Making the X Blocks and Cutting Remaining Fabrics

Greetings Mystery Quilters!

It’s really spooktacular that we are already starting Clue #3. If you are joining us in the 5-Part Mystery of Halloween for the first time we hope you will stay awhile and start your mystery quilt project. It’s not too late to catch up!

The links below take you to the previous clues to get you started on my subtly spooky design.

Introduction to the Halloween Mystery and Materials List

Clue #1: Mysterious Block X

Clue #2: Tricks & Treats Strips and Triangles

I’m using two Northcott collections, Elegantly Frightful and ColorWorks Premium Solids, for my quilt, but you can choose your own fabrics. Visit our Facebook page #TQCMysteryQuilt to learn more about choosing the fabrics for this quilt, and to see what other mystery quilters have chosen for their projects.

Clue #3 is the quickest clue of all five. We are assembling the X Blocks, which I’m just batty about! Once your blocks are pieced and pressed, you may need to square them up. A 12”x12” square-up ruler is a great help. We are also cutting the remaining fabrics, getting ready for Clues #4 and #5. So make sure your rotary cutter and blades are in good shape. Do you need a new rotary cutter or ready for replacement blades? The Quilting Company has plenty in stock. I used contrasting thread in my photos so you can easily see the stitching, but you will want to go with coordinating or neutral thread for best results.

Ready for some bat-tastic fun? Let’s go!

Cutting (for Clues #4 and #5)

Dark print #1

24 squares 4 3/8” x 4 3/8” cut diagonally to yield 48 triangles (I)

Halloween novelty print

3 squares 19” x 19” cut diagonally twice to yield 12 triangles (J – 2 left over)

2 squares 10” x 10” cut diagonally to yield 4 triangles (K)

Bright solid

7 strips 2 1/2” x width of fabric (WOF) for binding

Backing

2 panels WOF x 60”

Making the X Blocks

Arrange 2 H squares (cut in Clue #1) and 1 each of Units 1 and 2 (made in Clue #1) as shown.

Sew 2 rows of 2 squares/units each.

Sew rows together to complete Block X, which should measure 12 1/2” square. Press seams as shown. Make 6.



GET SOCIAL! Join us on Instagram and use hashtag #TQCMysteryQuilt. Follow our #TQCMysteryQuilt group on Facebook to share your progress (we want to see your pics!), ask me questions, and chat with others making the quilt along the way.

Only one more clue to finish before the last one with THE BIG REVEAL!

See you next week for Clue #4!

-Kathy-

The Halloween Mystery Series is brought to you by:

The Quilting Company

and

Northcott

Northcott creates high quality cottons that feel like silk. Their ColorWorks Premium solids are offered in a wide variety of designer-selected colors. You will see and feel the difference they will make in your next project! Use the product finder tool on their website to find a local shop near you that carries their fabrics.

Are you enjoying Kathy’s Halloween Mystery series? The Quilting Company has introduced some new Halloween-themed quilt designs in the latest September/October issue of Quilty magazine. Sisters of the Dark was designed by Krystal Jakelwicz. It’s a really fun pattern to feature a focus-print Halloween fabric. And, take on some more spooky with Black & Boo, a quilt designed by Mary Hertel. You’ll just love the wonky black cats.