Welcome Splendid Sampler Quilters!
I’ve got a super quick fun block for you to add to your Splendid Sampler collection. It’s called Simple Simon.
My story involves my constant desire to figure out an easier way. If you ever watched the television show “McGyver”, that’s what some of my family members call me – my efforts are not limited to quilting :-)! You’ll see how this splendid little block starts out as a nine patch and emerges as Simple Simon.
First we are going to start out with a quick tutorial on seam allowance. Yes, this is an easy block, but seam allowance is still really important.
Lets get started!
How to get a Splendid perfect scant 1/4″ Seam Allowance
What is a scant 1/4″? It’s important in quilting because it is just shy of a full 1/4″. It accommodates the thickness of the thread used to sew the seam.
You need 2 – 2″ x 2″ squares of scrap fabric.
A Perfect Piecing Seam Guide (from Perkins Dry Goods) makes the job of marking your machine bed OR moving your needle to the right easy! The Perfect Piecing Seam Guide has a hole drilled through it, which makes it really easy to get the placement just right.If you don’t have one of these tools, use any small ruler. Line up the needle just to the right of the 1/4″ line, put the presser foot down to hold it in place and mark your machine bed with tape or post-it notes.
Sew a scant 1/4″ seam along one side of the paired 2″ squares.
Press seam to one side.
The unit should measure 2″ x 3-1/2″.
Quilter’s math: 2″ + 2″ = 4, minus 1/2″ seam allowance = 3-1/2″
You are good to go!
Let’s start this Splendid block…!
Sew squares together and follow the pressing arrows.
Cut the nine patch in half both ways. You should have 3-1/4″ x 3-1/4″ square segments.
Sew the 1″ x 3-1/4″ strips between the top and bottom segments.
Press toward the strips.
Sew the 1″ x 6-1/2″ strip between the rows.
Press toward the strip.
Done! 6-1/2″ x 6-1/2″
Now for a discussion on SASHING!
I LOVE sashing!
These Splendid Sampler blocks are all beautifully unique – which can make sewing them to one another challenging! One of things that I’ve found to work really well is sashing between unique blocks. Just a thought! I don’t know how you will decide to put your blocks together, and there will be options discussed as the year goes on.
I call Sashing of all kinds the great neutralizer. It buffers the connection between blocks and allows things to lay smooth and happy. The sashing pictured here is cut 2″. The triangles that were added to the blocks first are cut diagonally one time from a 5-1/2″ square.
?Loved the diversity of the split block. Adding dimension. ?
From Australia
Thank you for such a lovely block and also the tip about the scant 1/4
I love the Perkins Perfect seam guide ruler. I’ve been using it for years. 🙂
Thank you for the fun and simple block!
Hi Celine, I recognized you from CABS, I have that ruler super neat and I really like your block. uts making want to join in. Congrats on the sew along!
Thank you so much for the pattern and lesson on the scant 1/4 ” It was a reminder to not always rush in to get sewing. To take the time to test my machine and myself. I do a swatch for knitting but never thought to double ck myself for 1/4 ” Thank you! Hugs
I loved making this block! Thank you for such a fabulous block design! I love that it looks more complicated than it is. Definitely a block pattern that I will be keeping and using in the future.
Cathy ♥
What a great block. Looking forward to a nice easy block this time around after quite a bit of tiny hand stitching on the last block. I also have a son named Simon so I’m doubly pleased!
I just love your block. My favorite to make are 4 patch or 9 patch. This spin makes it so beautiful. Thanks for being a part of this awesome sew along.
Thank you Celine! And thank you so much for your step by step instructions!
This was a great tutorial! Thank you for taking the time to wall us through the process. I love your block design.
Love this block! Thanks
This is a lovely little block Celine. It is so fun to play with this disappearing nine-patch. Thank you.
This is a cool block! Can’t wait to make it. Thank you!
Hi Celine, thank you so much for your block and this tutorial.
Thank you for this lovely block and the reminder about scant 1/4″ seams. I’ll have to double check myself before I start working on the block.