Machine Piecing Crown of Thorns

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 block is 12 inches finished and is divided equally into 5 patches across and 5 patches down.  This does not divide out into a usable measurement so you must fudge to get the correct 12 inch finished block.  Make your seams a good scant quarter inch.

A = White         

B = Light Gray  

 C = Dark Gray    

Crown of Thorns has three 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

                          C = darkest               

Cutting instructions:

From Fabric - A - cut a 26" x 3 1/4" strip and sub-cut into 8 - 3 1/4" squares

                               cut a 14 3/8" x 2 7/8" strip and sub-cut into

                                      5 - 2 7/8 squares 

From Fabric - B - cut a 19 1/2" x 3 1/4" strip and sub-cut into

                                      6 - 3 1/4" squares

From Fabric - C - cut a 6 1/2" x 3 1/4" strip and sub-cut into 2 - 3 1/4" squares

                              cut a 11 1/2" x 2 7/8" strip and sub-cut into

                                     4 - 2 7/8" squares

(Note: the sizes given are exact, add extra to the length of the strip for comfort.)

Construction:

1.   From the 6 Fabric - A - (light) 3 1/4" squares and 6 Fabric - B - (medium) 3 1/4" squares make 12 half square triangle units.  Do this as follows:

      Draw a diagonal line on each of the fabric - A - (lightest) 3 1/4" squares and place them right sides together with each of the Fabric - B - (medium) 3 1/4" squares and sew a scant 1/4" on both sides of the diagonal line.  Cut apart on the diagonal line and press the seams toward the medium fabric.  These are the 12 half square lightest/medium units.

2.   Repeat this step with the final 2 Fabric - A - (lightest) 3 1/4" squares and the 2 Fabric - C - (darkest) 3 1/4" squares to make 4 half-square lightest/darkest units.

Assembly: 

3.   Using the arrows as a pressing guide lay out the units carefully and then join them into strips.  Finally sew the strips together to complete the block        

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