The center of the Russian Rubix blocks has been bothering me.
The block is put together like a four patch. to build the 4 patch, you add large and small triangles to the octagons. This makes the block really easy to put together (you should still buy the pattern).
The problem is that this type of construction means that there are four seams that meet in the center creating a very distinct seam line. I have had this block up on the design wall trying to decide if I can live with the seam lines or if I need to piece the block in a different way. Sometimes I can’t see the seam lines and sometimes they scream like a neon sign.
As I might have mentioned, I decided to cut a square and try piecing the block with a solid square.
As you, can see from the photo (bottom right), the center looks great – seam free and pristine. The bad news is those weird angles with which I need to sew the other parts of the block.
Sigh.
Some observations:
- Print fabric with a large or distinct pattern would not work for the background. The messed up fabric design (from cutting up a large print or, for example, dot fabric) would scream at the viewer
- Low intensity or solid fabric would work best.
- Piecing the block with a solid center will end up with some weird angles to sew.
I don’t know where I will go from here. I will probably try to sew more parts of this block together to see if the piecing is as bad as I think it will be.
Russian Rubix posts:
- Monday October 28, 2013: Russian Rubix Color Choices
- Wednesday October 9, 2013: Russian Rubix Test Blocks
- Tuesday October 8, 2013: More Background Drama
- Saturday October 5, 2013: Russian Rubix Backgrounds
- Saturday September 28, 2013: In a Clear Space You Can See Across the Room
- Wednesday September 11, 2013: Chosen Colors
- Thursday August 26, 2013: Russian Rubix Templates
- Tuesday August 20, 2013: Continuing to Choose Colors
- Susan: Tuesday August 20, 2013: History Quilter Podcast Episode 39
- Monday July, 22, 2013: Russian Rubix
Hi Jaye, those seams in the center can work out fine if you plan a quilting design to disguise them. I quilted a beautiful quilt a while back that had a similar seam, and my friend wanted a round feather wreath design, which would have made bulls-eye in the open center. Instead I used an x-shaped feather, and those seams were not as prominent.
Sally,
Thank you for commenting! This is a great idea as those squares (instead of the triangles) would be possible, but I am not sure I want to fiddle with them. I’ll keep your idea in mind.
Just another mention – use a light thread! I’ve seen several quilts pieced with grey or colored thread, and on light fabrics that can really make those seams more noticeable.
Oh yes! I always use Aurifil 2600 for piecing. It is a very light great and blends into a lot of fabrics.
Sally read my mind. I agree that the key to dealing with those seams is the quilting. Can you make a couple of sample blocks and play withe quilting ideas?
That s a good idea. I will see what I can come up with. I “should” practice FMQ anyway in hopes that someday I will be able to do it well. Hmmm. Maybe tomorrow.