From 2 HSTs to This Jaw-Dropping Illusion Patchwork!

Video Description

Do you like these videos? Consider becoming a member! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ZIldprjfSOcE34NHetbCQ/join For this pattern to make 4 blocks, you'll need: 2 focus fabrics cut to 11" squares, 2 each for a total of 4 4 coordinating fabrics cut to 11" squares, 1 each for a total of 4 *Sew the large HSTs with 2 at a time method. *Trim HSTs to 10.5" square. *Pair 2 HSTs and stack right side up with diagonals going opposite (imagine an hourglass). *Cut 2.25" strips off each side. (2 strips off each HST, or stacked for 4 total) *Cut 2" strips going across (3 strips off each HST, or stacked for 6 total). *All strips between the ends need to be 2", so decide which end you'll start from, set to the side (outside the cut blocks), take strip below and trim off 1/4" off the OUTSIDE edge of that strip. Do the same the opposite side but flipped, so set strip below aside and trim the one on top 1/4" from its OUTSIDE edge of that strip. PLEASE refer to the video for the demo of that. I start that explanation at 5:00 and explain why I'm doing this through around the 8 minute mark. *Alternate strips going across and sew 1/2" seam allowance. This is important to ensure that the diagonals are going to be straight lines in the end block. You can sew in pairs like I show in the video or one at a time going across if that's easier. *Press seams open or to the side depending on preference. *Trim an even amount off sides (leading and ending strips) to 10.5" to make 10.5" squares. This method might seem confusing, but that is only because I am trying to have the result give that extra 1/2" on the block top and bottom to make it easy to have finished blocks be 10" AND to have finished blocks that hold the integrity of the strip width throughout, whether I am alternating the strip direction of the blocks like in the reveal or if I wanted to keep the strip direction the same across the entire quilt. You can make this without the 1/4" instructions, but as I explain around 7-8 minutes in the video, that would end up being a rectangular block rather than square, and trimming down would only end up messing up the strip width of those end strips where they join with other blocks. I hope you can just trust the process and try it. Equipment I use: Brother PQ1500SL Straight Stitch Sewing Machine Panasonic Freestyle 360 degree Iron