Sampler Quilt 2011 - Week 1 - Bright Hopes

For 48 weeks a new 6" block will be posted each Friday or Saturday to make a throw sized sampler quilt. There will be 1" sashing with complimentary cornerstones and quilt will measure about 43" X 57" before borders. In choosing the fabric for the blocks, I'm going to use a consistent background fabric and 1 accent fabric for each block. Allow about 1/2 yd of both fabrics for all the blocks.

This weeks block is the Bright Hopes block. On my website is a calculator to make this block in many different sizes - Bright Hopes. This block has a set in seam, so be careful not to sew that first seam all the way.


Fabric 1 - (Background Fabric) - Cut 1 - 2¹/₂ inch square.
Fabric 2 - Cut 1 rectangle 2¹/₂ by 4¹/₂ inches.
Fabric 3 - (Accent Fabric) - Cut 2 rectangles 2¹/₂ by 4¹/₂ inches.
Fabric 4 - Cut 1 rectangle 2¹/₂ by 4¹/₂ inches.

1. With right sides together, using a ¹/₄ inch seam allowance sew fabric 1 square to one end of fabric 2 rectangle. Do NOT sew to the end of fabric 1 square.
2. Sew a fabric 3 rectangle to previous work, crossing fabric 1 & 2 seam.
3. Sew a fabric 4 rectangle to previous work, crossing fabric 1 and 3 seam.
4. Fold fabric 2 rectangle out of the way and sew a fabric 3 rectangle to previous work, crossing fabric 1 and 4.
5. Finish sewing fabric 2 to fabric 1 and 3.

Here's what my sampler block looks like. In this size the Bright Hopes block works great with jelly rolls (40 strips 2-1/2" wide). Also this block makes a eye catching border.

Jelly Roll fabric on Amazon