I'm delighted to be a part of the #SewPINK initiative again this year with ByAnnie.com and I have a quilt block tutorial to share with you as a part of this blog hop.
This year ByAnnie.com is joining forces with the Fat Quarter Shop with a goal to raise $20,000 to be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and ByAnnie.com will match every dollar raised on the #SewPINK fundraising page here.
(A PDF download for this pattern is available in my shop here)
Six years ago I became a breast cancer survivor myself, and during the months of surgeries, procedures, and healing, my quilting friends all gathered together to make a beautiful scrappy heart quilt for me. It is one of my most treasured items.
As a very small way of giving back, I've created a scrappy heart quilt block that could be used by a group of friends or a quilt guild to make a handmade gesture of love and support to someone battling cancer or just going through a difficult time.
I'm calling this block the Build A Heart quilt block - you start with a scrappy little heart and then you have three options to build it into a 12.5" quilt block. Here's a look at a couple of the blocks:
And here's a sample of the quilt you can create using 20 of the Build A Heart blocks. Be sure to stick around to the end of the post to see the quilt top I stitched up, and to find a link to the PDF downloadable pattern.
Shall we get started? First a tip - If you're making a lot of these blocks, take the time to prep your fabrics ahead of time. I pulled the fabrics I wanted to use, pressed them and cut them to size. Then I could clean up that mess before starting to sew. This is especially helpful when you have a small workspace!
Here's what you'll need for one block:
- two print rectangles 3 1/2" x 6 1/2"
- two background squares, 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
- four background squares, 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"
PLUS
for the single-heart option: three squares, 6 1/2" x 6 1/2"
for the double-heart option: two squares, 6 1/2" x 6 1/2"
for the centered-heart option: 2 rectangles 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" and 2 rectangles 6 1/2" x 12 1/2"
On the wrong side of the background squares, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner with a pencil
Place the marked squares right sides together on the print rectangles as shown - double check those larger squares at the bottom to make sure the diagonal lines are oriented as shown in the photo!
Stitch on the marked lines, trim seam allowances to 1/4", open corners and press.
Place the two heart halves right sides together. Stitch using a scant 1/4" seam. Press seam open.
Your heart block should measure 6 1/2" x 6 1/2".
Then to make the full Build A Heart Block, you have the option of making a single-heart version, a double-heart version, or a centered-heart version. Each one makes a 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" block.
For the single-heart version sew one heart block together with three (6 1/2") background squares.
For the double-heart version, sew two heart blocks together with two (6 1/2") background squares.
And for the centered-heart version, to each side of a heart block sew two rectangles (3 1/2" x 6 1/2"). Press seams away from center.
Then sew two rectangles (3 1/2" x 12 1/2") to the top and bottom of the block. Press seams away from center again.
Each of the three versions makes a block that is 12 1/2" x 12 1/2"
Here's a look at the quilt I made with 20 blocks. I made a variety of blocks and love the scattered looking layout.
For my quilt I made ten single-heart blocks, five double-heart blocks and, five centered-heart blocks.
Ready to give it a try? Pull out your scrap bins, mix and match your blocks, and above all, HAVE FUN!
The #SewPink Initiative was created by ByAnnie.com LLC to raise awareness for breast cancer throughout the year. Our efforts culminate in an annual blog hop during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote self-care, awareness, early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer.
To learn more and see the calendar of events visit: https://www.ByAnnie.com/SewPINK
To find screenings available near you:
Breast Screen (Australia)
CDC.gov (US)
WebMD (free screenings)
This year we are again joining forces with Fat Quarter Shop to promote a fundraiser. Their goal of raising $20,000 to donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
ByAnnie.com will match every dollar raised on the #SewPINK fundraising page.
This is so super cute! Love your idea and design with these sweet hearts! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat would the measurements be if I wanted to make a 4.5” or a 5” block?
ReplyDelete