In my last post, I discussed using a Prairie Style Block as an alternate block in a quilt. Here are some tips and suggestions based on piecing the block I chose for this quilt.

I’m using the “Cross 7” Block from the Electric Quilt 8 block library. It’s one of the simpler blocks in their collection of Prairie Style blocks. I like how airy this block is, and that it has an economy block (a square in a square) at the center of the block.

My block will be 10 inches square when finished. Here are some tips for sewing prairie style blocks.

Pick a larger size block for your project. There are tiny pieces in prairie style blocks and anything less than 9 inches square will be very difficult to sew. If you really want to sew a smaller block, paper piecing will probably work best.
Cut very carefully. Double check all your measurements on your quilting ruler. Put the upper line for the desired measurement just a hair inside the raw edge of the fabric, not just off the edge of the fabric. Make sure you have a secure grip so that the ruler doesn’t slide as you cut the fabric.

I suggest setting up a “fence” on the base of your sewing machine. This really helps keep the seams in the block 1/4 inch. You can see a “fence” in use in this prior post.
Press all your seams as you go. I often finger press quilt blocks when I am assembling them. These blocks require all the precision you can muster. Press, (not iron), your blocks at each step!
Sew the square-in-a-square block to the cross arms with the square-in-a-square block on top. This way you can see the point of the square and can see to sew exactly through the stitching at the point, creating a perfect point in your block. (See the back of the block in the photo at top).
Have fun! It’s not the end of the world if your blocks aren’t all perfect!