This is block #4 in the Civil War block-of-the-week series offered by Barbara Brackman. It is called Texas Tears. Go to Barbara’s blog to get the pattern and to see the story and pictures related to this blog.
http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/
Cut the pieces according to Barbara’s instructions. For new quilters, this is how I assembled the block:
Place the cut pieces in the proper position on a mat.
Starting with the pieces for the center block, using 1/4 inch seams throughout, sew a 4-inch strip of medium fabric to one side of the dark triangle, matching at the point that will be in the center of the block.
Sew the medium 4-inch strip to the side of the other triangle in the set and repeat this process with the other two dark triangles and medium 4-inch strip. Press toward dark fabric.
Sew one side of 8-inch medium strip to one set of dark triangles. Sew opposite side of 8-inch medium strip to the other set of triangles, being careful to match the center strips.
Trim to a 5-1/2 inch square.
Sew the small light and medium colored triangles together. There will be a 1/4 inch tip on each end.
Press toward medium fabric. Trim tips.
Sew top panel to center square (there will be 1/4 inch tips at each end.) Press and trim tips.
Sew bottom panel to center square, press and trim tips.
Repeat in same manner, sewing side panels to center square, press and trim.
Sew corner triangles to center block, lining up the points to the center of the strips.
Press and trim to 8-1/2 inch square.
See the previous blocks in my category list on the right hand side of the page – Quilting – Civil War Quilt.
Very pretty and good instructions. I wish I had them when I made mine. LOL
Love your block. Nice mild contrast in fabrics.
Wish I’d seen these lovely clear instructions before I’d started, even though I was working as you explained. Made an unholy mess of mine ! Centre square turned out tolerably well though it needed it a bit of squaring up. But when it was all finished I noticed that the pointing out triangles are different sizes, one large and one small on each side. Looks like I’ll have to have another try.
The block isn’t terribly difficult but it is not forgiving – if the cutting and sewing aren’t precise, there is a problem. After looking at the gorgeous work on your blog, I can’t imagine that being precise is a problem for you. I would love to be able to do beautiful work like that! Lillian
Do you mind if I ask if you just use the ordinary foot on your machine for doing this. I found it very difficult beginning or ending where the three points met – it’s hard to see exactly where the needle is going to strike the material.
I use a 1/4 inch foot because I have trouble keeping my seams consistent. Lillian
Thanks for your help. Went and bought a 1/4″ foot this morning and it certainly makes a difference. But now I have another problem with seam allowances – the one where you join onto the three triangle point. I wonder if you would care to have a look at my blog and tell me if I’m on the right track or if I’m just away with the fairies on seam allowances !
http://diamant-solitaire.blogspot.com/2011/01/accuracy-three-points-and-seam.html
I wanted to mention that I’m not a teacher or expert quilter. I’m just a great-grandma who thought the instructions on the Civil War blog were too sketchy for new quilters. I sewed the three triangles together as a test and with my ruler (and my eyes) it appeared to be 1/4 inch through the “X”, but it could be more of a “scant 1/4 inch” that is found in a lot of instructions.
I’m afraid this question is beyond me. The only person I know who would be able to figure this out is Judy Martin, a wonderful designer who stresses precision and accuracy. Maybe you could try e-mailing her. http://www.judymartin.com/contact-us.cfm
I hope she can help you. Lillian
Thanks so much Lilian for the tut. I wasn’t piecing the border triangles correctly as I aligned it instead of leaving 1/4″ tip on both ends. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for commenting and for introducing me to your blog. I love the fabrics you’re using for the Civil War quilt and I enjoyed seeing all of your beautiful projects. I’m going to add your blog to my feed so I can keep up with what you’re doing. Lillian
Hello Lillian, I am so very pleased to find your blog and your wonderful descriptions on how to make the blocks. If only I had found you before attempting Texas Tears three times! In the end I finally worked it out! I agree, I don’t think as a beginner I would have coped with the general instructions given on the CWQB page. I had thought of posting my own set of directions on blocks I have trouble with…. AFTER I have figured it all out of course! but now I have found your blog I am so happy!
Cheers from Helen
Australia
Thank you so much for your very nice comments. If you have the time, it would be wonderful for you to post instructions for the Civil War blocks. I believe there are a lot of people out there who could use them.
Thanks, also, for introducing me to your blog – I love it! I looked at every one of the 188 pictures of your projects and you do such beautiful work in so many areas. I’ve added your blog to my feed so I can keep up with what you’re doing. Lillian
Thank you for showing the steps, and I would not have know to trim the X block to 5 1/2 inches. The first block I made with out your instructions did turn out a bit larger. The 2nd one I must have made an error in cutting, 3rd block is the charm I hope. The others will be used in another project perhaps. Thank your for sharing the instructions, you have a great blog which I will enjoy exploring. ~ Donna
Thank you so much for your nice comments. Glad that I could be of help and I’ll try to make and report on the rest of the blocks as they come up. Lillian