Parting Ways Quilt Block

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I've had this block stuck in my head for a long time and finally decided to bring it to life. This block takes quite a bit of trimming but the end result is worth it. The finished block size is 6.5" but I will try to come back later and post a size chart for larger blocks. If you make this block, use #partingwaysblock on Instagram so I can see!



The cool thing about this block is that you can mess around with it and create different layouts. I settled on the "kaleidoscope" effect for the pink quilt that I made.











Here is what you'll need:



- Two 5" squares
- Two 7" squares

First, you'll need to draw a diagonal line across the smaller squares to create your HSTs.



Stack both 5" squares on top of each other, right sides together, and sew at 1/4" on each side of the penciled line.



Slice in half along the diagonal line you drew.



Press open and trim at 4.5"



Now slice each of your HSTs diagonally, perpendicular to the line you have sewn.



Place one of the halves on a corner of the larger 7" square, right side up.



Line up your ruler to 1/4" over your corner.



Holding the ruler down, fold over your corner and mark a line along the ruler's edge on your 7" square.



Now draw a line onto your corner 1/4" from the long edge.



Place the corner on top of the 7" square, wrong side up, making sure to line up the two lines you drew. Pin in place.



Trim off the excess corner of the 7" square and then sew down the line you drew. You should be left with a 1/4" seam.



Repeat with other corner and both corners of remaining 7" square. Press seams open and square off to 7".



Draw a line diagonally on the wrong side of one of your squares.



Stack your two 7" squares, right sides together, and sew at 1/4" on each side of the penciled line.



Slice in half along the diagonal line you drew.



Press seams open and trim finished square at 6.5".



And you're finished! I hope this wasn't too confusing. Don't forget to use the hashtag #partingwaysblock on Instagram if you make this block. I'd love to see different variations of this! Happy sewing :)

Striped Zipper Pouch Tutorial

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Here it is! The Striped Zipper Pouch Tutorial. I first made these earlier this year for my shop and I was amazed by all the requests I got for a tute. I know there are a ton of zipper pouch tutorials out there and by no means do I consider this a super original concept or idea. This is just something I came up with one day and am here to share it with you so you can make your own.

Pouches are super fun to make and are the easiest go-to project for gifts or if you just want to showcase some really cute fabric. Plus, they're so practical. Who doesn't want another zipper pouch?!


Here is what you'll need:
- 3 different fabrics (fat quarters will do unless you are using directional prints)
- a 10" zipper
- cotton batting
- coordinating thread
- lightweight fusible interfacing is OPTIONAL*
*I chose not to use interfacing in this tutorial because I used linen blend fabrics for my pouches. You might want to add a layer of interfacing if using quilting weight cotton. But it is completely up to you.

First you need to cut your fabric as follows:
Outer main- (2) pieces 3" x 11" and (2) pieces 6.5" x 11"
Outer stripe/band- (2) pieces 2" x 11"
Zipper tabs- (2) pieces 1.5" x 4"
Lining- (2) pieces 10.25" x 11"
Cotton batting- (2) pieces 10.25" x 11"
Interfacing- (2) pieces 10.25" x 11"


Sew your outer pieces in the order according to the picture below using a 1/4" seam allowance.



Press seams open.


Your outer pieces should look like this and measure 10.25" x 11". If you're adding interfacing, now is the time to do it. Fuse the interfacing to the main outer pieces, as per manufacturer's instructions.


Place one main outer piece over one piece of batting and top stitch 1/4" on either side of the middle strip. Repeat this step with other main outer piece.



Set these pieces aside. Now grab your zipper tabs and press them in half length-wise.



Press the raw edges towards the center crease and fold again.


Snip off the zig zag edges from your zipper so that you can keep your zipper tabs straight when you're sewing them on.


Open your zipper a few inches and pin the zipper tab onto one side.


Top stitch as close to the edge as you can, removing the pin as you do and being VERY CAREFUL not to sew over the metal end of the zipper. Now repeat with the other side.



Place one of your main outer pieces on the table right side up. Open the zipper a little and place face down along the top edge of your main outer piece. Zipper should be towards your left side.


Now place one of your lining pieces wrong side up along the top edge of the zipper.


Pin everything in place.


Attach your zipper foot and sew along the top edge of the sandwich you just pinned. Remove the pins as you go along. When you reach the zipper pull, lift your zipper foot, move the zipper pull back up along the edge you just sewed. Your zipper should now be closed. Put your zipper foot back down and continue sewing all the way across.


Pull your fabrics back away from either side of the zipper, and press.


Now place your remaining outer piece on the table right side up. Place your assembled zipper piece over the main outer piece on the table, zipper side down. This time, your zipper pull should be towards your right side. Align the top edges.


Place the remaining lining piece wrong side up over the zipper and pin in place.


Sew along the top edge, removing the pins as you go.


Press both sides of fabrics away from the zipper.


Replace your regular zipper foot and top stitch along either side of the zipper.



Join the main exterior pieces facing right sides together and the lining pieces facing right sides together. Sew along the perimeter, leaving a 3" open at the center of the lining pieces for turning later. Make sure the zipper is pushed towards the lining side.



Now you're going to box your corners. Grab one corner of your lining piece and position it so that the seam allowances are matched up on top and bottom, forming a triangle. Press in place and mark a 3" gusset (as shown in picture below). Sew along your line.


Cut off excess fabric, leaving about 1/4". Repeat with the other three corners.


Turn the pouch right side out and sew the opening closed.


Press all your seams generously and admire your new pouch! Finished dimensions are approx. 8.5" x 10.5" x 3", large enough to make the perfect travel or cosmetic pouch.








**If you have used any tutorials by Pink Stitches, please post your pictures on the Pink Stitches Flickr Group! I'd love to see your beautiful creations and feature some of my favorite projects!**