Tutorial - Blocks starting with a "Half-Seam"

This simple block is used in my new pattern "Nicole's Journey", however this tutorial is available for those quilters who have never assembled a block using a "Half Seam". This tutorial will only highlight the details of the main block.



1. Layout a 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" rectangle unit around the 3 1/2" center square, to prepare for sewing.





2. Flip the 3 1/2" center square over to the left unit (as pictured below) - the sewing line has been drawn, WHICH IS ONLY HALF WAY ON DOWN THE 3 1/2" SQUARE.

3. Finger press the center square open and return to the block assembly to retrieve the 2nd unit.

4. Flip the 2nd unit up, on top of the 1st unit and sew all the way across (sewing line drawn in photo below).

5. Press open the 2nd unit and return to assembly to retrieve the 3rd unit.

6. Flip the 3rd unit over, on top of the block and sew all the way across (sewing line drawn in photo below).

7. Press open the 3rd unit and return to assembly to retrieve the 4th unit.

8. Flip the 4th unit over and sew all the way across (sewing line drawn in photo below).

9. Press open the 4th unit after sewing and all you have left is to sew the small open seam remaining.

10. Below is a picture of the completed block (finished 15" square), press and done!

The "Half-Seam" block is one of my favorite blocks. The rectangles surrounding a center square come together very quickly. Playing with many different pieced versions of a rectangle surrounding a center square, each evolve into unique looks.

This block has been used in "Nicole's Journey".