In 1775 Benjamin was chosen as delegate to the Second Continental Congress; he was sixty-nine years old! The idea of independence from England was high on the list of business and by June 1776 five men, including Ben, were appointed to prepare and draft a copy of the declaration that would separate the British Colonies of North America with the motherland. On July 4th, 1776, the resolution was approved and new nation was born...
To print a copy of Page 1, click here-->Download July Fourth Block-Block 20 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 1
To print a copy of Page 2, click here-->Download July Fourth Block 20 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 2
to print a copy of Page 3, click here-->Download July Fourth Block-Block 20 Benjamin Franklin Mystery Quilt page 3
(We strongly advise downloading all three of these pages)
July Fourth block tutorial
Start the block by sewing together the Blue scrap 3 1/2-inch squares into a four patch. Press seams opposite. This is the center A unit.
Next, draw a diagonal line through all of the Red scrap 3 7/8-inch squares.
then layer one prepared Red square on top of a 3 7/8-inch Beige scrap square. Stitch 1/4-inch to each side of the line...
cut on the drawn line, and press. These are the B units that should measure 3 1/2-inch square. Repeat with 3 more Beige scrap squares; you will need to make 8 Red/Beige B units.
The C units are made the same way using a Red and Blue scrap 3 7/8-inch square. Use the remaining prepeared Red and the 2 Blue scrap squares.
Sew, cut, and press, just as with the B units; you will need to make 4 Red and Blue scrap C units that measure 3 1/2-inch square.
Following the diagram on Page 2, lay out the block using the heavy lines to guide you.
Sew the B and C units together, then stitch them to each side of the A units as shown being careful to place these units in the right direction!
Then sew the B and C units together in the top and bottom rows. Again be careful to place the units in the proper direction! You may need to re-press some of your units so that the seams 'nest' correctly. We re-pressed our seams as we went along once we knew where to re-press them.
Sew the top and bottom rows to the center section and the July Fourth block is finished! It should measure 12 1/2-inch square unfinished. Give the block a good press, with some spray starch, if you like. Our story isn't finished yet...we will see you next month...and we will start including more information as we get ready to put the quilt together!
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®.
