This year, for the quilt guild I am apart of, I am providing instructions for how to make a different quilt block each month. For the month of September, we learned about the Postage Stamp Block.
This is a classic quilt block. It seems like there is a lot of differing opinions about what a postage stamp block looks like. Some say that every other square is neutral. Some say it is all scrappy. The sizes of the blocks are somewhere between one inch and three inches square.
So I threw together my own version and here are the instructions.
For a 12 inch finished block (12.5 inch unfinished), you will need to cut the following:
36 squares of various fabrics - 2 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches each
Fusible Interfacing - 15 inches by 15 inches
Sew:
Draw horizontal and vertical lines on the interfacing that are 2 1/2 inches apart. The interfacing was preprinted with one inch squares, so I used a thin marker to draw the lines I needed.
Layout the squares on the fusible interfacing in the desired layout.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, fuse the fabric to the interfacing. Use a pressing cloth to prevent the iron from sticking.
Starting at the top of the block, fold the interfacing toward the fabric on the top vertical drawn line. Stitch 1/4” away from the fold.
Repeat with all vertical lines.
Clip on the folded lines to the seams, as shown in the picture.
Press each row in alternating directions.
Stitch all the horizontal lines 1/4” away from the fold. Press.
I love using the interfacing because it helps with the small pieces and helps all the seams line up. It is not required, but very helpful.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below!
Check back each month for a new How-To of quilt blocks! To see the other blocks, just search my blog for Quilt Guild Block of the Month.
If you would like a PDF version of these instructions, please check out Group #2 of the How-To Block of the Month Downloads.
(Although this block is a classic and can go by many names, as I have mentioned before, these block designs come from the book 5500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone. (c) 2003 but these instructions are written by me.)
Have fun quilting!
