The Arrowhead Quilt Block Made Easy
Hello Dear Friends and Readers. “The Arrowhead” Block is a somewhat enigmatic name and should not be confused with “Arrowhead” which can pertain to quite a number of other blocks. Apparently “The Arrowhead” was first published in 1941 and pieced in a traditional method.
Recently, I noticed that my friend Paula J Payne at Quilting Time in Dixie had posted an “Arrowhead Quilt”. Thanks Paula! I have seen this block before, however, as you know, quilt blocks made on point, or set on point, do require more effort. However, It struck me that it looks much like the Disappearing Four Patch on point. So that got me thinking about how I could construct that in an easy method. It can also be done with layer cake squares to make it even easier.
Anyway….this is what I came up with. Incidentally, while this is an easy method, it still complies with tradition. There are no bias edges on the outside of the block! This method will make 2 blocks. All seams based on 1/4 inch. Please read all instructions carefully before beginning.
Block size = 7 1/2″ x 7 1/2″.
Requirements for Two Arrowhead Blocks Made Easy
Constructing Two of The Arrowhead Blocks Made Easy
Today I am sewing on this lovely machine.
Put the two 10” x 10” squares right sides together. Draw a line across one diagonal of the light side. Sew 1/4″ seam on each side of the line.
Cut along the centre line between the stitching lines. Open the two squares. Finger press. Now you have two half square triangle units.
I will be finger pressing only, until the block is complete. Press at the end. Put the two half square triangle blocks right sides together, ensuring that the seams are nested and the colours are opposing. That is light on dark and dark on light. Draw a line across the unstitched diagional. Sew a 1/4″ seam down each side of the line. Cut on the line. Open to reveal two hourglass blocks.
Fingerpress. Lay out the two hourglass blocks, so that on one block has the dark triangles orientated to the sides. The second block should have the dark triangles orientated to the top and bottom. This is important. Please make sure this is correct.
Place a ruler along one centre diagonal seam at 1 1/4″ mark. Rotary cut along that edge. Repeat that move on the other side of the same seam also at the 1 1/4” mark from the centre seam. Now you will have three pieces of that block.
Repeat on the other hourglass block, making sure that the cuts follow the same direction, but still having the hourglasses placed as they were. Note how my hourglasses are placed, one with the dark triangles up and down, one with the dark triangles to the sides.
Remove the centre strips. Interchange them to the other block. Sew the triangles to each side, pin at the centres to make sure that the centre seams line up and nest well. Now we will repeat this process for the other two uncut diagionals.
Line up the ruler 1 1/4” from the centre seam of one of the uncut diagonal seams. Rotary cut along this line. Line up the ruler on the other side of the same seam 1 1/4” away and rotary cut along this line. Repeat the same two cuts for the uncut diagonal of the other block. Interchange the centre strips between the blocks. See how this has now created a four patch in the centre. Carefully pin back together ensuring that the seams are nested and sew the two side triangles to the centre strip of each block.
Press the blocks. Trim the excess from the corners of the blocks. Now you have two Arrowhead Quilt Blocks Made Easy. Maybe I should have called it the Arrowhead Puzzle Block!!! 😉
I know that this post is a bit wordy, but I believe once you get the idea, but making one set, yyou will see how easy it is to make these blocks. Then you can make some more…
I’d love to know what you think of this block and the method of construction!
Have fun!
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like,
Antique One Patch Block Made Easy
and
Antique Tile Block Made Easy Tutorial
Happy sewing,
Susie.
© Susan Stuklis 2017