Exploding Heart Quilt Along - Week 3

Thursday, January 21, 2021

It's week 3 of the Exploding Heart quilt along! Last week we started sewing the blocks, and this week we'll finish sewing them and trim them to size. Don't miss this week's video at the end of the post! There's a giveaway too!

Exploding Heart QAL Week 3

If you're just joining in, be sure to check out all of the quilt along blog posts:

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If you're new here, hello! I'm Laura! I design quilt patterns, and I'm a self-proclaimed deal hunter! Be sure to join the popular Quilting & Sewing Deals Facebook group where I pst sales, deals, and coupon codes from all around the web!

**The QAL has ended, but sign up if you want to be notified about the next QAL!


Week 3 / 6

This week we will trim the blocks. (If you used an AccuQuilt to cut the pieces, you don't have to trim your blocks!) Block directions are on pages 3 - 7 of the pattern.

If you don't yet have the pattern, you can purchase the PDF version here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/822272908/

You can also get a paper version that will be mailed to you here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/836168813/

Be sure to scroll down past the tips to watch this week's video and enter the giveaway!

Exploding Heart quilt blocks

If you used an AccuQuilt to cut the pieces...

...then you don't have to trim your blocks at all! Take the week off! Do a happy dance! Finish sewing your blocks if you haven't done so already.

***NOTE: Depending on which version of the pattern you have, the cutting chart for the AccuQuilt on page 2 of the pattern might show an incorrect total triangle count. The total number of triangles needed is 516.

(If not trimming at all sounds lovely to those of you that have to trim, be sure to join the Quilting & Sewing Deals group! I watch for sales on the AccuQuilt cutters and post them there!)

Using an Accuquilt for the Exploding Heart quilt


If you are not using an AccuQuilt...

...then you can choose from several tools that can help you trim your blocks! I'll show you a few different ways so you can pick what method you like the best!

For all the ways shown here, I'm using an Olfa rotary cutter and Olfa rotating cutting mat

One popular method for trimming half-square and quarter square triangles is using the Clearly Perfect Slotted Trimmers. This ruler has you trim the block BEFORE pressing the final seam open. This allows you to only make two cuts to trim all four sides, and you can trim the dog ears off using the slots on the ruler too! This saves a lot of time! My personal reason for not loving this ruler is that I find that my blocks turn out a bit wonky after pressing, so the final blocks isn't exactly square. I've heard from many others that love this ruler, so it's definitely worth trying!

Trimming quarter square triangles with a Clearly Slotted Trimmer

If I'm not using my AccuQuilt for half-square or quarter-square triangles, then I am definitely using a Bloc Loc ruler! The HST rulers have a groove along the diagonal on the back of the ruler that perfectly lines itself up with the diagonal seam of the block. This means it doesn't shift when cutting and is much easier to line up! These rulers are also made for flying geese and a few other blocks. (I often find the best deal on them at Green Fairy Quilts!) You can use sizes larger than you need, but I find that I use the 2 1/2", 4 1/2", and 6 1/2" sizes are what I use the most!)

Trimming quarter square triangles with a Bloc Loc ruler

If you don't have a Bloc Loc ruler, you can try making your own using a square ruler that you do have! I used drywall joint tape, but medical tape or a couple layers of painter's tape might work too. Just place the edge of the tape along the diagonal of the ruler. Cut the extra off the sides using a rotary cutter. I like to mark the point that would be the center of the block (if you're following the pattern, this would be 2 1/4") with a dry erase marker. Then I line up that dot with the center of the block, and the diagonal line with the diagonal seam. 

Trimming quarter square triangles with a square ruler

You can also use your regular rectangular acrylic ruler too - as long as it is as wide or wider as your blocks. I still mark the point that would be the center of the block (2 1/4" for these), then line up one corner of the ruler with the diagonal seam. Once both the center point and ruler corner are lined up, then you can trim two of the sides. Rotate the cutting mat or block, line the ruler up again, and trim the other two sides.

Trimming quarter square triangles with a rectangle ruler

Video

Want to see these tools in action? Check out this week's video!

**If the video doesn't load, you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/FRr-hXdr4vo.


Homework

  • Finish sewing and trimming all of the blocks. Refer to pages 3-7 of the pattern.
  • Share a photo of your blocks on social media so we can encourage you! Use #explodingheartQAL in the caption of your photo on Facebook or Instagram. On Facebook, you can share on your personal timeline, or you can share in a quilting group you're in! If the post is "public," then others sewing along will be able to find it and encourage you!
  • Search for #explodingheartQAL on Facebook or Instagram, and like and comment on at least three posts to encourage others that are sewing along!
  • Enter this week's giveaway at the end of this post!

Exploding Heart quilt along

QAL Schedule


Next week, I'll be sharing tips for sewing the blocks into rows!

GIVEAWAY

Exploding Heart quilt along sponsors


Now for this week's giveaway! There will be a giveaway every week of the quilt along! This week's sponsor is Dandelion Fabric & Co., who is giving away a fat quarter bundle! Enter using the rafflecopter below.


