Sew Let's Quilt Along Block 12

Today is Block 12 for the Sew Let's Quilt Along and I am thrilled to share a Rotary Cutter Block designed by yours truly. My grandchildren are especially fascinated by the sharp and dangerous tools in my sewing studio. Rotary cutters (or pizza cutters as they call them) are high on their kid radar, so the rule is no kids allowed in the sewing studio without Grandma!

Get the block pattern: This QAL is over, so this block pattern is no longer available for free. It is available for sale in the shop here: Rotary Cutter Block Pattern.  

Fabric Choices

My rotary cutter handle is standard yellow (hey Olfa!) but your cutter can be any color you choose. I fused an extra layer to the rotary cutter handle so the background fabric wouldn't show through.

My fabric choices. I cut two layers for the yellow handle. You could also line your handle with a white fabric.

Half Rectangle Triangles

We have made lots of half square triangles in this quilt along, but this time you get to learn how to make half rectangle triangles. Cut your two triangles as shown in the pattern and follow the steps below.

Step 1: On each triangle use a temporary marker to make dots 1/4" from the edges, right on the 1/4" seam line.
Step 2: With fabric right sides together, put a pin through the dots in both triangles to line the pieces up for sewing. Be sure the dots stay right on top of each other. There will be a little tip showing on each end of the seam line.
Step 3: Press open the rectangle. The sides should be straight and the seam line should hit exactly 1/8" away from the edge.

Block Assembly

Assemble the background pieces as shown in the pattern. Now it looks like a blocky Pac-Man doesn't it?

Pieced background with quilt fabric on the mat.

Then assemble and fuse down the rotary cutter pieces. The only slightly tricky part is to place the cutter pieces so that the blade is lined up with the cut fabric and the handle angle looks good.

Voila! Your rotary cutter is slicing through your favorite fabric.

I am so excited to see what everyone does with the block!

Community

The absolute best thing is sharing and seeing what everyone is making. Even if you are not keeping up with the schedule or posting for the prize drawings we still want to see what you are making!

You will find announcements and plenty of other quilters to cheer you on in the Partners in Design Facebook Group.

On Instagram you should use #SewLetsQAL on your posts. Be sure to follow the hashtag so you can see what everyone else is making.

More Blocks and Tips from Hosts

Visit the hosts for this block to see a variety of sewing tips and fabric choices from the Partners in Design team.

Abbie Danahy @ Sparkle On!
April Adams @ JANDA Bend Quilts
Becca Fenstermaker @ Pretty Piney Quilts
Bobbi Bridgeman @ Snowy Days Quilting
Jennifer Fulton @ Inquiring Quilter
Karen Thurn @ Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
Kathleen McCormick @ Kathleen McMusing
Sandy Maxfield @ SandyStar Designs
Sherry Shish @ Powered by Quilting

Amazing Sponsors

We are lucky to have amazing sponsors on board with some fabulous prizes for this QAL! In addition, many of the block designers are donating quilt patterns for the prize packages.

Prize Drawings

There will be a prize drawing at the end of each segment and then a grand prize drawing at the end of the whole QAL. The prizes are open to participants who are at least 18 years old.

Segment Prizes

To be eligible to win a segment prize, you need to make all of the blocks from that segment. Then share a photo (or photos) of your blocks in a single post to be entered in the drawing at the end of each segment. This block is part of Segment 3, which includes Blocks 10-13 and runs through Sept. 9.

Amazing sponsors for Segment 3. Show them some love!

Grand Prize

To be eligible to win the grand prize, you need to make all 13 blocks and turn them into a quilt top or other projects. Quilt tops don't need to be quilted, but projects do need to be finished. Share a single post at the end of the quilt along that shows all of the blocks in a quilt top or other projects. It doesn't matter how many projects or what projects you make, or how many blocks you use in each project, as long as you show that you have used all 13 blocks in a finished quilt top or projects.

How to Enter the Prize Drawings

There are three places you can share your blocks to be entered in the random prize drawings. Each participant will only be entered once in each drawing, even if you post in multiple places.

  • Facebook - share your blocks in the Partners in Design Facebook Group
  • Instagram - Share your blocks with hashtag #SewLetsQAL
  • Blog Linky - The hosts will share a link-up on their wrap-up posts at the end of each segment.

~Sandy

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