Aztec Dance BOM - Month 1 - Part 1

Welcome to the Aztec Dance Block of the Month Kick-Off. I'm excited to get this 6-Month Block of Month started.  

Starting today, and every 15th of the month, I will be releasing a new block in the series and posting a tutorial right here in my blog on how to make the specific blocks.  Also, I will be doing Facebook Live tutorials in my Quilting Affection Design Block of the Month Facebook Group.  

You have two options for purchasing the pattern. First, My website is set up for both Printed and Downloadable PDF versions. For my International customers, I have an Etsy website, especially for you, where you can purchase the patterns as a Downloadable PDF only so you don't have to worry about shipping costs. 

On my website, I have set up an exclusive page for the Aztec Dance Block of the Month. This page will provide all the essential information that will get you ready to start this program, such as the General Instructions, possible color combinations, and tutorial links. 

The fabrics I used in my quilt cover are from the Island Batik "Sundance" Collection. If you are interested in other possible color combinations that this Block of the Month will look beautiful in, then check out the Aztec Dance Block of the Month page on my website.

You will have to decide which size of quilt you wish to make, the 56" x 56" (Wall Hanging), 90" x 90" Queen size. What size do you plan to make?

In designing this Block of the Month, I wanted to create something that will help develop your skills in the three fundamental tools of the Studio 180 Design tools. Depending on which size of quilt you have chosen to make. You will need the following: 

• Wall Hanging 
• Tucker Trimmer® I
• Wing Clipper® I
• Square Squared® 6."

• Queen Size
• Tucker Trimmer® III
• Wing Clipper® I
• Large Square Squared®

Now let's get started with Month 1's tutorial!

Month 1 is now available for purchase. The tools you will need for this month's block are the Tucker Trimmer and Square Squared tools. This block makes up into 6" (Wall) and 9" (Queen). 

For this month's block, you will be making three different units, Half Square Triangles, Quarter Square, and Diamond in a Square.

When you have your pattern, please read through the instructions thoroughly. Cut out and organize your pieces. I arrange my pieces on paper plates, writing down the unit sizes, and the color and sizes of the pieces needed.

Half Square Triangles

Making Half Square triangles is one of the most fundamental units in quilting, and using the tucker trimmer is so much easier to get quick and accurate units every time.

Start by marking two diagonal lines on the reverse side of your gold fabric squares using your favorite marking tool and Quilter's Magic Wand, these lines are now your stitching lines. Layer them with a Blue fabric square. 

Stitch on the lines, then cut them down the middle. Press according to the instructions.

Right Handed

Left Handed

Once you have them all pressed, take them to your cutting mat and Position the Tucker Trimmer® over the unit, carefully align the common diagonal and sizing diagonal line with the stitch line for the size of the block you are making, refer to your pattern instructions.  Trim the sides and across the top first.

Rotate the unit 180° and line up the Tucker Trimmer and trim the remaining sides to measure the cut size for the units you are making, refer to your pattern for exact sizes.

Once the unit is complete, put them back on the paper plates, so they are not lost, and set them aside.  Now it is time to make the Quarter Square Triangles.

Quarter Square Triangles

Quarter Square Triangles start out the same way as you would make Half Square Triangles, except you start out with slightly oversized squares so we can cut and sew them twice. 

Start by marking the two diagonal lines using your Quilter's Magic Wand on the reverse side of the Rust squares.  Layer the Blue and Rust together and repeat with Rust and Tan fabric squares. Stitch on the lines, cut, and press according to your pattern instructions.

Stop, please don't trim these units just yet, we need position a Blue and Rust unit and a Rust and Tan unit with right sides together. Mark two stitching lines using your Quilter's Magic Wand on the wrong sides of the fabric.

 Stitch on the lines, cut apart and press according to your pattern instructions.

Right Hand

Left Handed

Now, we can use our Tucker Trimmer to trim our units. Position the Tucker Trimmer over the unit, size according to your pattern size. Carefully aligning the common diagonal and sizing line with the stitched seam. Trim the sides and across the top first.

Right Handed

Left Handed

Rotate the unit 180° and line up the Tucker Trimmer and trim the remaining sides to measure the cut size for the units you are making, refer to your pattern for exact sizes.

Thank you for joining me today for Part 1 Half Square Triangles and Quarter Square units. Be sure to check in tomorrow for part two on how to make the Diamond in the Square units using the Square Squared 6" Tool.