It wasn't trouble that was brewing, it was separation! In England, Ben saw parlimentary acts repealed and worse acts instated. Most North American colonists no longer believed that reconciliation was the way...Independence from England and King George III was what was needed and Ben vehemently agreed. Events would occur, battles would be fought, and wise old Ben would be elected to the Continental Congress...
To print a copy of Page 1, click here-->Download Independence Square-Block 18 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 1
To print a copy of Page 2, click here-->Download Independence Square-Block 18 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 2
To print a copy of Page 3, click here-->Download Indepence Square-Block 18 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 3
(We srongly advise downloading all three of these pages)
Independence Square block tutorial
To begin the block, sew together 5 Red scrap 1 1/2-inch squares and 4 Beige scrap 1 1/2-inch squares in classic nine patch formation. Press the pieces and rows opposite. The Center A unit will measure 3 1/2-inches square.
For the B Side units, sew together one Blue scrap 1 1/2 by 3 1/2-inch rectangle, one Red 1 1/2 by 3 1/2-inch rectangle, and one Beige scrap 1 1/2 by 3 1/2-inch rectangle. Press the seams in the same direction. Make 4 B Side units that measure 3 1/2-inches square.
Start the C Corner units by sewing a Beige scrap 1 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch rectangle to a Blue scrap 2 1/2-inch square. Continue until you have all four 2 1/2-inch squares sewn. Press.
Next, sew the remaining four Red scrap 1 1/2-inch squares to the remaing Beige scrap 1 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch rectanlges. Press.
Sew the Beige/Blue and the Red/Beige pieces together, four patch style. Make 4. You may need to re-press your pieces so that the seams 'nest' nicely. Each C Coner unit should measure 3 1/2-inches square.
Lay out the units in the block as shown on Page 2. Make sure that each unit is going in the right direction. The thick lines indicate the rows.
Sew the rows together being careful to match the pieces! Re-press any seams that are not opposite, so each seam will 'nest' just right.
The center of the block is now finished! It should measure 9 1/2-inches square...don't worry if it is not a perfect 9 1/2-inches! (There will be a border that will make up for it!)
Measure through the middle of the block center and cut the 2 1/2-inch Beige scrap top/bottom border pieces. Sew them in place and press them to the border. We used a Dk Beige so that it stands out from the Lt Beige; use whatever color you like!
Measure and cut the side border pieces, through the center as before. Sew them in place and press towards the border. By measuring and cutting before you sew, you will make a block that lies flat!
The Independence Square block is now finished! You may trim the block to 12 1/2-inches square now, or wait until you are ready to put the quilt together. A quick spray of starch, if you like, and a good press is all this block needs!
We will see you next month for another block and more fun!
If you are missing a page, or need further copies of any of the instructions posted to date, click on the Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt button under DON'T MISS A STEP to find what you need. If you have a question, or need further assistance, please contact Erik HOMEMADE®.
