Project #1 -- Instructions for Making Baby Blocks

Materials for three blocks:

-- 1/8 yard each or large scraps of the following fabrics: blue/yellow plaid, green/pink plaid, blue check, blue print, green print, and pink print.

-- 8" square of muslin

-- Blue, yellow, light pink, dark pink, light green, and dark green pearl cotton

-- three 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" foam cubes

-- photo transfer paper for color laser copiers

Cutting:

1. From the blue/yellow plaid, green/pink plaid, and blue check fabrics, cut five 3-1/2" squares each.

2. From the blue, green and pink print fabrics, cut twelve 3" squares each. Cut each square in half diagonally.

Assembly:

1. Following the manufacturer's instructions, transfer three 3" square photo images onton the muslin square. Be sure to leave at least 1/2" between the images. Cut the muslin into 3-1/2" squares.

2. Sew a print triangle to opposite sides of each photo-transfer square; press. Sew triangles to the two remaining sides of each square and press.

3. In the same manner, sew coordinating print triables to each plaid square; press.

4. Sew three pieced squares and a photo square together in a strip. Bring the edges of the first and last squares right sides together and sew, forming a loop.

5. With right sides together, pin matching square to one end of the loop. Stitch the square to the loop, creating the bottom of the block. For best results, stop stitching each seam 1/4" from the corner, lower the needle into the fabric, pivot the fabric, and stitch the next side.

6. In the same manner, pin the remaining square to the opposite end of the block. Stitch two adjacent sides only at this time.

7. Turn the block right side out. Insert the foam cube into the block, and whipstitch the last two sides closed.

8. Thread a needle with two different colors of pearl cotton. Take a single stitch at the midpoint of each edge, at the corners of the plaid squares. Tie a double know and clip the threads, leaving 1/2" tails.


If you require further diagrams or would like a complete set of instructions with the diagrams to aid in this project, e-mail me using the form below and I will respond to you with the details on how to get them.