Interstate Highway Block

Using the Quilt as You Piece Method

This is the 12th quilt block tutorial in a series on how to make quilt blocks using the Quilt as You Piece Method. This quilt block can be completely made in the Quilt as you Piece method and as a foundation pieced block.

Materials Needed
Makes one Block: In the list below, you can make the pieces little bigger in order to make it easier to be accurate at trimming.
• Fabric: Follow the diagram for cutting sizes but keep in mind, you will need to double the number you cut for every piece for the double sided block.
• Batting: Follow the diagram for sizes, cutting one piece for each lettered patch in the block.
• Cotton Sewing thread in neutral color, 50wt preferred.
• Washable Liquid Glue
• Washable Glue Stick

Tools Needed
These are the tools I used. Use what you have.
• Rotary Cutter & Cutting Mat
• Pair of Fabric Scissors
• Temporary Marking Device
• 18"x3" quilt ruler
• 10.5"x10.5" Square Ruler
• Dry Iron & Pressing Board

Note: You can quilt the pieces as you add them or wait until your block is all pieced.

Instructions

1. Start with the center square piece. You can make the pieces larger to start with, layer them, quilt it, then trim it down to 4½" Square.
2. Keep adding your pieces using the Quilt as You Piece method, in the order indicated, on the diagram. You can quilt each piece after add it if desired.
3. Trim to 10-1/2" x 10-1/2". Do stay stitching, an 1/8" in from the edges, all the way around.

Note about block name and design: I do not know if this block exists anywhere else. If it does, I do not know the actual name for it. This one came out of my head and I thought it reminded me of interstate highways where there are 2 roads with emergency outlets connecting them every so often. If you know the actual name of this block, I would not mind changing it and giving credit where credit is due.

This pattern sheet just provides what materials you need and what size pieces you need to make a 10" block and in what order to sew the pieces of the block together. It does not go into complete detail how I put them together in the Quilt as You Piece manner, please refer to our tutorial of the Five Strip Rail Fence Block for the basic concept and instructions on how to do Quilt as You Piece for this block and all other blocks in this series.

Design Written on November 14 2021 by Julie A Bolduc © 2021-2023 by Julie A Bolduc of Just Plain Fun p401009