Spool Blocks are so cute.
Even in as much as I do enjoy machine piecing, there are times when it is not practical and also there is a sense of joy from making things with ones own hands.
As with these spool blocks. They will finish at 2 1/2″. So they can be made with little scraps.
I was inspired to make these when I saw some ladies in the Netherlands who gather together on Saturdays and enjoy each others company, tales and laughter while hand piecing spool blocks.
So in the spirt of that, I created a pattern to make these little hand pieced blocks. They are a travelling companion. It means you can sew in the company of others when you are away from home. The nice thing is I remember who I was spending time with whe I made these blocks. Nice. Still remember the company.
So, in the end I whilst may have a beautiful little quilt, it’s also a personal momento of where I have been and who I was with. I think thats quite special.
Making the Spool Blocks.
To make my pattern you will need to cut 1 1/2 inch squares for the centres.
For the sides of the spools.
From 1 inch strips, cut the outer side to 3 1/2 inches. The inner side will measure 1 1/2 inches. The ends are cut on a 45 degree angle towards the centre, like a half hexagon. You can alternate cutting the pieces one up one down same as cutting triangles from a strip.
Cut 2 light and 2 dark for each spool with two of the sides matching the centre block.
The blocks are hand sewn together with a scant 1/4 inch seam and with respect to Y seams at the joins.
Hand piecing is wonderful as a portable project. It’s nice to have a pretty bag to carry hand piecing projects in. A small bag which can be carried easily in a handbag, so that one can take advantage of time, when you are not at home.
I designed this Little Charm Bag, for this purpose.
