Quiltblox Mystery Quilt – Block 1 Piecing Tips

The 2025 Quiltblox Mystery Quilt Sew Along is under way. Here’s what that block looks like:

I’ve made this block before – and loved it. That being said, several of you have reached out to me about issues you are having with piecing this block.

The issues that some of you are having include:

• Ruffled center of the block
• The block not lying flat
• The block finishing a little too small or a little too large

I want everyone to be successful piecing this block – so I went into troubleshooting mode. When I’m working with any kind of block – but especially one made using templates, I start by making the block out of paper. It’s the perfect way to test that the shapes fit together correctly. Here’s what this block looks like – when made of paper:

As you can see from the picture – I cut all the shapes out of paper (without the seam allowance) and pieced them together. I discovered that the C1/C2 piece should be 14″ instead of the 14-1/4 inches I had noted in the pattern. This has been corrected.

I have also adjusted the seam allowance for the C1 and D pieces where they come together in the center of the quilt. This will help reduce the bulk at the center point of the quilt.

With those corrections made – all of the pieces fit together perfectly. That still leaves the issue of the block not lying flat – or a bit ruffly in the middle.

This is a star block where all the edges are cut on the bias. That leaves all the edges (of every piece) subject to distorting or stretching out of shape. If the fabric is stretched in any way, waves or ruffles are the result.

Here are some tips to prevent stretching the fabric shapes:

• Use a fabric stabilizer like Best Press or spray starch on the fabric to reduce any issues with stretching before you cut the shapes.
• Another option is to use a very light weight wash away fabric stabilizer – applied to the fabric before cutting.
• Use a scant 1/4″ seam allowance to reduce bulk.
• Press carefully (and gently) as you sew each seam to avoid stretching the fabrics.

Newsletter subscribers are receiving a link to the updated pattern with these revisions included.

PS: Thanks so much to Judy and Teresa for helping me problem-solve the piecing issues!

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