Double X Quilt Block Workbook: A Piecing Guide

Quick answer

To piece a Double X quilt block accurately, start by selecting a workbook that provides block designs and quilting motifs, then follow a step-by-step process that includes fabric prep, cutting, sewing, pressing, and trimming. The Let's Stitch A Year of Blocks: Double X Design Workbook is a helpful companion for planning and doodling your blocks.

Step-by-step Double X piecing process

1. Prepare your fabric and tools: Choose fabrics with good contrast so the X shape stands out. Prewash and press your fabric, and gather your rotary cutter, mat, ruler, and sewing machine. Checkpoint: Ensure your fabric is wrinkle-free and your rotary blade is sharp to avoid inaccurate cuts.
2. Cut your pieces accurately: Using the block dimensions from your pattern, cut squares and triangles. For the Double X block, you'll need half-square triangles and squares. Use a sharp rotary blade and a reliable ruler. Checkpoint: Measure twice, cut once. Verify each piece against the pattern before cutting the next.
3. Lay out the block: Arrange all cut pieces on your work surface according to the block diagram. This helps you visualize the X and ensures you don't mix up light and dark fabrics. Checkpoint: Take a photo of your layout so you can refer back to it after sewing.
4. Sew the pieces together: Start by sewing half-square triangles into pairs, then join them into rows. Use a consistent 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press seams open or to one side as your pattern directs. Checkpoint: Test your seam allowance on a scrap piece first to ensure accuracy.
5. Press and trim: Press each seam carefully, then trim the block to the required unfinished size. Use a square ruler to check that corners are true and edges are straight. Checkpoint: If any points are cut off, adjust your seam allowance slightly on the next block.
6. Doodle and plan your quilting: Use the bonus doodle pages in the workbook to sketch your quilting motifs. This helps you decide where to place machine quilting designs before you start stitching the quilt top. Checkpoint: Try out two or three different motifs and choose the one that best complements the block's geometry.

Product facts

• Let's Stitch A Year of Blocks: Double X Design Workbook: This workbook contains 12 full-color Double X quilt blocks, machine quilting designs, and 12 bonus doodle pages. It gives you both piecing inspiration and quilting motifs in one place, so you can plan your block and its quilting without buying extra resources.