Block 7: Squircles

(Throw Version, 12.5” x 36,5” block)
Supplies:
Brightly colored thread for basting
Thread that matches the circles being appliqued.
Pins
Sewing Gauge (Big fan of the Dritz 14 in 1 measuring gauge)
Assorted fabrics: Cut 6 circle-ish shapes with about 4.5 in diameters. (This is a fabulous time to use some leftover charms.)
Background Fabric: Cut a piece 37.5” by 13.5” (You are going to trim down to 36.5”X12.5”. Since you are handling the fabric a fair amount, you may want to have a bit extra so you can trim any fringes off at the end.)
NOTE: You can also use a two sided fusible to fuse the circles on OR you can use a one sided fusible. See Assembly notes below.
Assembly:
After you’ve cut your circles,pin them in a spacing that makes you happy (taking into account the trimming if you are doing that). Use a bright colored thread and baste them on with a 1/4″ seam. Unpin.
Use a thread similarly colored to the circles, needle turn applique them on. (You will use the basting thread to help you turn in a perfect ⅛” seam.) Remove the basting thread. Trim block down to 12.5” by 36.5”.
Alternate assembly: Fuse squares of two sided fusibles to the charms BEFORE you cut your squircles. Fuse on to background according to the directions for your fusible. Then stitch around the circle using a zig zag or “sketch stitch” around the inside of the circle.
If you want to use a one sided fusible, cut the squircle with the right side of the charm facing the adhesive side of the fusible. Sew around the edges with a ¼” seam. Cut a slit in the back of the fusible. Turn inside out. Fuse to the background fabric and then hand or machine sew the edges down.
Trim the block down.
(Mini Version, 6.5” x 18.5” block)
Supplies:
Assorted fabrics: Cut 6 circle-ish shapes about 2.5” diameters.
Background Fabric: 7.5” x 19.5”
Assembly:
After you’ve cut your circles. Pin them in a spacing that makes you happy (taking into account the trimming if you are doing that). Use a bright colored thread and baste them on with a ¼ in seam. Unpin.
Use a thread similarly colored to the circles, needle turn applique them on. (You will use the basting thread to help you turn in a perfect ⅛” seam.) Remove the basting thread.
Trim the block down to 6.5” to 18.5”.
See notes above for alternate assembly options.
Block 8: Pointy block

(Throw Version, 12.5x 24.5” block)
Supplies:
If using the HST ruler, cut 8 6.5” background triangles and 8 6.5” chevron fabric triangles.
If making your own HSTs, cut 4 7.5” squares out of background fabrics and 4 7.5” squares out of the chevron fabric. Note: You can use two different feature fabrics, in which case, you should cut 2 sets of 7.5” squares (2 each).
Assembly:
Using either the 2 at a time HST methods (marking the diagonal and sewing ¼” seam on either side of the line, then cutting, pressing, and trimming down to 6.5” squares or by sewing a background triangle to a chevron triangle, assemble the 8 HST blocks.
Arrange and sew HSTs into a chevron formation. Sew top row. Sew bottom row.
Attach top and bottom rows to the center section. Press.
(Mini Version)
Supplies:
If using the HST ruler, cut 8 3.5” background triangles and 8 3.5” chevron fabric triangles.
If making your own HSTs, cut 4 4.5” squares out of background fabrics and 4 4.5” squares out of the chevron fabric. Note: You can use two different feature fabrics, in which case, you should cut 2 sets of 4.5” squares (2 each).
Assembly:
Using either the 2 at a time HST methods (marking the diagonal and sewing ¼” seam on either side of the line, then cutting, pressing, and trimming down to 3.5” squares or by sewing a background triangle to a chevron triangle, assemble the 8 HST blocks.
Arrange and sew HSTs into a chevron formation. Sew top row. Sew bottom row.
Attach top and bottom rows to the center section. Press.