Let's all quilt along!

Disclaimer: Giveaway is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Blogger. By entering, entrants confirm they are eligible to win. No purchase necessary to win. Open to US residents age 18+. Giveaway starts at 12:00am CST January 21, 2021 and ends at 12:00am CST on January 28, 2021. One winner will receive a fat quarter bundle (value of approximately $60). Odds of winning determined by number of eligible entries received. How to enter: complete a task on the Rafflecopter widget. Winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter on January 29, 2021 from all eligible entries and notified by email. If winner can not be reached via email or prize is unclaimed after three days, a new winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter. Winner is responsible for paying any taxes related to the prize. By entering this giveaway, you release Slice of Pi Quilts from any liability whatsoever. Void where prohibited by law.

48 comments:

  1. I am really enjoying this quilt as I am using scraps to make it.

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  2. Buying fabric today. Can’t wait to catch up.

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  3. I’m loving the easy pace of this QAL and loving the quilt. Can’t wait to see everyone’s finished! Thank you for this fun project!

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  4. Realized that my Insta name does not match my FB or Google name, hope this doesn’t matter...?

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  5. This QAL is fun and pressure free. The pattern directions have been easy to follow with great results. I hope to start trimming this week using a Bloc Loc ruler.

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  6. I am almost done with my blocks! Love using the Accuquilt cutter!!

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  7. I see a note under Tips about the video, but no link or video to actually play! How do I access the video?

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  8. I’m trimming mine with a slotted ruler and rotating cutting mat. It’s going fairly quickly!

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  9. Ugh auto correct, loving this qal, !

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  10. Thank you for all the tips and tricks. Really helps.

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  11. cant wait to see the outcome

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  12. I’m really enjoying this QAL and the piecing & squaring process. Working with colors I like does make a difference. I mis-read the fabric instructions and am using only 3 fabrics instead of three colors. I sure hope it turns out as I will surely have same fabrics touching. 😊

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  13. I cut mine out with my GO! Big and loved it!!! So I don’t have to square up my blocks!!! Yay! I already have the top finished and will post pictures. After each row I sewed I started to build my quilt. I was afraid I would mix up my rows and spend too much time with Jack.

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  14. Loving this QAL! Great to see all the fabric combinations. Looking forward to seeing the finished quilts!

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  15. Such a fun quilt! Loving the qal

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  16. The quilt is coming along great! Lots of great tips along the way too:)

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  17. Finally catching up!! Got my fabric cut and ready to start sewing!

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  18. Cutting with the Accuquilt was amazing. Can't believe how fast! Most blocks are sewn!!

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  19. The rest of my background fabric is finally on its way, so hopefully this weekend I can finish cutting my blocks and get my blocks finished.

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  20. Still working on sewing my blocks. Halfway done with Block D.

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  21. So happy to have a second week to catch up!

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  22. Still sewing the half sqs. Trying to work in my cutting & sewing around husband's WFH. Our schedules sometimes overlap. Had a bit of trouble getting some of the centers lined up right on the C blocks. Hoping to do better with remaining blocks. About a week behind the QAL.

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  23. I also love the Bloc-Loc rulers! I just need to get caught up.

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  24. Using my classic 6.5 omnigrid ruler!

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  25. Who won last week's giveaway? I don't see anything about it, but maybe I missed it. :-)

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  26. Search youtube exploding heart qal & you will find the video

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  27. I'll use blocklock to check my block size, bu5 used AccuQuilt to cut the triangles.

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  28. I am all done squaring up --- I am using completely random scrap....I will need to make several more quilts to make a dent. I used the Clearly Perfect Angle on my sewing machine so I didnt draw lines and my Tucker Trimmer to square. Great pattern Thx

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  29. I am behind. Just finished the B blocks. Hope to catch up this week.

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  30. Can't wait to lay out the blocks and start planning the how it will go together. I really must get a design wall. I use my King size bed stripped down to the fitted sheet... upsets my husband when he can't go to bed!

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  31. I used Accuquilt so hope mine are good to go!

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  32. I'm using the Bloc-Loc square. Love it!

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  33. I'm trimming the old fashioned way but I do have a block a loc so will try that for some and see if I like it!

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  34. This is a fun quilt. I used my Accuquilt to cut the blocks - making it go much faster and my blocks look great!

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  35. I can’t wait to start laying out the quilt!!!

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  36. My blocks are ready to be sewn into a quilt!

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  37. My blocks are ready to go! I used my Accuquilt so no trimming was needed, which is awessome! :)

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  38. I have trimmed and trimmed all the blocks!! I used the bloc-loc ruler for the first time - I can't post pictures as it will be a gift and I don't want it to be seen before the big day!!

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  39. Am I the only one not seeing the videos? I’ve looked back the last couple weeks and there is not a video or link to watch. Is there another way to see them that I’m not familiar with?

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Thank you for visiting and for your comments! I try to reply to comments via email, so if you're expecting a response and don't hear from me, check if you're a no-reply blogger. Happy sewing!