The Betsy Quilt Along- Week 1
The Betsy quilt measures 85 3/8" x 85 3/8". This quilt along will be free and all of the patterns/posts will be here on my blog.
I'll also be sharing progress on Instagram- @jessicadayon- and we will be using the hashtag #thebetsyquilt
The Betsy Quilt Along Schedule
Week 2- June 11th- Mary Blocks
Week 3- June 18th- Dorothy Blocks
Week 4- June 25th- Florence Blocks
Week 5- July 2nd- Cut the setting units/catch up week
Week 6- July 9th- Assemble the quilt top
For this week, we are making nine patches! We need to make 48- nine patches. Using the strip piecing method, these will be really quick and easy!
There are PDF directions below but I just wanted to give you a few of the tips that I use when piecing these blocks.
First, I strip piece these blocks because it makes it quick and easy. My directions call for strip piecing. However, if you are working from scraps, you could easily use 2 1/2" squares to make each nine patch and skip the strip piecing.
These are examples of the strip pieced units that we are making. The fabric I'm using here is Riley Blake's Confetti Cottons in Aqua and Bee Backgrounds in Gray Cross Stitch.
Second, after I strip piece and when I'm ready to cut, I layer the strip pieces as shown below and cut them at once. I layer as many as I can. Then, I trim to make a straight edge on the left side and start trimming my 2 1/2" pieces after that.
An example of stacking and cutting
These are examples of the cut strip pieced units
Lastly, after all my units are cut I chain piece. Chain piecing makes really quick work of these and you'll have 48 finished nine patches in no time!
Here are some progress shots of my red and white scrappy version.
Stacking the chain pieced units for cutting
After the chain pieced units are all cut into 2 1/2" x 6 1/2" pieces
And, finally, here are some of my nine patches. I have a bunch more to go and I'll be working on them at the same time as you over the coming week!
This pattern is no longer free and will be available for purchase in my shop soon.
Just let me know if you have any other questions! Happy sewing!
Talk to you soon,
Jessica
Thanks so much, Jessica! This is going to be an amazing quilt.
ReplyDeleteGreat job and love those tips! Can always learn something from a pro!
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