
2016 Quilt Extravaganza—September Block of the Month
It’s time for the September Quilt Block of the Month! The ninth quilt block design in the 2016 Quilt Extravaganza is named Opposing Half Circles. As you may have suspected, the quilt blocks chosen for this year’s project are easy to stitch, plus they can be made from your fabric stash. Here’s how to create the quilt block, Opposing Half Circles.
- Use the Carefree Curves Template to easily create the shapes without setting in curved seams.
- Check out the details in the January 9 blog on how to select fabrics from your stash. Use as many scraps from your stash as possible. I’ve selected bright and neutral fabrics for this quilt.
- All blocks for 2016 will be created from pieced fabric strata. Read more on this blog post.
Block #9: Opposing Half Circles
Supplies:
- Neutral fabric strata
- Bright strata
- Lightweight fusible interfacing
- Point 2 Point Turner
- Trace ‘n Create Carefree Curves Template Set Hearts & Gizzards Template
- Monofilament thread
- Fine tip non-permanent marking pen
Mark and Cut Fabrics
Mark and cut the following fabric and interfacing pieces:
- Cut 13-1/4″ x 13-1/4″ squares from both neutral and bright strip sets or strata.
- Subcut blocks on the diagonal to yield four quarter-square triangles.
- Cut 8″ x 8″ squares from both the bright and neutral strata and two interfacing squares. Pin the smooth, non-fusible side of the interfacing on the right side of fabric squares to create a patchwork sandwich.
Note from Nancy
Cutting the two 13-1/4″ x 13-1/4″ background squares into quarter-triangles, yields enough quarter-square triangles to create two complete blocks. If you’d like to make two Opposing Circle Blocks, cut two 8″ squares from both the brights and neutral strata and four 8″ squares of interfacing.
- Center the Carefree Curves Circle Template on the interfacing side of the patchwork sandwich.
- Use a fine tip marking pen to trace the 6-1/2″ circle onto the interfacing for both bright and neutral strata pairs. (This is the yellow ring on the template.)
- Straight stitch, using a short stitch length, 2.0—2.5, directly on the marked curve.
- Use a rotary pinking blade to remove excess fabric from both bright and neutral circles. Trim 1/4″ from the stitching line.
- Trim away the excess interfacing within the circle, leaving approximately 1″ of interfacing.
- Turn the interfacing to the wrong side with a turning tool.
- Press.
Build the Quilt Block
Set the circle’s strips on a perfect 45 degree angle with this trick:
- Position the template on the finished circle aligning the horizontal line parallel with strata seams.
- Mark the 12 o’clock and three o’clock positions with pins.
- Fold circle in half, matching pins and wrong sides.
- Press.
- Remove pins. Unfold.
- Repeat these steps with the neutral strata circle.
- Use rotary cutting tools to cut along the pressed foldline.
- Arrange the quarter-square triangle pieces to match opposing triangle strata. Remember, you will have enough background pieces to create a second block.
- Position the half circles on opposing strata as shown.
- Place the circle’s finished edges 1/4″ from the center; pin.
- Pin right sides together of adjoining quarter-square triangles, stitch with a 1/4″ seam allowance and all-purpose thread.
- Press seam allowances open.
- Align the two block halves; stitch.
- Press seam allowances open.
- Ta-dah! Another block is complete.

What would a Quilt Look Like?
Suppose we were to make a quilt using only this one block style, what would it look like?
- This first digital concept uses the blocks laid out in a traditional quilting grid, four blocks by six blocks. The cornerstones are varied and cut from scraps, just as the strata.
- The second digital concept builds on the column-style quilt design. Each column features seven blocks sewn without any sashing. The setting columns are 4″ wide neutral strata.
- The last digital design is a festive-looking table runner. Instead of making opposing quarter-triangles, I’ve created opposing halves. The blocks are set on point with contrasting set-in triangles.
Watch Quilt with Carefree Curves (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
Sew and Share
Send in a photo of your blocks and quilts, and we’ll share them with others in upcoming blogs and on Facebook. I’d really like to see what fabrics you’re using! Send the images to [email protected]
The random winner of a copy of Fearless Quilting Finishes book from Nancy’s Notions is Carol KE. She said: I enjoy piecing the most, especially when I use the 1/4″ foot.
Bye for now,