Block Party Block 52 – Patched Up

Block Party Block #52 – Patched Up introduces a new technique recently released by Studio 180 Design. This fun and easy technique is perfect for use with the Four Patch Square Up tool. In this tutorial, I will guide you through creating the Time Out units for the Patched Up block. You will need your Four Patch Square Up tool, Wing Clipper tool and instructions, and Offset Four Patch and Time Out Technique Sheets from Studio 180 Design.

Download your free block now: Block Party Block #52 - Patched Up

I use three fabrics from Deb Tucker Studio 180 Design's newest collection Bubbles, Curves and Corners by Island Batiks, plus a white background fabric. This block would look fantastic with just three colors, but you could add a few more if you want to be adventurous.

Time Out Technique

This unit utilizes strip piecing to create a modified four-patch unit. Refer to the Time Out Technique Sheet to determine the appropriate strip sizes for your units. You will need three strips: one for Strip A (your first color) and two for Strips B and C (your second color).

Start by stitching Strips A and B together lengthwise with a ¼” seam allowance. Press the seam toward Strip A. 

After that, sub-cut the units into sections based on your strip size.

Next, gather Strip C and place the sub-cuts right side down on the strip, ensuring that Strip A is at the top so that the needle enters the strip first. Stitch with a ¼” seam allowance.

Roughly cut the units apart to create oversized units and press the seams toward Strip C fabric.

Now, you are ready to trim the units down using your FourPatch Square Up tool. Locate the circle for your finished unit size on the tool and place the circle in the center of the sewn seam intersection, aligning the dashed line radiating from the center circle with the seams. Trim the first two sides. Note: I'm trimming and cutting my left hand. Check out the Technique Sheet to see the right-handed layout.

Rotate the unit 180 degrees on the cutting mat. Realign the Finished Size Circle with the center seam and ensure the dashed lines align with the seams. Ensure the previously trimmed edges align with the Cut Size of Units lines and trim the final two sides.

Your units are now ready for the block or quilt you are making. 

Finishing

For the Patched Up block, you must create Unit B, which consists of eight Flying Geese units, and Unit C, which consists of four Offset Four Patch units, according to the tool and technique instructions.

Once all units are assembled for block assembly, lay them on your cutting mat or design board. Stitch the units together, and it is recommended to press the seams open as you construct the block to help manage bulk in certain areas.

This block is a great way to practice your skills and try this new technique.  If you want to play with another block using the Time Out Technique, check out the Studio 180 Design Free BlockBuster #96 Fireflies. 

You can check out my other Free Block Party Blocks by checking out my website.