Moda Blockheads-Block 3: Four X

Block 3 is brought to us by Jo Morton.  Her directions for this block are linked here:  ​http://jomortonquilts.com/2017/03/22/moda-blockheads-week-3-block-3/

I fell in love with this block as soon as I saw it-I am a bit partial to stars having worked with an astronomy program for a few years.  I was busy with other projects and a little late to get started on these Moda Blockhead blocks.  They are a fun 6" finished size which can be a bit challenging at times, but the result is pretty cute.

Here are my pieces all cut out and ready to go-and starched using Faultless Heavy Starch.  If you have not tried starching your fabrics yet you really should.  I use to ignore this step, but it truly has had the biggest impact on improving my piecing.  

For some reason my photo program chopped off half of this one- those are my B pieces also.
I start by drawing a diagonal line on the back of the A squares.

With that diagonal line as a guide and using a quarter inch seam I stitch down
both sides of the line.  I am using a "scant" quarter inch as I would rather trim a bit
​than have a block that is too small.

Using a ruler and rotary cutter I cut right on the diagonal line that I drew.
After pressing I line up the diagonal line on my ruler and trim off those points and square up the block if needed.  This one looks good and is the right size at 2 1/2 inches.

Now I repeat that process with my C and D squares.

These Half Square Triangles should measure 2 7/8" when done.

Next I draw a line no the back of these units.

Now I put two of these units together, right sides facing.  The seams will "lock" into place nicely.

Just like before, I am sewing a scant quarter inch on each side of my drawn line.

Cut the units apart on my drawn line and I have my first two "X's"

Time to put all of my lovely little bits together and assemble the rows.  
When pressing these I want the seams in the rows to face opposite directions.  I pressed the top and bottom rows to the outside and the middle row towards the center square.

The rows are complete and need to be joined to make the block.

This is where pinning becomes my friend.  I place a pin where any seams join.

There was some bulk in the middle so I fanned my seams for a flatter block.

TaDa!  Four X is complete and looking marvelous.

How are you coming along with your Moda Blockhead blocks?  
I hope you are having as much fun as I am.

Until next time...

​Happy Quilting!!