How to create a Maple Leaf block.

Choose your favorite leaf-like fabric and something subtle for the backgound.

Fat quarters work well for leaf prints.  Depending on how many blocks you're making, will determine how much background fabric you'll need.  I bought 2 yards, but wish I had bought 3.

Starch, iron, and straighten grain on fabric.

From LEAF print cut a 3" strip and a 3-1/2" strip.

From the background, cut a 3" strip, a 3-1/2" strip, and a 7-1/2" strip WOF.

For one block, cut the following:

BACKGROUND FABRIC
1 - 3" square
1 - 3-1/2" x 7-1/2" rectangle
1 - 3-1/2" square

LEAF FABRIC
2 - 3-1/2" squares
1 - 3" square
1 - 3 x 6-1/2" rectangle

BROWN STEM FABRIC
1 - 1" x 5" rectangle

 Cut the 3-1/2" square background print in half along the diagonal.  Sew to each side of the brown stem and trim down to 3-3/8".

Let me repeat that . . . 3-3/8".  You'll see why in a bit.

 Place 2 - 3-1/2" squares (with drawn diagonal line on back and right sides together) on to the background rectangle.

 Sew 1/4" on each side of the line.

 Cut apart, press open, and trim to 3" square.

 Assemble pieces in each vertical row, then combine all 3 rows.  I'm sure you know how to nest your seams  . . . right?

Notice the center and right hand units are slightly longer etc..  This makes it easier to trim the block square.

After trimming, your square will be a different size than my square.

Why do squares come out different sizes?  We all work in different lighting conditions and see 1/4" seams in different ways.  We also use different brands of rulers.  Have you ever noticed how some rulers have thin lines and some have thick lines?  This affects how we see our finished blocks.

For those of you who took a class designed by Mary Ellen Hopkins, you'll recall this is known as PPM's.  . . . Personal Private Measurements.

And if you create blocks with room to trim, you'll always come out with the right size.  Well okay, almost always.

.If you make a maple leaf quilt, do post it on your blog and let me know.  Dolly is excited about cooler weather coming . . .can you tell.  She's listening for that first leaf falling.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .