June 2016 Block Lotto

This month’s Block Lotto is a tiny dip in the world of improv piecing. The basic block is Crosscut Blocks by @aquilterstable (link to incredible tutorial). Our colors are Kona Denim for the background and fabrics that coordinate with Kona Pomegranate and Kona Sprout.

In addition to the background fabric you received, you’ll need 1″ strips of coordinating fabrics to make the “X.” The strips should be about an inch longer than the diagonal of the background square.

If you’re participating and sharing on FB or IG, please use #crosscutblocks #blocklotto #ocmqg so we can find your progress!

Below is the process in photos (see @aquilterstable’s tutorial if you need better instructions).

Cut the 10″ square block from corner to corner.

Cut 2 – 1″ strips for each block, approximately 15.5″ long. These should be longer then the diagonal of the 10″ square blog

Sew one strip to the long side of the first triangle. Press.

Sew the long side of the second triangle to the other side of the strip.

Cut the square in half diagonally, across the center strip.

Sew the second strip to the long side of the first triangle. Press.

Sew the second triangle to the strip. The photo below shows how to center the pieces so the cross pieces are closely aligned. These DO NOT need to be perfectly aligned. Press.

7. Repeat step 4, then step 5 (shows aligning the cross)

Flip up to see if alignment is how you want it

Et Viola! Finished Block Lotto block.

You might be wondering … where’s the improv in this one block? Well, for me it’s about not having (and not trying to have) that cross *perfectly* aligned. Which can be difficult if you’re used to perfectly matching points.

The other part is actually cutting into a block, across something you’ve already pieced together. That’s another huge step for someone who’s never done improv.

If you are the winner, you have some options:

1. Sew the blocks together in a traditional manner and quilt. Pretty….

2. Or continue with more improv. Sew together as in the above picture, then using a 6.5″ square ruler, cut the fabric into smaller squares, and re-assemble!