BLOCKSASHING^STRIPMake your blocks stand out with this easy piecing technique
SASHING
When quilters talk about sashing
(or ‘lattice’ or ‘setting strips’), they
mean the narrow strips of fabric that
separate blocks in a quilt design. This
is an ideal way to add interest to a quilt,
and is also useful if you want to increase
the block’s size. To add plain sashing to
patchwork blocks, first decide how wide
you want your sashing to be. Generally, it
should be wide enough to complement
the blocks without dominating the
design. To help you decide, lay out the
sashing fabric and place the blocks on
top, adjusting the spacing until you’re
happy with the balance. Measure this gap
and all seam allowances to get the size
you want. Here’s how to add sashing to
a four-by-four block layout.STEP ONE
Measure the block and cut a strip the same
height. For an 8 in block, cut a strip 8 in
high by 1/in wide. For each row, cut a
strip for each block, plus one extra.STEP TWO
Sew a vertical strip to the right-hand
side of each of the first four blocks. Sew
a strip to the left-hand side of the first
block. Press seams towards the sashing.STEP three
Repeat with the other three rows. All four
rows should be the same length. Cut long
strips to this length. For a four-by-four
block layout, you’ll need five strips.STEP FOUR
Pin and sew a long sashing strip to the
top of each row, using /in seams. Press
seams towards the sashing. Sew the last
strip to the bottom of the last row.