Machine Piecing Bird's Nest Block

12 Inch Finished Size

You could use the same directions for hand piecing just use the templates with the ¼” seam allowance included or try machine piecing this way.

This next block brings us around to a dilemma we also have with the RR Crossing block.  If you have a 12" finished block and you divide it by 5; you get 2.4 inches in each segment.  We must make a decision how to handle this.  Hand piecing patterns can be drafted using templates which can be any measurement you need them to be.  Machine piecing tries to use fast strip methods.  My solution for this particular block is to change the dimensions slightly and create unequal segments.  I don't think the difference will be noticeable and we will avoid a finished square with a slightly incorrect size.  We'll make the cross on-point center 2.5" and the four corners 4 3/4". 

A = White         

B = Light Gray  

 C = Dark Gray   

D = Black         

Birds's Nest has four color values.  Use the drawing at the left as a color value guide (note the letters describe the color value not a specific template).

Choose three fabrics and label them with these letters.

                          A = lightest

                          B = medium light

                          C = medium dark

                          D = dark

Cutting instructions:

From Fabric - A -  6 squares  3 1/4" and then cut 4 of them again across the

                                                    diagonal making 8 triangles

                                2 strips 2 1/8" x 22" (extra length provided for minor squaring up)

                                6 strips 2 1/8" x 5"

From Fabric - B -  1 strip 2 1/8" x 22" (extra length provided for minor squaring up)

From Fabric - C -  2 squares 5 5/8" and then cut each of them in half on the

                                                  diagonal making 4 triangles

From Fabric - D - 2 squares 3 1/4"

Assembly:

1.   Constructing the four corner blocks.  Draw a line on the black across the diagonal of the 2 light 3 1/4" squares. 

2.   Place these squares right sides together on top of the 2 dark 3 1/4" squares and sew a scant 1/4" seam on either side of the diagonal line drawn on the light squares.  Cut them apart between the two seams.  Open the squares and press the seams toward the dark.    

3.   There are four half-square triangles.  Add two light triangles to each of the half-square triangles units.             

4.   Then sew the large medium dark triangle to this unit (Make 4).   

5.   Making the center on-point square strips.  This is a Semionle Indian Piecework technique, which is the origin of our strip piecing techniques.  Sew the two light strips on either side of the medium light strip. 

6.   Cut into 9 2 1/8 sections.  

7.   Sew two sets together as shown.  Place right sides together and offset the second unit so that the top seam of that unit matches the bottom seam of the first unit. 

8.  Add a 2 1/8" x 5" light strip to each end and carefully trip a 1/4" seam allowance above and below the points of the medium light squares.  Then square the ends again leaving a 1/4" seam allowance beyond the points of the medium light squares.                     

                                   Cut 1/4" beyond the medium light points to get a rectangular band as shown above (cutting lines = dotted lines):  Make two.

9.  Use the final 2 1/8" section and make the same unit with 5 medium light squares in a strip.  Sew on the two end strips and trim to a band the same way as in step 8.  The units will look like this.

10.  Now to put together the block.  Sew the two side units together and then attach to the center strip.