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Charm Spool Blocks Tutorial

Hello Dear Friends and Readers. I just love Spool Blocks. There is something very enchanting about spool blocks and quilts with spool blocks. Maybe because they are reminiscent of old quilts. Or perhaps because they are indeed a sewing notion. The notion in the wooden form is now a thing of the past, but the romantic shape can live on in quilts. There are many ways to go about making these blocks. Probably the most traditional is to hand piece them, using five pieces and incorporating four Y seams. Don’t get me wrong, this is a delightful pastime but will take quite a while.

Here is a link for making small hand pieced spool blocks.

Hand Pieced Spool Blocks

Charm Spool Blocks Tutorial susies-scraps.com

I’ve been pondering over how to make them in an easier and faster fashion. I’m excited! By George, I think I’ve done it! This is a no waste method,

This block measures 5″ x 5”.

I’m using my 1902 Singer 15 treadle today to make these blocks. More about this machine here.

Treadle Tinkering

Requirements for making no waste Charm Spool Blocks

This will make two blocks.

2 of 5″ x 5” Charm squares (one light, one dark)

2 of 2″ x 5″ pieces in the dark fabric

4 of 2” x 2″ squares in the light fabric

Constructing the Charm Spool Blocks

Take the two 5″ x 5” squares. One light (background). One darker (the spool).

Draw a pencil line across both diagonals of the back of the light square.

Place the two squares right sides together. Stitch a quarter-inch from each side of the drawn lines.

Now for the fun. Use your ruler to cut the block through the center of the block at the 2 1/2″ from each side. Then cut through both diagonals. Now you have 8 half square triangle units. For a more detailed explanation see this post.

Half Square Triangle Units Fast and Multiple Tutorial

Open the units. Finger press. Trim dog ears.

Sew a 2″ x 2” matching background square between each of the half square triangle units. Ensure the dark triangles are oriented the correct way to make the spool. Make two sets of the side units.

Then sew a 5″ x 2″ darker strip between the two side units, I like to pin first and make sure the ends line up. Repeat to make the second spool block.

There you have a very cute 5″ Charm Spool Block . It’s very easy to chain piece these units and make some more. There are many possibilities for how to lay these blocks out .