Learn to Quilt - Assemble Blocks

This is the second part in our learn to quilt series. In this video we will show how to arrange the fabric squares and how to sew them together.

Click to watch the Learn to Quilt - Assemble Blocks video in Youtube.

STEP: 1: ARRANGING THE FABRIC SQUARES
For this quilt, I wanted five square units across and six squares units down.

Lay the blocks out so you can visually see how the pieces look together. Play with the pieces until you like the look or pattern.

STEP 2: SEWING SQUARES INTO ROWS
First, the squares must be sewn together to make rows.

NOTE: When sewing quilt squares and blocks together, you almost always use a 1/4" seam. Using a quilter quarter inch foot makes this task easy. Just position the edge of the fabric along the edge of the presser foot and you create a 1/4" seam.

To sew the first row, bring the first row of fabric squares to the sewing machine in the order to be sewn.

Take the first two squares and put them right sides together, aligning all sides. Pin them in place. Sew the squares together with a 1/4" seam allowance. Remember to remove the pins as you sew.

Then, open the piece just sewn and pin the next square in place. Sew together. Continue sewing the squares together making the first row.

When piecing these squares, there is no need to backtack because you will be crossing over each seam when sewing rows together and when finishing the quilt which will prevent the seams from unraveling and coming apart.

STEP 3: PRESSING
Pressing the seams and blocks is essential for a nice looking finished quilt.

After you have completed sewing the first row, with the wrong side of the row facing up, press all the seams in one direction. Then turn the row over and press the right side to make sure the seam is laying nice and flat.

STEP 4: KEEP SEWING
Continue sewing squares into rows.

The only difference will be in the pressing. Press the seams in each row in alternating directions. This will help when matching up the corners as the rows are sewn together and also reduce bulk at the intersections. Example: If the first row seam allowance is pressed to the right, press the seam in the the second row to the left. Four to right, fifth to left, sixth to right, etc.

STEP 5: SEWING ROWS TOGETHER
Once all the rows are sewn, start either at the top or the bottom of the quilt, flip the first two rows with right sides together. Pin each intersection together matching up the seams and raw edges. (Pinning will help the square points to match up.)

Sew the row together using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Continue sewing rows together.

After all the rows are sewn together, press the seams in one direction. All the row seams can be pressed in the same direction.

HOW TO CUT BLOCKS: Learn how to cut quilt blocks by clicking the image below:

LEARN TO QUILT SERIES
Cutting: Cut the Blocks
Assemble: Assemble the Blocks
Make your Quilt Backing: Make your Quilt Backing
Layer and Pin Baste: Prepare your quilt for quilting
Quilting the Top: Quilt the Layers together

More to come!

OTHER QUILTING TECHNIQUES
Half Square Triangles: How to make Half Square Triangles
Paper Piecing: How to Paper Piece a Quilt Block
Binding A Quilt: How to Add Binding to A Quilt (No Hand Sewing)
String Piecing: Learn String Piecing on Foundation Paper
Tying A Quilt: Learn How to Hand Tie A Quilt

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