This weeks block was inspired by the vision of my orchard in blossoms this past week.  It was so beautiful to see the orchard in bloom – I look forward to it every year.

Cross Orchard Block Tutorial for

52 Twisted Traditional Block Quilt Along

Finished Block Size – 15” x 15”

I twisted the traditional block ‘Cross Variation’ for our next block. We’re going to turn this into a circle of apple trees. You can leave the block just as leaves, add some flowers , or even apples!

Cutting Instructions

The more shades of each fabric you cut – the scrappier your block will look.
Fabric A (brown)
4 – 3” squares
2 – 3.75” squares
Fabric B (blue)
4 – 3.75” squares
6 – 3.5” squares
Fabric C (green)
6 – 3.5” squares
12 – 3” squares
Fabric D (white)
2 – 3.75” squares
2 – 3.5” squares

Optional

1 – 5” square – small scale flowers
1 – 4-7/8” square of Heat N Bond Ultra Hold (or compatible)

Directions

We’re going to start by making our Half Square Triangle (HST) Blocks.

You will need to make 4 sets (8 blocks) of Fabric B and C HSTs and 2 sets of (4 blocks) Fabric B and D HSTs. Draw a diagonal line from one corner to the other of the 3.5” squares. Stitch a ¼” seam on both sides of this line. Once each side is stitched, cut along the line you drew.
Iron towards fabric B. Square up to a 3” square.
Now we’re going to make our combination HST blocks.

Match your 3.75” Fabric A and 3.75” Fabric B right sides together and your 3.75” Fabric B and 3.75” Fabric D right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from one corner to the other of the 3.5” squares. Stitch a ¼” seam on both sides of this line.

Once each side is stitched, cut along the line you drew. Iron to one side.

We’re going to use the HSTs we just made to make our combination HSTs. Match your new blocks, right sides together with the 3.5” squares of Fabric C. Draw a line from one corner to the other, perpendicular to the same you just made. Stitch a ¼” seam on both sides of this line.

Once each side is stitched, cut along the line you drew. Iron towards Fabric C.

Square the blocks up to 3” squares. You will need a total of 16 combination HST blocks – 8 in each color way.

Layout the HSTs and Combination HSTs along with the solid 3” squares of Fabric A and Fabric C.

Sew the 36 squares together into one block.
This next step is completely optional. I wanted to add flowers to my trees since my orchard was recently in bloom – it’s just too beautiful not to embellish the block.

I found a great charm square of fabric with perfect little white flowers on it for me.

Take whatever charm square you find with small flowers (or apples or whatever) and fuse a square of Heat N Bond UltraHold onto the back.

Once you have your fusible ironed on – fussy cut as many flowers from the fabric as you can.

This particular square had just the right amount of flowers! Peel the paper off the back of the fusible and iron to the trees as seems pleasing to your eye.

Now that the blossoms (or apples or whatever) are fused on, your ‘Cross Orchard’ block is complete!
Thanks for following along and I hope you enjoyed this block tutorial!
 
Get your FREE printable PDF of this block by heading to my craftsy store.  Don’t wait too long…after a month (6/28), the PDF will be $1.

I can’t wait to see what all your blocks look like!  Be sure to share you blocks and any projects you make using your blocks onto our flickr group: 52 Blocks Quilt Along
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Previous Blocks

Stop back next Wednesday for another twisted traditional block tutorial!