Kansas Dugout Quilt Block and Y Seam Tutorial
I just love this little guy. Such an amazing little piece. The 1/4″ presser foot with guide.
Each is spaced exactly 1/4″ apart. Hmmm…..
In Monday’s post, which you can read here, I promised to share my secret on how I pieced the Kansas Dugout blocks without marking the seam lines.
This tutorial will show you just how I made those blocks.
*I will explain the reason at the end of the tutorial.*
Now…
I am NOT saying this way of making the Kansas Dugout block is the right way or the better way. But it is my way.
And it is an easy way. Because there is no marking involved. And, by pressing the seams open, you can always see where to insert the needle and where to start and stop stitching without going into the adjoining pieces. This also allows your finished top to lay smooth and flat.
*Why did I change from my 1/4″ presser foot?*
The quilt math gods were frowning upon my method. Using the edges of your center square to determine where to stop and start stitching results in a slight discrepancy or inaccuracy. My bad!
So this caused my corner seams to be greater than 1/4″. The main thing is to continue that diagonal created by the fold and to watch that your side edge remains perpendiculr (at a right angle) to the seam.
As a side note….
My blocks were made with a directional print and CANNOT be used in an on point setting.
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| My Setting |
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| On Point Setting |
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| My Setting |
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| On Point Setting |
Personally, I do prefer the look of the on point setting. It is more appealing and reflects the alternate name for this block – The Lattice Block.
Oh, well….. Maybe next time!
This top finished at 44″ square.
As another side note….
Having used my AccuQuilt GO! Signature Block die, instead of the standard size of piece for this block, did not effect the final outcome, except in appearance.
Diagram A shows the pieces used for my block.
Diagram B shows the proportions for the traditional block.
The main thing is to ensure, on your side pieces, the length of the sides must be equal to the sides of the square. And that the pointed ends are squared.
So whatever method you use to cut out your pieces, mark or not mark them, press open or press to the side and whatever setting you decide to put your blocks in…. Just remember one thing.
Y seams are not that hard.
And they advance your skills level to enable you to make other blocks. To do mitered borders.
I encourage you to just try it. Just do one block.
My Oblongagon quilt and Hexagon quilt both had Y seams. I am planning to do another hexagon quilt and press the seams open as I go. Perhaps this will make it’s construction easier.
Throw another quilt into that bucket!
The Susannah quilt block. I have been admiring that one.
This would make a gorgeous quilt, too!
This post has been added to my Tutorials page.
That page sure needed a spring cleaning!
Please come and have a look around!
Will you give Y seams a go?
What a fantastic tut! You made it all very clear. Your quilt turned out spectacular. I am liking your block ideas.
The way of a great quilter. Do what it takes to make it work. That's how to get it done. That's how I work too!
This is soooo amazing. Im bookmarking it so that I can re-read it a few times. I wish I had at least 6 more arms and another 48 hours in my day, but I have to get the art quilt done, so …. maybe later.Ahhh.J
Thanks for the tutorial, your machine sound awesome.
Brilliant! Love useful tips like yours, Lorna. Bravo on a fab tute. Your quilt top is so adorable!
I have tried the Y seams on a different project and it didn't seem difficult. I guess, I always love a challenge.By the way, your 1/4 quilting foot definitely makes piecing these blocks easier. I am not sure if my machine comes with similar settings as yours. But looks like you got a pretty neat machine to do that. This block is definitely going into my to do list. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tutorial!
Do you have much waste using the AccuQuilt cutter?
Great Tute, but somehow I never get my \”smidge\” just right….grin.
I love the finished top! It almost looks like you're peering through a fence at the zoo animals inside 🙂
Your top looks lovely! Well done!
great tutorial! Thank you!
Great tutorial! I love the animal print. My son loves the \”fruity Os\”. 🙂
Your tutes are very well-thought -out. Thanks.And I always enjoy your blog. You always have such great ideas!Linlinsquilts.blogspot.com
Love this and your tutorial- my kind of method also. Have pinned this on my to do list!
I had to run right to my 1/4\” foot and look, yep I got those marks too 🙂 I have avoided Y seams in the past but I will give it another try. Thanks Lorna!! And I think those marks will come in handy for other things too.
Great tutorial with very clear photos. Thank you. Photos really help.
I love the quilt and boy…great tutorial! I'm going to re-read this several times before I attempt it! Great job Lorna!
I never noticed those marks on my 1/4 \” foot. Wow, that will make life easier. This is an excellent, well-written and well-thought-out tutorial. I've sewn Y seams before and even though I don't mind doing them, you've given me an easier option…………Thank you.
Thank you
Thanks for the great tutorial, Lorna! I've never done a y-seam and you've almost convinced me to try. When I do, I'll definitely come back to your tutorial.
Thanks for the tutorial; you make it look SO EASY. Am I right in thinking that when you've finished the blocks you haven't finished with Y seams? You need to use them again when putting the rows together, don't you? I think I'll be trying this block pattern for a Christmas table runner; ideas are coming in already!
You made that look easy Lorna! Great pics too. I will definitely take notice of those notches on my foot!
I've never noticed those notches before either! Magic!
I can't wait to try this block! Thank you so much for taking the mystery out of Y seams!
Awesome! It's amazing how many of our tools are made to do a job and we don't even know it isnt it?? I'd never noticed that notch before, but it is there. No doubt about it. ha!
You had me at \”no marking.\” I am going to go look at some feet. Right. Now.
I know this is an old post, but I'm hoping you can answer a quick question to help me with a quilt in progress. I'm making my first quilt with y seams.. all large hexi shapes. I get how to sew the individual seams, but how do I approach the whole quilt top? Do I tackle the hexi's in rows.. clusters? It seems as if it's going to be difficult to sew large sets of y seams together, and I'm just not sure where to start. Thanks for any pointers you can offer! 🙂
Hello Atla,Unfortunately, you are a no-reply blogger, so I do hope you will come back here to see if I have responded to your question. Yes. Make the hexi's into rows. Then sew the rows together.
Lorna, thank you! I was actually linked to one of your extended tutorials after asking for advice on another forum, and it is greatly helpful! Thanks so much for sharing all your beautiful work and wisdom, and for taking the time to respond to me 🙂