Pine Tree

12” x 12”

Fabrics:

Background:

One- 2 ½” x Width of Fabric (WOF)

One- 5” x 12”

Main:

One- 2 ½” x WOF

One- 5 ½” x WOF

1.  Using your favorite half square triangle method, make 16 half square triangle units.

2.  From the leftover 2 ½” background strip cut four 2 ½” squares.

3.  Sew half square triangles together. Press seam to the dark side.

4.  Arrange the half square triangles and the solid squares into rows as shown. Sew together.

5.  Using the paper templates make a hard template using either No Melt Mylar or a plastic “For Sale” sign. Be sure and label your template pieces.

6.  On the wrong side of fabric, trace along the edge of the template. There are two background pieces, one having been reversed for you.

7.  There are three pieces that make up the bottom part of the tree.

8.  When cutting out your fabric pieces, be sure and add a ¼” seam allowance around entire piece.

9.  Pin your trunk to the background pieces, matching the corners first and then pin through the lines on both the top and bottom pieces. Pin in place.

10. Stitch on the line from corner to corner, back stitching at the corners. Make sure you have stitched on the drawn lines on both top and bottom pieces. Repeat with the other background piece.

11. To attach the top of the tree to the trunk, move the seam allowances toward the background. Find the corners as shown in the picture. Pin through the corners and along the seam line. Stitch, backstitching at the corners. Be sure and keep your seam allowances out of the way so you won’t sew through them.

12. Now you get to expand your quilting horizons! We’re going to make a “Y” seam. (It’s not hard, you just have to pay attention.)

13. With the wrong side facing up, take the trunk and draw a line from the corner into the trunk as shown.

Fold the trunk along the line into the corner. Pull the seam allowances back towards the trunk.

14. Take the outer edge of the background piece and line it up with the outer edge of the tree. Pin the corners and along the seam line. Make sure the seams allowances are pushed to the right, out of your way. Stitch on line, back stitching at the corners.

Repeat with the other side.

Congratulations!!

You have just made beautiful “Y” seams!!

15. Find the center of the lower part of the trunk/background and the half square triangle by putting the edges together and giving the center a crease. Mark with chalk. Match the centers, pin in place. Stitch using a ¼” seam allowance. The lower half of the block is finished!

16. Sew the set of 8 half square triangles to the top of the block.

17. Sew the set of 12 half square triangles to the side of the block.

Enjoy!!