Jul 19, 20225 min read

Nothing but Love Quilt Along - Comfort

Say hello to the Comfort block - a very geometric block that kind of looks like tumbled hearts. I actually chose this name because if you imagine yourself in the middle block you are surrounded by love and comfort.

Today's block is full of hearts - 8 of them! This is the 14th block in the But Love Quilt Along and is the final block that uses all traditional piecing. This being the "final four" of the QAL each block is the final one of that method, however this block is also significant because it uses a different piecing method than we have used previously so I hope it offers you a new learning opportunity.

The Block Pattern

This 9-patch block is pieced using triangles. A solid half square triangle for one side and then a pieced half-square triangle for the other side. It is very specifically designed this way because there is a future pattern coming which uses this block to make other fun designs that are COMPLETELY different just by changing the fabric placement.

This pattern will release soon and I will post about in the Wix Spaces app & on Instagram/Facebook or sign up as a member of my website, so you don't miss it (and any other fun new things)! All you have to do is hit the "Log In" button on my blog (or other) pages and sign up.

In this version, choose your fabrics to highlight the hearts - 4 outer hearts making the corners and 4 inner hearts going around the center. You see the simple version with the aqua block below using one color/pattern for each set of hearts. And then a much scrappier version in my two-color quilt (red/cream) option with 1 color fabric, 2 print fabrics, and even 2 background fabrics = Scrappy Sparkle! Have fun picking your combination!

Click on the link below to download/print the pattern for Block 14 - Comfort:

If you have any questions or issues with downloading please ask here or on the contact page.

Making the Comfort Block - Tips and Tutorial

This block is a nine patch which should now be fairly familiar to you. Eight of the blocks are pieced exactly the same (with different fabrics) and then the ninth block is a single piece of fabric. The majority of my tips this time will deal with some logistics of sewing with triangles and trimming your patches, so that the seams match up nicely.

Tip One - Cut your triangles by lining up your ruler so that you will cut through opposite diagonal corners. This diagonal edge is "on the bias" which means this edge is extra stretchy.

Make your pieced half triangles. I always lay them out and then sew.

The pattern says to align the straight edges, so I wanted to show you that.

Tip Two - I also start sewing from a straight edge not a corner because the corner likes to get sucked down into the feed dogs and make a mess. So when you look at picture 2 and then picture 3, I set up the second triangle and then flip it around so that I am not starting to sew where the two triangle points come together.

Tip 3 - I believe I previously mentioned "dog ears" the little pieces of triangle that hang over the edge. You definitely want to trim those off while you are piecing these blocks to reduce bulk at your seam.

Tip Four - When you sew the pieced half-square triangle to the solid half-square triangle (A & E pieces) the solid piece might be slightly smaller (seen in picture at left). That is ok just scoot the solid piece into the corner (where the pink block is in the example) and sew along the diagonal seam. This will make it equally smaller from each pointy corner. Do NOT stretch the bias edge and make it fit because it will make your finished square be warped.

Tip 5 - To finish this block, it will need to be trimmed to 4.5". In the pattern it says to remove the extra from the solid sides. You can see in the photo at right, I have aligned the pink corner sides to the 4.5" marks on my ruler and I will trim off the fabric on the opposite edges with my rotary cutter. The small square should measure 2.25". If you see a little wobbly edge on the pieced side when you do this then flip your square around to trim off any edges past the ruler.

Putting It All Together

Here's a little photo montage to show how to orient your patches before sewing them. As you sew them together to make your rows, please match up the seams for the little corner squares. It's not the end of the world if you don't (like my aqua block) but it definitely looks better!

You will NOT press these row seams open - follow the pattern. This allows you to nest the row seams to finish the block. You will also need to match the small square seams as you join the rows. Press the two final seams open. See the final picture below to see those pretty matched seams...and also get a sneak peek at one of the future pattern options!

Let Me Be Your Cheerleader

Show me your quilt blocks here on the blog, on Instagram, or on Facebook. Don't forget to use the hashtags #nothingbutloveQAL #comfortblock or tag me @polkadotpeepquiltsetc

There are link buttons to my Instagram and Facebook (and Pinterest) on my website.

You can also sign up and join my community here on Wix (or the Wix Spaces app which will have special bonus features).

Next week I will be discussing and demonstrating the SWIRLS quilting motif.

If you are just finding me, here is the quilt along schedule (with links for you to catch up anytime):

Nothing but Love Schedule

December 20, 2021 - Quilt Along Intro & Details

Ring in the New Year with Nothing but Love (polkadotpeep.com)

January 10, 2022 – Get Ready: Prep the Fabrics & Batting

Let's Get Prepped for Nothing but Love (polkadotpeep.com)

January 17 – Affection

Nothing but Love Quilt Along - Affection (polkadotpeep.com)

January 31 – Refuge