Welcome to Week 4 of the Summer Sampler 2016 Quilt Along! Everyone did SO WELL with their curves last week. I was seriously impressed! I really enjoyed reading comments from some you who were trying the technique for the first time. I think the overall feeling was that it wasn't as scary as you had thought. Well, I hope you feel the same way about foundation paper piecing. :)

I designed this week's pattern, the X Spot block. This block uses super easy foundation paper piecing, suitable for beginners.

I thought I'd give a quick photo tutorial of the paper piecing portion of the pattern.

X Spot Block Paper Piecing Tutorial

Reduce your stitch length so that the paper template will perforate easily. I used 1.4 stitch length.

1. Gather your fabric and paper piecing template from the pattern, Paper Piece your Templates, Step 1.

Since I am using a mixture of prints, I laid them out ahead of time so I could find the perfect design order for me.

Tip: When paper piecing in general, you may find it helpful to write the fabric color name on the template pieces to prevent confusion as you sew. (This is really helpful in more complex paper pieced blocks.)

2. Select your fabric cut for Piece 1 and place it right side out on the back of your template, making sure to cover the entire template space 1. Pin or glue stick into place.

Select your fabric cut for Piece 2. Place it right side together with your fabric for Piece 1, which you pinned into place in the last step.

Hold your template up to the light and make sure at least 1/4" of the fabric overlaps into template space 2. This will probably feel backwards and wrong the first few times you do it. Pin into place.

3. Sew along the seam line on the template between pieces 1 and 2. Be sure to sew a bit into the seam allowance. I also like to backstitch at the beginning and end. Remove your pins.

If necessary, fold back your paper and trim your seam allowance to 1/4".

4. Your block should now look like this:

Press your fabric open.

5. Take your fabric cut for Piece 3. Place it right sides together with Pieces 1 and 2, which you already have sewn into place.

Hold your template up to the light and make sure at least 1/4" of the fabric overlaps into template space 3. Pin into place.

6. Sew along the seam line on the template.

If necessary, fold back your paper and trim your seam allowance to 1/4".

7. Press your fabric open.

8. Repeat this process until you have paper pieced all your strips.

9. Trim your block according to the X Spot Block Pattern instructions.

I can't wait to see everyone's X Spot blocks on Instagram and in the Facebook group!

Special note this week: A few people emailed last week because they didn't see their pattern link in their inbox. After some digging around, it looks like their SPAM filter had snatched up the email. If you are having trouble and don't see your email anywhere, please email Lee at FreshlyPieced@gmail.com and she can resend your link.

Below you can find the Summer Sampler 2016 details, as well as custom shop fabric bundles for the quilt along. You can join at any time. If joining after Week 1, you will initially receive all the patterns up to the current date.

Summer Sampler 2016 Kickoff Details

Link to Purchase

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EU Link to Purchase

(includes VAT)

#summersampler2016 Instagram Posts

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