Divide and Conquer

Finished block: 11⅝˝ × 11⅝˝ Finished runner: 92½˝ × 23½˝

92½˝ × 23½˝, designed and made by Tricia Maloney

I was a child who liked to color “inside the lines,” but as I’ve matured, I’ve discovered that I enjoy working “outside the lines.” Simple framed blocks are one of my favorite go-to quilt blocks. They play well with both traditional and more modern designs and fabrics. I wondered what would happen if I made two different framed square blocks, cut them in half diagonally, and sewed the two different halves back together. Combined with a neutral backdrop and a few animal-print accessories, this unique bed runner would add playful sophistication to any bedroom.

Construction

Seam allowances are ¼˝ unless otherwise noted. Press after each step, following the pressing suggestions.

Making the Blocks

1.  To make Unit 1, use matching B and C strips. Sew an A 8½˝ × 8½˝ square between 2 matching B 2½˝ × 8½˝ strips. Then sew matching C 2½˝ × 12½˝ strips to the top and bottom of the block. Make 7 units in assorted fabrics. Press the seams toward the B and C strips.

Make 7.

2.  To make Unit 2, use matching E and F pieces. Sew a D 4½˝ × 4½˝ square between 2 matching E 4½˝ × 4½˝ squares. Then sew matching F 4½˝ × 12½˝ strips to the top and bottom of the block. Make 7 units in assorted fabrics. Press the seams toward the E and F strips.

Make 7.

3.  Cut each Unit 1 and Unit 2 once on the diagonal. Sew a half Unit 1 to a half Unit 2. Make 14 assorted Half-and-Half blocks. Press the seams open to reduce bulk.

Make 14.

Want to make this quilt scrappier? Just cut the B/C and E/F pieces from assorted fabrics.

Shopping List

Yardage is based on 42˝-wide fabric, unless otherwise noted.

FAT QUARTERS: 14, in coordinating prints

SIDE BORDERS: ½ yard

BINDING: ⅝ yard

BACKING: 2¾ yards

BATTING: 101˝ × 32˝

Cutting

Label the pieces as indicated.

FAT QUARTERS

From each of 7 fat quarters:

•  Cut 1 strip 8½˝ × 21˝; subcut 1 square 8½˝ × 8½˝ (A).

•  Cut 2 strips 4½˝ × 21˝; subcut 2 rectangles 4½˝ × 12½˝ (F) and 2 squares 4½˝ × 4½˝ (E).

From each of the remaining 7 fat quarters:

•  Cut 1 strip 5˝ × 21˝; subcut 1 square 4½˝ × 4½˝ (D) and 2 rectangles 2½˝ × 12½˝ (C).

•  Cut 1 strip 2½˝ × 21˝; subcut 2 rectangles 2½˝ × 8½˝ (B).

BORDERS

•  Cut 2 strips 6˝ × 24˝ for side borders.

BINDING

•  Cut 7 strips 2½˝ × the width of fabric.

Making the Runner

1.  Arrange the blocks in 2 rows of 7 blocks each as shown in the runner assembly diagram. Sew each row together. Press the seams in each row in opposite directions so that they will lock together when you pin the rows.

2.  Sew the rows together. Press the seam open to reduce bulk.

3.  Sew a border 6˝ × 23¾˝ piece to each end of the runner.

Finishing

Layer, quilt, and bind as desired.

Runner assembly

Tricia’s CRAYON BOX

Add a warm, vintage feel with brown, burgundy, and pink.

Shades of blue create a cool and calm feeling.