Constructing the courthouse steps blocks

You will use the strip-piecing technique to create these blocks. Strip piecing makes the sewing go faster, and it also helps to maintain a consistent size to the blocks. All of these blocks are created using 1" strips of fabric. The finished size of each strip will be one-half inch.

The size of the finished block is determined by the first center piece that you cut and sew. Each of these blocks started with a 2" length piece for the first dimension. If you want to change the size of the blocks, this first piece is where you make your change.

Be careful with your pressing so you do not distort your blocks. If you finger press each piece, then be consistent with that method throughout the quilt. If you press each piece, continue with that method throughout the quilt.

You will make the following:

purple and green centers - 22 blocks each yellow centers - 6 blocks

Choose which color will be your center strip (purple, green or yellow). Cut a one-inch strip (1" x 42") from each of your pieces of fabric (solid and background). Match the center color wrong sides together with a 1" x 42" of background fabric and stitch, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Repeat with another piece of background fabric on the other side. Your center color will not be sandwiched between the two background pieces. Finger press the piece open, with the background fabric pressed toward the center piece.

Cut this newly-created strip into 2" pieces, for a total of 20 pieces. Take another strip of the same center fabric and place this right side up on your machine. Take the new 2" piece, place it wrong side up onto the one-inch piece, with the strips going horizontally. Sew along the length of the strip with a 1/4" seam.

Cut the new pieces apart.

Take another strip of the same center fabric and place this right side up on your machine. Take the newly sewn piece, place it wrong side up onto the one-inch piece, with the strips going horizontally. The center color you just sewed is now to the opposite side. Sew with 1/4 inch seam.

Cut the new pieces apart.

Now take a one-inch strip of background fabric and place this right side up on your machine. Take the newly constructed piece, place it wrong side up onto the one-inch piece, with the center color going vertically. Sew with a 1/4" seam. Cut pieces apart and repeat the process on the other side of the newly constructed piece.

Now take a strip of your center fabric and place this right side up on your machine. Take the newly constructed piece, place it wrong side up onto the one-inch piece, with the center color going horizontally. Sew with a 1/4" seam. Cut pieces apart and repeat the process on the other side of the newly constructed piece.

Your last construction will be with background fabric. Take a strip of background fabric and place this right side up on your machine. Take the newly constructed piece, place it wrong side up onto the one-inch piece, with the center color going vertically. Sew with a 1/4 inch seam. Cut pieces apart and repeat the process on the other side of the newly constructed piece.

You have now completed the first set of 22 blocks.

Repeat the process for the second set of 22 and the third set of 6.

There is enough fabric to make more than the number of blocks listed, so feel free to alter your size.

purple centers and background fabric - construct 22

green centers and background fabric - construct 22

yellow centers with print fabric - construct 6

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