Some call it Peaky and Spike. Some call it V Block. Some call it difficult to piece. No matter what you CALL it, I want to show you how very easy it can be to piece this versatile unit that creates beautiful star points and interesting blocks.
I have two different tools in my arsenal to approach making this unit - an oldie but a goodie template set from Darlene Zimmerman, and a VBlock tool from Studio 180.
Let's talk templates first. Templates designed for use with rotary cutters are awesome. They simplify cutting with your rotary cutter, which definitely speeds up the process. Many of the template sets (several folks produce templates similar to the set by Darlene pictured above) offer you a variety of sizes, which is great. But one drawback, from my perspective, is that I have to be very accurate in my placement of pieces when sewing to ensure I get an accurate block in the end. Doable - but somewhat stressful.
Enter the VBlock tool from Studio 180. In many ways, it mirrors the template set. I can cut my pieces to shape and size using my rotary cutter very quickly. But....as with many of the Studio 180 tools, the units are oversized and trimmed to the correct dimensions at the end - which is awesome! Let's look at the steps to make this happen!
VBlock - Step One
As with many of the Studio 180 tools, you will begin with strips - one for the center of the V Block, and one for the side triangles.
What size strips do you cut? The size of the final unit will determine the width of the strips, and the sizes are indicated on the right (angled) side of the tool.
VBlock - Step Two
To cut the center triangle, the center unit strip is folded slightly larger than needed for the cut, and the fold is placed on the "Fold" line. The first cut is made along the angled right edge.
To cut additional center triangles (not shown), flip the strip set top to bottom (for right handers - opposite for lefties) and then use the triangle shape to line up and cut the additional center triangles. If you look closely at the picture above, you can see part of the triangle shape I'm referring to at the top of the tool.
V Block Step Three
Using the side unit strip, line the trimmed edge of the strip set with the bold line marked "Cut Line for Side Triangles" and again cut along the angled right edge. The biggest differences - no folding the fabric, and the line is a bit further to the left.
V Block Step Four
If you cut your side units with your fabric doubled (right sides together or wrong sides together), you'll end up with mirror image side units, which is perfect. Lay out your pieces as shown so you can be clear on how the pieces will fit together. Trust me - this step IS a step and will help you get your most accurate blocks possible!
V Block Step Five
With right sides together, line up one side unit (it doesn't matter if you begin with the left side or the right side) with one side of the center triangle. Nope - you don't have to center or adjust. If you match up raw edge to raw edge, you'll be just fine!
Stitch with a 1/4" seam allowance. Be careful not to stretch or pull as you are sewing, as these edges are bias! Press to the outside unit.
V Block Step Six
Repeat the process on the opposite side, and again press to the outside unit.
V Block Step Seven
Your unit is ALMOST done - almost. While it looks pretty good, we now have to trim. So if it's wonky - no worries!
Use the left side of the tool and line up the seam lines with the marked lines on the tool. You'll trim the right and top (or left and top for lefties).
Then rotate the unit and again line up the peak seam lines with the appropriate hatch marks at the top of the tool and again trim right and top sides. Notice that it is giving you the PERFECT 1/4" seam allowance on all four sides. How amazing is that?!
The VBlock tool allows you to make 11 different sizes of V Block - all using the same step by step process I outlined for you above. And yes, it really is THAT easy! If you want your own VBlock tool, you can grab one here!
Head over to Kate's blog to get some additional ideas on the Peaky and Spike block as well.
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