I’m always looking for quilt blocks that will allow my animal designs to be the focus whilst still giving the other fabrics a chance to shine. I’ve found that these criteria are best met by blocks that are clean and simple, like Bright Hopes. This quilt block isn’t as easy as you think but it also isn’t difficult!
(This tutorial has been updated. Some of these fabrics are no longer available and I have changed the size of my animal squares.)
8 x fat eighths (plus the central animal squares) makes 30 bright hopes blocks. You can cut 15-16 5x2 inch strips from each fat eighth, depending on the direction of the design.
8x fat quarters (plus the central animal squares) makes 60 bright hope blocks. You can cut 30-36 5x2 inch strips from each fat quarter, depending on the direction of the design.
For each block you will need:
1 3 1/2 inch square for the centre (the animal square)
2 2 inch x 5 inch strips of one fabric
2 2 inch x 5 inch strips of another fabric.
Note: If the fabric has direction, make sure you cut the strip so that it will be in the correct orientation when sewn.
- Take the central square and the bottom strip of fabric. Place right sides together and position as below. Pin and then sew until you are half way along. Stop and fasten off.
- Press the seam allowance away from the central square. I always put a clean cotton cloth between the iron and fabric to prevent staining.
-
Take the left hand vertical strip and place it right sides together with the sewn piece, making sure it will be the right way up when sewn. Pin and sew all the way along. Fasten off.
- Press the seam allowance away from the central square.
-
Take the top strip and place it right sides together with the sewn piece. Pin and sew all the way along. Fasten off.
- Press the seam allowance away from the central square.
-
Take the right hand strip and place it right sides together with the sewn piece. You will have to fold the unsewn half of the bottom strip out of the way. Pin and sew all the way along.
- Press the seam allowance away from the central square.
-
Now you need to sew the other half of the bottom strip to the block. With right sides together, place the edges of the bottom strip and sewn piece together. Pin and sew until you meet the previous sewing. Fasten off.
- Press the seam allowance away from the central square.
That’s your first Bright Hopes quilt block done! The block should be approximately 6 1/2 inches square. I think the key is to make sure you press the seams in the right direction so that you get a nice flat block and that your fabrics are in the correct orientation, something that I’m not always great at remembering!