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!!