Machine Piecing Crazy House

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 coloration is from Barbara Brachman's Block Base CD and is a simple color variation of the handpiecing instructions block.  If you choose to make the two-color block cut all the pieces except the light pieces, from one fabric.

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.  The closest measure for each unit is a 1/16" larger than the 2 3/8" finished.  To achieve this Use a scant 1/4" seam allowance.  Arrows indicate pressing direction.

A = White         

B = Light Gray  

 C = Dark Gray  

D = Black         

This version of Crazy House has 4 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 four fabrics and label them with these letters.

                          A = lightest

                          B = medium light

                          C = medium dark

                          D = darkest              

Cutting instructions:

From Fabric - A -  cut 1 strip 2 7/8" x 12" (a small amount of extra length is

                                                                       included)

                                cut 9 squares 2 7/8"

From Fabric - B -  cut 4 rectangles 2 7/8" x 5 1/4"

From Fabric - C -  cut 1 strip  2 7/8" x 12"  (a small amount of extra length is

                                                                     included)

From Fabric - D - cut 4 rectangles 2 7/8" x 5 1/4"

Construction:

1.   Sew the two 2 7/8" x 12" strips together.  Then sub-cut them into four 2 7/8" x 5 1/4" units.  These make the side center units                 .

2.   Make 4 half-flying geese from the medium light rectangle/light square combination and 4 from the dark rectangle/light square combination.

      Mark all 8 of the light squares (fabric - A -) with a corner to corner diagonal line.

      Make all eight half-flying geese by placing a light (fabric - A -) right sides together on the left end of the one of the medium light or medium dark rectangles orienting the diagonal line as shown below:

      Sew the seams a needle's width outside the diagonal line.  Trim away the excess layers to the left of the seam and press toward the darker fabric.

      Sew the 8 half-flying geese units together like this:       

                                                                                   Watch the orientation of the units.

ASSEMBLY

3.   Using the diagram below, carefully watching the orientation of the four corner units, layout the block.  Sew from left to right the units into 3 rows.  Use the arrows as a pressing guide.  Layout the rows and sew together to complete the block.