Stitching around the Block part 2

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Have you received your centre block from one of your friends?

Okay now to the first border (as this is a medallion style mini quilt) – remember, you don't have to use my border design but do make your borders 1” wide finished (1 1/2” unfinished)

You need to cut: **

two strips 5 1/2” x 1 1/2”

two strips 1 1/2” x 7 1/2”

** you may wish to cut these larger – say 2 1/2” and trim back after stitching to make it easier to stitch in your hoop.

Attach the two shorter strips to both sides and press outwards.

Attach the two longer strips to top and bottom and press outwards.

Download the pattern sheet and trace the verse using your lightbox on the top and bottom borders. (tip: you may like to use your own verse here to suit your special friend)

Download Stitchingroundtheblockpttwoverse

Place into your hoop and stitch using a backstitch – I used just a single strand for this.

If you don't have any 1/2” hexagon precut papers from Sue download the hexie templates and print onto thicker paper or card. Cut out and using your Sewline Glue pen glue a hexie paper onto the back of your chosen fabrics leaving a small 1/4” seam allowance. Cut out each hexie (you need 16) and then glue the edges over the paper again using your glue pen. (of course you can do it the traditional way and tack them down)

Download Hexagonsblogprojecthalfinch

Using a matching thread and a small appliqué needle stitch 8 hexies together in a row – you are just stitching the one straight edge together. Make two rows.

*see note below for alternate ideas from Sue..the master of English paper piecing and hexies..

Glue a strip down each side border. The points of the hexies should sit on the seam allowance.

Appliqué into place using the matching thread and appliqué needle. Carefully make a small slit in the background fabric behind each hexie and remove the paper (nurses clamps are good for this)

Stitch little french knots in between each hexie as shown if you please…

Trim back your quilt to measure 7 1/2” square.

*Sue removes her papers before appliquéing down so you don't have to slit the background fabric and remove them after stitching. I like the papers still in there so that I don't lose my crisp seams and the straight row doesn't distort out of shape when appliquéing. Not so bad with flowers but I found with the single straight row they easily lost their shape. If you want to remove before stitching give the strip a good steam press first to set the creases and glue into position with either your glue pen or Roxanne’s glue baste it.

happy stitching,

Hugs, Helen

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