Make Your Own Dear Diary Quilt | Block A

Making the Dear Diary quilt as part of the Dear Diary Fabric Showcase for Minki Kim and Riley Blake Designs was lots of fun!

Lately, my time to sew has been limited; so when I do get a chance to create, my goal has been to focus on patterns that are uncomplicated but still unique and beautiful. With that in mind, I designed this quilt to be impactful and yet quick and easy to piece together.

I made my version of this Dear Diary quilt over a couple of weekends, but you could easily make it in one; making it the perfect idea for a last minute baby shower gift, or for someone who enjoys smaller projects.

Because it was so much fun for me to make, I wanted to share this Dear Diary quilt pattern with all of you. So without further ado, today I am sharing the instructions for Block A…

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Dear Diary Quilt Notes:

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• Read instructions thoroughly before beginning.
• The seam allowance is included in the cutting size given.
• Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance throughout.
• RST = Right Sides Together
• WOF = Width of Fabric
• Press in the direction of the arrows when indicated.
• The yardage specified for this project is based on usable 42-inch wide fabric. If your fabric width is different you may need to adjust the number of strips cut throughout the instructions.
• Unit dimensions are given Width x Height.

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Cutting Instructions

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From (5) PATTERNED fabrics for BLOCK A:

Cut (1) 3-1/2” x WOF strip. Subcut,

• (4) 3-1/2” squares (A)
• (4) 3-1/2” x 5” units (B)

Cut (1) 2” x WOF strip. Subcut,

• (4) 2” squares (C)
• (4) 2” x 3-1/2” units (D)

From FUSSY CUT fabric for BLOCK A:

Cut (5) 6-1/2” squares (FC)

From BACKGROUND fabric:

Cut (8) 2” x WOF strips. Subcut,

• (20) 2” x 5” units (H)
• (40) 2” x 3-1/2” units (I)
• (20) 2” squares (J)

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Piecing Block A

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Each BLOCK A requires the following pieces:

• (4) A units
• (4) B units
• (4) C units
• (4) D units
• (1) FC unit
• (4) H units
• (8) I units
• (4) J units

 

Step 1. Sew together C and I along the short edge. Press toward C. Make 4

Step 2. Sew together H and B along the long edge. Press toward B. Make 4

Step 3. Sew together A and I along the long edge. Press toward A. Make 4

Step 4. Sew together J and D along the short edge. Press toward D. Make 4

Step 5. Sew together (1) unit from step 3 and (2) units from step 4 as shown. Press toward the centre AI unit. Make 2

Step 6. Referring to the block assembly diagram below, lay out the units created in steps 1-5, and the FC centre unit as shown. Sew the units together in horizontal rows. Press. Sew the rows together. Press.

At this point you block should measure 15-1/2″ x 15-1/2″. Make 5 blocks.

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Next week I will share the instructions for Block B. Update: The instructions for Block B can be found here.

If you can’t wait that long, or you would like the complete pattern for your collection, you can purchase the PDF pattern for $5AUD in the shop now :).

Don’t forget to share your quilt on Instagram using #aquapaisleystudio & #deardiaryquilt, and tag me @aqua_paisley so I can see your work!

Happy stitching!

Samantha