A-10

I've had a couple of requests for this block.
Pack time and patience.

Remember that you can click on any photo to see a bigger version with more detail.

I use freezer paper to stabilize my block sections when piecing so this is the method I will describe here.

Print or trace the block diagram onto freezer paper and cut out sections as below.

Cut a 3" square out of background fabric.
Cut a 3" square out of main fabric.
Using a hot, dry iron, iron the center freezer paper section onto the center of the main fabric square. Cut out the melon, leaving a small seam allowance all the way around. Clip the curved edges almost to the seam line.

Place the background fabric square right side up on your table. Place the main fabric square right side up on top of it. Baste through all layers. Make sure that you don't baste too close to the edge of the melon leaving space for the seam to be turned under.

Reverse applique the melon. Trim the square to 2 ½", making sure that the melon is in the center.
Using a hot, dry iron, iron the other pieces to the wrong side of the appropriate fabrics. Cut out, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance all the way around.
Out of background fabric, cut 2 rectangles 7/8" x 2 1/2".
Out of background fabric, cut 2 rectangles 7/8" x 3 1/4".

I left a little extra seam allowance on the outside edges of the "pie slices".

Attach the 7/8" x 2 1/2" rectangles to either side of the center square. Press.
Attach the 7/8" x 3 1/4" rectangles to the other two sides of the center square.

Sew a pie slice to one of the edge pieces as in the photo. Using freezer paper makes in easy to see where to start and end your seam. This is important in this block.


Sew the other side of the pie slice to another side section.


Repeat until you've connected all the "pie slices" and side sections.

Using a pencil or disappearing marker, mark the centers of the side seams on the center square as well as the seams on the edge section you just completed.


Sew each straight side seam, lining up seam centers and making sure that you don't get the loose flaps of the pie slices caught in the stitching. Press the seams.



Using a tool like a chopstick, maneuver the "pie slice" flaps into position (refer to the block diagram) and press flat.

Using an applique stitch, applique the loose flaps to the block. At this point you can also fix any loose threads or seams by hand.