and side triangles for unit construction.

Following my pattern instructions I trimmed the background square and stitch a side triangle to it.

Press toward the side triangle, add the square to make the second low side triangle and trim.

Trim using the V Bock tool as shown above. Rotate and trim again.

By placing the high/low units around the pinwheels we get a great looking wonky star!

Framed Squares:

Make 8 of these easy framed squares.

Combination Units:

Using the Magic Wand draw 2 diagonal lines on the back of the 5 1/2″ the background squares and align with the medium squares, stitch on lines.

Cut apart and press toward the darker fabric.

Using the Magic wand draw 2 diagonal lines on the back of the half square triangles (HST). Center the HST’s on a dark 5 1/2″ square, stitch on the lines, cut apart & press toward the large triangle.

Trim using your Tucker Trimmer, rotate and trim again.

Each set makes mirror image combination units. Both are used in the pieced inner border. It is a good idea to keep the units organized into left and right groups. You’ll be glad you did.

Lay out your units.

Stitch into rows.

Add your inner borders.

Add your pieced inner borders and your final outer border.

I love the backing too. This quilt was completed with Quilters dream Batting! Thank you Northcott for letting me create with your beautiful fabrics. The description I’ve shared in this post does not answer every question you may have. Please feel free to contact me with questions.

#northcottfabrics #strokesofbrilliance #debtucker #studio180design #tuckertimmer #vblock #newyearsstar

Scrapodopolis – BlockBuster’s #1 – #9

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I just finished my quilt containing Deb Tucker’s BlockBuster patterns #1 through #9! Scrapodopolis seems like a pretty good name.

I used the Tucker trimmer 1, Wing Clipper 1, Square/Squared, V Block & Four Patch Square up tools from Studio 180 Design. I was encouraged by fellow Certified Instructor Sarah Furrer to try a block layout a little outside the box, and I totally did!

This is the layout I chose. I did change it up a little.

My blocks are 12″ when finished. that indicated that my Square/Squared units would finish at 6″. I Needed 16 square/squared units and decided the center squares would be cut from 16 different fabric pulled from the blocks & the side triangles would be the same background fabric used in the blocks. The 3″ rectangles on either side of the square/squared units would match the border fabric. The outer borders would finish at 6″ also. I added a 3″ border outer border to enhance the four square/squared units in the border.

Don’t do what I did. I started in the center and stitched the outer square/squared units to the center blocks, (they had to be un-sewed and sewn to the borders pieces). In each of the corners, I stitched a 12″ block to a square/squared unit & stitched a square/squared unit to a 6.5″ square and then stitched it to the block. The two blocks on either side of the center were stitched to a square/squared unit

This is much better. Now there are 3 rows of blocks in the center ready to be stitched together & the border square/squared units are pieced to the border strips.

Once all the pieces were stitched together I decided I needed to add a 3″ outer border so all the units appear to be floating.

I am so pleased with how it came out! My finished quilt measures 67″ x 67″.

I can’t wait to start the next quilt with BlockBuster #10!

BlockBuster #9 – Three In One

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This block requires your Tucker Trimmer I and V Block tools. BlockBuster 09 Three in One provides 3 different possible block layouts. The block is made up of V Block, Combination & Quarter Square Triangle units. I’m making Block 1 as a 12″ block, with 4″ finished units.

All of the units in these three blocks are the same (and placed in the same location), yet just by rotating the units and changing your fabric placement, you’ll get three very different blocks.

These are my fabric choices. I will be making Block 1. I decided where I wanted my fabrics in the block by looking at the colors in block 1 and assigned my fabric choice for the units.

I need four V Block units with the center triangle cut from the background fabric and the side triangles cut from each of my four fabric colors. For a 4″ finished unit I cut a 5″ WOF strip of the background and each of the four fabric color groups. (check the Size Cutting Chart in the tool instructions and on the tool itself.)

The center unit is a Quarter Square Triangle made from each of the four fabrics. I cut a 5 1/2″ square from each of my four fabrics. ( Check the Size Cutting Chart in the tool instructions.)

The corner units are Combination Units. Each combo unit is made from fabrics that match the side triangles on either side of the V Block units and the background fabric. Cut 2 each 5 1/2″ squares from each of the four fabrics and four 5 1/2″ squares from the background fabric.

V Bock Units

Everything you need to know for making V Block units is in the tool instructions. I’m starting with the V Block center triangles. 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.

For the Side triangles. place the strips facing each other, either right sides or wrong sides 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.

Cut one set from each of the four fabrics.

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. Position pieces right sides together lining up the slanted cut edges “tip to tip” and stitch one side triangle to the unit. Press toward the side triangle. Position second triangle, stitch & press as shown. Repeat with the other V Blocks.

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.

Quarter Square Triangle – Center Unit

Check the Size Cutting Chart to determine size of the starter squares. For 4″ finished units cut one 5 1/2″ square from each of the four colors. Make half square triangles (HST) by marking two diagonal lines on the back of 2 of the fabric squares with your Magic Wand, stitch on the lines and cut apart. Press seams toward the darker fabric. Do Not Trim. Check your fabric placement choices to determine which fabrics to make HST’s out of.

Note: When making half square triangles, combination units and quarter square triangles, you will be making two units at a time. You can make two blocks or save the units for something later.

On the back of one of the HST’s, use your Magic Wand and mark two diagonal lines. Position the HST units right sides together, carefully nesting the sewn seams. Stitch on the lines, cut apart and press swirling the center.

