Quilt-As-You-Go Bird Quilt

For this quilt you will need:

16 backing squares--10" each

16 batting squares--9" each

16 squares of focus fabric (birds)--4 1/2" each

Strips of 1 7/8" assorted fabric matching the focus fabric. You will use 8 fabrics per block, so at least 8 different fabrics or more, about 1/4 yard of each.

Cut 10 strips 2" x the width of the fabric (usually 42") Press together to form a 1" strip. From 3 of the strips, cut twelve 4 1/2" strips. These will be used to cover the seams on the blocks.

Put backing fabric wrong-side-up on your table. Cover it with the batting, leaving 1/2" on all sides. Pin in place.

That is a shadow in the photo, not a new kind of batting.

Place a square of focus fabric in the center of your square. Use a ruler for placement. Pin in place.

Sew a strip of the 1 7/8" fabric to one side of focus fabric. Cut strip even with the bottom of the focus fabric. Press or finger press.

Sew a strip of contrasting fabric on the second side. Cut strip even with bird fabric. Press. Continue with 3^rd and 4^th strip until center square is surrounded.

Start a second row, continuing as with the first row of strips.

All of the batting should be covered. Press well.

Make 15 more blocks. Arrange the strips so they are different in every block.

Press front and back and remove any thread ends.

Arrange the blocks in rows of 4 each. Pin with right side together.

Sew together using 1/2" seams. Sew four horizontal rows.

When rows are completed, trim the seams to 1/4 inch.

Using the 4 1/2" strips, cover the seams.

Butt the raw edge of the strip against the seam, and sew with 1/4" seam

Press over the seam, and topstitch it down.

Complete the four rows of block using this method.

Sew the rows together; trim seams to 1/4".

Using the same method, cover the seams with the long strips.

When finished, press thoroughly, both front and back.

Trim all threads. Cut outer edge even with the blocks.

Using two long strips, bind the top and bottom of the quilt.

Top stitch the binding down.

The sides of the quilt are done the same, except at the top and bottom, press 1/2" fabric inside to make a finished seam.

Press the binding.

Now you have a completed quilt! And just because, autograph it!

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