Exploding Heart Quilt Along - Week 4

It's week 4 of the Exploding Heart quilt along! Last week, we finished sewing and trimming all the blocks, and this week we'll begin sewing the blocks into rows! Be sure to watch the video at the end of the post and enter this week's giveaway!

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

Introduction

QAL Week 1

QAL Week 2

QAL Week 3

QAL Week 4

QAL Week 5

QAL Week 6

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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 post sales, deals, and coupon codes from all around the web!

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

Week 4 / 6

This week we will sew the blocks into rows. The directions for this begin on page 8 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!

I use a large table (like my dining room table), countertop, the floor, or design wall to lay out the blocks before sewing them into rows. I use a flannel-backed tablecloth held up with painter's tape or push pins for a design wall. It works great!

I lay out about three rows at a time just so none of the same fabrics are touching. This is just my personal preference and attempt at being fairly random. Don't spend too much time placing the blocks. It's meant to be mixed up!

Once I have a few rows laid out, I use a numbered pin in the first block of each row to mark which row is which. (These on Amazon are a great option. You can use pins and numbered paper too!) Then I can stack the blocks in order and take them to the sewing machine.

You may have pressed your block seams open or pressed them to the side (either way is perfectly fine!). When sewing the blocks together, you might be sewing through several layers of fabric. Sew slowly and your machine should be able to do it just fine.

I like to press the seams in the odd numbered rows to the left and the seams in the even numbered rows to the right. This helps the seams to nest when sewing the rows together. If you prefer to press the seams open, go for it! (I'm using a turquoise Oliso mini iron and wool pressing mat.)

Once you've sewn all the rows and pressed the seams, you've finished this week's homework!

If you just can't wait to finish your quilt and want to sew the rows together, do it! You can finish early! Just remember to come back each week and enter the giveaways! You definitely don't want to miss them!!

Video

Check out this week's quick video!

**If the video doesn't load, you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/tc9eNLGxefo.

Homework

• Sew the blocks into rows. Refer to pages 8-9 of the pattern.

• Share a photo of your rows all laid out so we can see how your quilt looks so far! 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!

QAL Schedule

Week 1 - January 7th - Cutting

Week 2 - January 14th - Sewing the blocks

Week 3 - January 21st - Continue sewing the blocks and trimming them

Week 4 - January 28th - Sewing the rows

Week 5 - February 4th - Sewing the top

Week 6 - February 11th - Quilting and finishes

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

Giveaway

Now for this week's giveaway! There will be a giveaway every week of the quilt along! This week's sponsor is the Canadian quilt shop Keystone Modern Creative who is giving away a $25 gift card to their shop!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let's all quilt along!

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If you liked this post, you may also like these:

QAL By the Sea - Block 6

Destination: Quilt Along - Block 1

I Wish You a Merry QAL - Block 2

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 27, 2021 and ends at 12:00am CST on February 4, 2021. One winner will receive a $25 gift card. 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 February 5, 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.