Position your Tucker Trimmer over the pieced unit. Carefully align both the common diagonal and the size diagonal lines over the sewn seam lines. Trim up the right side and across the top. Lift the Tucker Trimmer tool and rotate the unit. This time be sure to position both the common diagonal, the size diagonal lines and the outline of the square to the exact measurement desired. Right hander’s trim up the right side and across the top, while left hander’s will trim up the left side and across the top.

Combination Units

Check you fabric placement choice to group your fabrics for making the combo units. There are three 5 1/2″ squares (one background & 2 darker fabrics) for each combo unit. Start by making half square triangles (HST) by marking two diagonal lines on the back of one of the darker fabric squares and placing it right sides together with the other dark fabric square. Stitch on the lines and cut apart and press. Do Not Trim. Do this for each color group.

Mark two diagonal lines on the back of one HST. Place one HST on one background square centering it and stitch on the lines.

Cut apart and press toward the large triangle. When you make combination units with this process, you are making mirror image combo units. You will only need one set of combo units for one block. Deb Tucker has a Non Mirror Combo Technique Sheet that shows you how to make only the combo units you need.

Position the Tucker trimmer over the unit, carefully aligning both the common diagonal and the size diagonal with the stitched seams. Right hander’s trim up the right side and across the top, while left hander’s will trim up the left side and across the top. Lift the tool and rotate the unit. This time line up both diagonal lines and the outline to the exact measurement desired and trim as before.

Lay out your units and stitch into rows, pressing as shown.

Stitch your rows to make your block. I now have BlockBuster’s #1 – #9 completed! Time to make a quilt!

Mini Love

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As an Island Batik Ambassador the products featured in this post were given to me by Island Batik.

Do you like mini quilts? Part two of Island Batik’s Ambassador February assignment was to make a mini quilt 24″ square or smaller. I chose a simple block.

I used Island Batik Neutral Buttermilk & Mini Flower Carnation Pink, plus 2 fat quarters from the Galentine Day Bundle, one red for the star points and another red for the border.

I decided to make 4 blocks. Each block has a center square, 4 two color quarter square triangles for the star points and 4 half square triangles. My block units are 2 1/2″ finished, and the block measures 7 1/2″ finished. I decided to start with the half square triangles (HST). For four blocks I would need 16 HST. With my Tucker Trimmer I, I can make two at a time. Deb Tucker has a new Technique Sheet called “Eight at Once”. This technique sheet has a chart that gives you the fabric requirements for oversized HST in 11 sizes. For 16 – 2 1/2″ finished HST I would need two 7″ squares of the Mini Flower Carnation Pink and two 7″ squares of Neutral Buttermilk.

Using my Magic Wand, draw diagonal lines on the wrong side of the lightest fabric. I also marked the vertical halfway mark & the horizontal halfway mark.

Stitch on all four diagonal lines only.

First trim the vertical halfway mark & then the horizontal halfway mark. Then trim in between the stitched diagonal lines. And, all at once you’ve got 8 HST.

Press toward the pink. Do you know that “what ever you are pressing toward…goes on top”? That means lay your units with pink fabric on top. Set your seams, then push over the pink fabric and press.

Lay your unit on the cutting mat. We always trim our units to the cut size. My units are 2 1/2″ finished, that means the cut size is 3″. Find the whole circle on your Tucker Trimmer, align the 3″ diagonal line on the HST’s diagonal line and center it. Trim up the right side and across the top. Rotate the unit, align the just trimmed edge with the 3″ clean up line, again align the 3″ diagonal, trim up the right side and across the top. If you are left-handed, position your unit to the left and the whole circle on your Tucker Trimmer would be positioned to the left also. You woud trim up the left side and across the top.

Now we will make our Quarter Square Triangles (QST). I check the chart in my Tucker Trimmer instructions. For 2 1/2″ finished units, my starter squares should be 4″. For all four blocks I need Eight Red 4″ squares & Eight Pink 4″ squares. Using my Magic wand I draw 2 diagonal lines on each pink square. Layer one pink square with one red square aligning the raw edges. Stitch on both diagonal lines and cut apart.

We are going to press toward the red , so lay your units red side up and press as before. Divide your HST’s into two even piles. Using your Magic Wand draw two diagonal lines as shown above on half of your HST’s.

Position one HST marked with the stitch lines with a HST without the stitching lines, right side together, and opposite colors facing each other. Align and nest the center seams.

Stitch on the lines and cut apart. Swirl the center as shown above and press.

Position the Tucker Trimmer over the pieced square. Carefully align both the common diagonal and the 3″ size diagonal lines over the sewn seam lines. Trim up the right side and across the top. Rotate the unit, line up the Tucker trimmer again. This time be sure to position both the diagonal lines and the outline of the square to the exact measurement of 3″, trim up the right side and across the top.

Cut four 3″ red squares for the block centers. Lay out the block as shown above.

Stitch the units into rows, press the seam as shown.

Stitch the rows together and press as shown.

Make all four blocks. I added sashing. I cut two 1 1/2″ x 8″ strips and joined the two blocks on top row, and then the two blocks on the bottom row. I cut three strips 1 1/2″ x 16 1/2″. I joined the top row to the bottom row and added a strip on either side of the square. Cut two strips 1 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ for the top and bottom of the square. Note: Always measure your blocks for accurate sashing measurements.

From another Galentine Day fat quarter I cut 3″ outer borders. I finished it with my Hobbs Cotton Batting. I stitched in the ditch and bound it with some Island Batik Neutral Buttermilk. It was pieced & quilted with Aurifil Mako 50 thread.

This is a sweet simple quilt. Reminds me of Forest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get”, these blocks look like nicely wrapped chocolates. Happy February!