Not Quite Bow Ties
8" Finished Quilt Block

Be careful, you may become addicted to this fast and easy scrap quilt block. It's a wonderful choice for on and off-line swaps, because quilters of every skill level can make it perfectly the very first time.

The instructions make two identical strip-pieced blocks. Simply keep sewing to make as many blocks as you need for your quilt. Pull out your rotary cutter and ruler and you'll start sewing in a flash.

Fabrics are repeated within each set of two quilt blocks, but the overall quilt will be very scrappy if you use a wide variety of fabrics to make each set. For an even scrappier look, trade one of each pair with a friend.

---

Quilt Block Cutting Chart

Fabric	Qty	Size
Medium (for large squares)	4	4 1/2" squares
Dark (for small squares)	1	2 1/2" x 11" strip
Light (for small squares)	1	2 1/2" x 11" strip for strip piecing
Second Dark (for rectangles)	4	2 1/2" x 4 1/2" strips

Use an exact 1/4" seam allowance for all seams.

Cut all pieces so the fabric's straight grain runs parallel to the outer edges.

---

1. Sew the 11-inch dark and light strips together on their long sides. Press seam allowance towards the dark strip. Square up one end of the strip and cut four 2-1/2" segments from it.

2. Sew a unit from step one to a dark 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangle. Press seam allowance towards the rectangle. Repeat to make three more units.

3. Sew a pieced unit from step 2 to a 4 1/2" medium square. (The small light square should touch the large square.) Press the seam allowance towards the large square. Make seven more of these units.

4. Sew two units from step 3 together as shown here. Press the seam allowance either direction.

Ideas for Vertical and Streak'O Lightning Layouts

Instructions and Graphics
©Janet Wickell, 2000

Quilt Guilds: You may use this pattern in your Guild classes provided the instructions are marked with the copyright information above.

e-mail Janet Wickell