Layer Cake Sampler-Block 3- is here!

Layer Cake Sampler Block 3


Here’s what we’re making this month:

This block is called “Louisiana”. It is divided into four sections with each section containing a rectangle and a flying geese unit. I choose to keep all the background the same color but you could use a different fabric for the small triangles on the flying geese unit. If you use a busy background the seams won’t show as much. You could also choose to make each flying geese different. Make sure the flying geese unit comes out to the same size as your rectangle or it won’t go together properly. Ready? First I’ll give the cutting numbers and then I’ll go through the piecing with some more pictures. Here are the cutting numbers for finished 8”, then 4”, then 2” blocks:

For an 8” finished block cut:

From the Dark fabric (geese) cut: (4) 2 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles- make them all the same or choose two or four different fabrics

From the Light (background) fabric cut: (4) 2 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles and cut (8) 2 ½” squares. The squares can be a different fabric from the rectangles.

For a 4” finished block cut:

From the Dark fabric (geese) cut: (4) 1 ½” x 2 ½” rectangles- make them all the same or choose two or four different fabrics

From the Light (background) fabric cut: (4) 1 ½” x 2 ½” rectangles and cut (8) 1 ½” squares. The squares can be a different fabric from the rectangles.

For a 2” finished block cut:

From the Dark fabric (geese) cut: (4) 1” x 1 ½” rectangles- make them all the same or choose two or four different fabrics

From the Light (background) fabric cut: (4) 1” x 1 ½” rectangles and cut (8) 1” squares. The squares can be a different fabric from the rectangles.

Now let’s see how to put these together:

Here are the cut pieces.

The pieces at the bottom are left over from the geese fabric. You’ll use up all of the background square if you choose to use one background. Remember the pinked edge “counts” when measuring your cuts.

Make the flying geese units:

For each dark rectangle lay a light square RST (right sides together) and draw line on the diagonal of the light fabric.

Sew on the drawn line making sure to exit at each corner. Press the flap back so there are three layers in the corner. If the corners all match up then you’ve sewn correctly and you can trim off the back two layers. Save them and use them as leaders and enders by sewing on the diagonal! I’ll show what you can do with them later.

Repeat the process for the second square. Be sure to draw the diagonal line in the correct direction. The point of the dark geese fabric does not go all the way to the edge of the unit. There should be a ¼” seam allowance between the point and the edge.

Sew a Light rectangle onto the pointy side of the flying geese unit. I sew the seam with the background fabric on the bottom and so I can look at the point of the geese unit and stitch right through the intersection of the seams. These four sections should each measure 4 ½” square (or 2 ½”, or 1 ½” depending on the size block you are making). And, the point should be visible and the dark fabric goes right out to the corners. Sew the top two together and then the bottom two together. Press the top seam to the left and the bottom seam to the right so that they nest together. Use a pin to secure it. Sew. You’re done with this month’s block !!

Now, about those extra triangles you cut off…you should have 16 of them and just look at what you could do if you saved them each time you made a batch of flying geese!  Now how could you throw those away!  So, try one of these arrangements with yours.

Happy Sewing!