Tutorial - The Learning Curve Ruler - Method 2

This is THE LEARNING CURVE ruler created by Linda Warren of Linda Warren Designs.  If your local quilt/fabric shop does not carry this tool, you can order one directly from the website.

If you are reading this blog post from an e-mail version, the website address is:

www.lindawarrendesigns.com 

Today we will concentrate on METHOD 2 using The Learning Curve Ruler.  METHOD 1 and METHOD 2 create the same 4 1/2" square segment, the difference between the two methods is in the cutting of the fabric pieces you use to do so.

WHY would you choose to use METHOD 2 instead of METHOD 1?  One example would be if you were wanting all of your circles to stand out against a common background.  Remember, in METHOD 1, during the cutting process, we ended up with enough pieces to construct two opposite, yet coordinating blocks.  

To begin METHOD 2, choose two fabrics and cut four - 3 1/4" x 5 1/2" rectangles from each of your fabric choices.  

I now have 4 dark green 3 1/4" x 5 1/2" rectangles and 4 white print 3 1/4" x 5 1/2" rectangles.

Choose the color you want on the "inside" of the curve.  Using the above photo as an example, place the "A" line of the ruler against the left edge of the 3 1/4" x 5 1/2" rectangle.  Cut SLOWLY with a 45 mm (or smaller) rotary cutter.

As you can see, you will not have much wasted fabric.

Now take your second fabric 3 1/4" x 5 1/2" rectangles and using the photo above as an example, place the "C" line against the left edge of the rectangle.  Cut SLOWLY.

Your fabric should now look like this.  (You can save the small curved slice underneath the ruler to use as your "leader scrap" as described in the first tutorial.  Just fold a slice over double and you have a perfect scrap to begin the next curved seam.  :)

Now it's time to sew, press and trim the above pictured pieces just like we did in METHOD 1.  Please refer back to the tutorial for METHOD 1 for complete, detailed photos and in-depth instructions.  Just "click" on the following link:

METHOD 1 TUTORIAL

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the following web address in your browser.

http://quiltandsewforever.blogspot.com/2013/06/tutorial-learning-curve-ruler-method-1.html

Quick Overview

Sew...set stitch length to 18 stitches per inch, 

sew with approx. 1/8" allowance

Press...use steam, press in direction pieces naturally fall

Trim.... (First 2 sides), line up "Dot 1" & "Dot 2" with curved seam,

trim right side and top

Trim...(Last 2 sides), flip square around, align trimmed left and bottom 

edges with the "C" line on ruler, trip right side and top

Your finished METHOD 2 segments should measure 4 1/2" square and look like this....

I'm still in the "playing mode" and haven't decided how I want to construct my final 12 1/2" unfinished block. Decisions, decisions, decisions. :)

The above possible layout uses METHOD 2, METHOD 5 and a plain 4 1/2" square in the center.

Check back later to see how I decide to complete my quilt block.

Until next time.