Aztec Block Tutorial

Aztec Block - 16" x 19 1/2"

What you need to create this block:

1 - 6.5" square for the center

2 - 3.5" x 6.5" strips

2 - 3.5" x 12.5" strips

2 - 9 3/8" squares cut on the diagonal for finishing points

Also needed are border strips: 2 - 1.5" x 17.5" and 2 - 1.5" x 16"

Start by sewing the two 3.5" x 6.5" pieces to opposite sides of the 6.5" square

Sew the two 3.5" x 12.5" pieces to the remaining edges and square up.

Add the 4 finishing corners by sewing two opposite each other first. These pieces are very bias so be careful. Gently fold the triangle and crease the fold line so you can center it on your square. (see below) Sew the last two on opposite corners doing the same thing and trim off dog ears.

Now the "magic":

With your ruler cut down the center of your completed square cutting through the points of the center square and the inside square. Without moving the pieces measure two inches to the R of the center and cut again, then another two inches and one more cut after two inches. A total of 3 cuts from after the center cut. Your last piece will measure a bit larger.

Now go to the other side and do the same thing with 3 more cuts.

Time to shuffle. The strips are stretchy so be careful when arranging them. The two outside pieces stay where they are. Now go to the center two and pick one up and switch the place with the other center piece. The two pieces with the small blue point just get turned where they are and same with the next pieces. Yours should stagger like the picture above.

Start by sewing the center two together. These have two points that should match on each end so sew with care. These are a bit stretchy. Once the center is sewn you can easily add on the rest of the pieces checking layout for correctness.

Once complete, press. I found it easier to open the center seam and is has a bit less bulk this way also.

Sew the two border strips to the longer sides of your block first and press toward the strip. Next sew the 1.5" x 16" strip to top and bottom and press toward strip. Trim up to 16" x 19.5".

These are kind of addicting so be ready to make more.

Opt: add a half square to the corners of the blocks. Cut 4" squares out of contrast fabric. Mark each square on the diagonal with a marking pencil. Lay on the corner of each block and sew on the diagonal line. Trim away excess underneath. Press and make sure it is square with the whole block.