I discovered this technique for making scrap checkerboard blocks several years ago. I used it to make my grand-niece a doll quilt (above). With these few easy steps, the results are so worth it. When you're finished, every square will be aligned perfectly and you'll have a strong base to join the blocks so they won't stretch out of shape.
Finished Block Size: 9"x 9" (22 cm)
NOTE: For a 12" (30 cm) block, use [8] 2" squares and cut the fusible interfacing 17 inches.
1. First, you'll need a non-woven, lightweight, single-sided fusible interfacing. I purchased this very inexpensive one on Amazon.
2. Cut [18] 2-inch (5 cm) colour squares and [18] 2-inch (5 cm) light colour squares.
3. Cut [1] 13" x 13" (31 cm x 31 cm) square of interfacing.
4. Place squares 1/2" from the edges on the adhesive side of the interfacing. Butt together the squares as shown below alternating between light and dark colours.
5. Cover the squares with a pressing cloth and press with a hot iron to adhere the squares to the interfacing.
6. Fold the first row over and sew a 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat this until all the rows are stitched.
7. Your first set of rows will look like this.
8. To open each seam, trim a scant amount at the edge of each row and press to open.
9. Stitch the horizontal rows and trim seams the same as you did with the vertical rows.
10. Press down all your seams. This is what your stitched squares will look like from behind.
11. Press block and square up if necessary. You can see how precisely the squares are lined up.
1. First, you'll need a non-woven, lightweight, single-sided fusible interfacing. I purchased this very inexpensive one on Amazon.
Non-woven, light weight, single-sided fusible interfacing
3. Cut [1] 13" x 13" (31 cm x 31 cm) square of interfacing.
4. Place squares 1/2" from the edges on the adhesive side of the interfacing. Butt together the squares as shown below alternating between light and dark colours.
All squares are placed on interfacing.
6. Fold the first row over and sew a 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat this until all the rows are stitched.
7. Your first set of rows will look like this.
8. To open each seam, trim a scant amount at the edge of each row and press to open.
Vertical row pressed open.
10. Press down all your seams. This is what your stitched squares will look like from behind.
11. Press block and square up if necessary. You can see how precisely the squares are lined up.
If you need help organizing your scraps before you start, go to my posts below:
