This is one of my favorite blocks so far and in general. This is a great block for directional prints since there aren't any triangles to mess it up.
This tutorial will show you the fastest way to make this block using strips of fabric. You also have the option to cut individual pieces if you're trying to manipulate the direction of the print. This is a fun block and I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Fabric A: cut 1 strip 10.5" x 2.5", cut one strip 18.5" x 2.5"
Fabric B: cut 1 strip 10.5" x 2.5", cut one strip 18.5" x 2.5"
Fabric C: cut one strip 18.5" x 2.5"
Fabric D: cut one square 4.5" x 4.5"
Step 1: Sew 10.5" strip of fabric A to 10.5" strip of fabric B, right sides together. Press open and cut your strip into four 2.5" wide pieces:
Step 2: Place these onto your 18.5" strip of fabric A (leaving a little gap between each one) and sew along the long edge. I like to place two facing one way and two facing the other. Be careful if you're using a directional print...it might matter which direction you place these.
Cut your long strip apart at the gaps, press open all four blocks, trim to 4.5" x 4.5" and set aside.
Step 3: Take your 18.5" strips of Fabric B and C and sew right sides together. As you can see, I wanted to add some fussy cut fabrics to this block so I placed my pieces on the strip and sewed.
Press strip open and cut into 4.5" x 4.5" blocks.
Step 4: Arrange your pieces, keeping track of directional prints if necessary:
and sew together into rows:
Sew your rows together and trim to 12.5" x 12.5"
