HMQG Medallion Quilt Along - July & August

Over the next two months we will be making the fifth round, which consists of twenty-four Raspberry Kiss blocks, each measuring 8” finished. The Raspberry Kiss block, pictured left, is another fantastic scrap buster, but also works well with planned fabric choices. You can find the cutting instructions below followed by the piecing instructions.

Cutting Instructions for One 8” Finished Raspberry Kiss Block Kiss fabric: 1 rectangle 2 ½” x 6 ¼” and 2 squares 2 ½” x 2 ½” Background fabric: 4 squares 2 ½” x 2 ½” and 2 squares 5” x 5” cut on the diagonal to make four triangles. Piecing Instructions for One 8” Finished Raspberry Kiss Block Sew one background square to each side of a kiss square, taking slightly larger than ¼” seams. Then sew the rectangular kiss fabric between the two rows of three squares, also using a slightly larger than ¼” seam.  You should end up with a block approximately 6 ¼” square. Next sew a background triangle to two opposite sides of the kiss block using a normal ¼” seam.  Press seams toward triangles.  Then sew the remaining two background triangles to the two remaining sides, using a normal ¼” seam.  Press seams toward triangles. Square up your block as needed, remembering that if you do not leave ¼” on each side beyond where the corner triangles intersect then you will cut off those points when you sew your blocks together. Once you have your twenty-four blocks completed, sew them together into four sections, two having five blocks each, and two having seven blocks each.  You should then have two sections each measuring 8 ½” x 40 ½” and two sections each measuring 8 ½” x 56 ½”. You should note that as we continue adding rounds, any deviation in your seam allowance can really start to add up!  You should pin each section to your medallion prior to sewing it on, and then you can take in or let out a seam or two as needed. Next, sew the two shorter sections to the top and bottom of your medallion. Then sew the two longer sections to the remaining two sides.  At this point your medallion quilt top should measure 56 ½” square. Don’t forget that our only rule for this QAL is “Make it Your Own” so if you don’t feel you can make all 24 Raspberry Kiss blocks, make 12 and alternate with 8 1/2" squares of coordinating fabrics, or make four and use those as cornerstones with solid pieces of fabric in between.  Or come up with something all your own! Bring your medallion to the next meeting for Sew and Tell, so we can see your progress, and tag your pictures on instagram with #hmqgmedallion too.