Hen & Chicks July Block 3 - Thrifty

 

This was a real palate cleanser after that last block. It is nice and simple, but with fun fabrics, it can be an effective block. 

Just squares and strips this time. You could use all squares, but a couple of strip sets will save some sewing time. I chose one patterned fabric and one solid. Notice that one square matches the strip set while the other 4 are in a contrasting pattern. 

Sew your strips together and press toward the tea. I like using two smaller strip sets on this one, because they can be layers and cut at the same time to make things even faster. 

Sub cut your strip set so that each unit is the same width as your original strip. As an example, these are 1.5 inch strips, so I cut them to 1.5 inches. 

Pair up your two patches to make four patches. I suggest spinning the seams on the back to reduce bulk, but this is a nice simple block, so it shouldn't be an issue.  

Now place the four patches in each corner and the block with the patterned fabric in the center edges. That leaves the center square open for your solid to match the four patches which gives you a nice visual X. This one would make a great alternate block and could make a nice frame around other busy blocks. 

Here is your final block. Sometimes I enjoy the simplicity of these quick and easy ones.