Canoe Quilt Blocks

How to make a Batch of Crossed Canoe Quilt Blocks

Each 12" block requires 4 - 8" squares of fabric to make.  Plan for contrasting fabrics.  Below is the instructions to make 16 blocks from 6 different fabrics (why?  Each strip of width of fabric (WOF) cut makes 5 squares, this way you can mix and match).  You do end up with 1 extra as you only need 64 to make 16 squares.

• Cut two strips of 6 different Fabrics 8" Width of Fabric (WOF) plus one more strip of your favorite
• Cut each WOF into 5, 8" x 8" squares (if you start at the folded raw edge you can do 2 at at time twice) and then cut one piece out of the center.
• You will end up with 2 x 5 = 10 squares each color x 6 colors = 60 total squares, plus 1 x 5 = 5 for a total of 65 squares (you will have one extra)
• Make 16 piles that include:  2 different colors, 2 - 8" x 8" pieces with bad side to bad side color (total of 4 squares each stack) (note: 16 x 4 = 64)

For each stack - do the following:

• Cut a triangle 2 1/2" (edge to edge)
• Cut from the upper corner to each 2 1/2" edge to form 2 larger and 1 smaller center triangle with each piece.

• Sew the triangle piece back on to the opposing fabric to the smaller center triangle (for all 4 pieces)
• Press open (away from the center triangle)
• Flip and press open

• Sew one of the side angles back on (opposite color) for all 4 pieces
• Press open (away from the center triangle)
• Flip and press open

• Sew the other side angle back on (opposite color) for all 4 pieces
• Press open (away from the center triangle)
• Flip and press open

• Goal is to make a really nice 6 1/2" suqare
• Trim the 2 small triangle edges (lining up with the point) to 6 1/2"

• (optional) Trim the other 2 edges so the total square size is 6 1/2"
• NOTE:  you may choose to do a final trimming after the crossed canoe has been sewn together.

• Final Step:
• Lay out all your "pairs" and decide what you want each set of 4 to be.
• You can have your blocks be the opposites or mix and match a bit - up to you!

Sew 2 together, press open (repeat)
Sew the 2 sets together and press open
Do a final trim to get a 12" x 12" square.


NOTE:  Making 10 blocks is the sweet spot as 4 x 10 = 40 and 8 x 5 = 40 so you can make 10 blocks from 8 WOF strips.