Shoo Fly

You need 2 different fabrics in contrasting colors or designs

From background or plain fabric cut:

·        two  5” squares

·        four 4 ½ “ squares      

From print fabric cut:

·        Two 5” squares

·        One 4 ½” squares

Make half square triangles using the 5” squares (many  instructions call for       4  7/8 “ squares but 5” gives you more room to trim to size and is easier to measure)

·        Match a plain square and a print together.  Use a ruler to draw a diagonal line on the lighter fabric from one corner to opposite corner.

·        Sew ¼” on both sides of the drawn line.

·        Cut on line- you will now have 2 units

·        Press to set seam on both units and then open up and press open

·        Use a 4 ½” or larger square ruler to trim your units to “perfect” half square triangles

·        Repeat with your other two 5” squares

·        You should now have four 4 ½ “ triangle units.

Block

·        Lay your units and squares in a nine patch pattern with the half square triangles in the corners- print  fabric closer to center.

·        Place plain squares in between these units and place your print square in the center.

·        Sew each row together and press all seams toward the plain fabric.  By pressing in this manner you will be able to nestle the matching seams together, pin exactly on the seam line and have matching seams (hopefully)

·        Sew the three rows together and complete your block.

·        Press seams toward units with the least number of seams- in this case toward the middle row

·        Before joining blocks together for your quilt you should check that the blocks are 12 ½ “ square and trim as needed.