Summer Beach Quilt Tutorial - Part IV - Sailboat Block

This is my tutorial for my sailboat block from my Summer Beach Quilt (instructions to complete the row is at the bottom). This block finishes at 16"w  x 16.5"h . To make the sails I used half-rectangle triangles and used a tutorial from the Modern Quilt Guild to figure out how to make them. In this tutorial I will be using their recommended techniques to make the sails. 

PLEASE READ: Just like with half-square triangles, when you make half-rectangle triangles you will render 2 completed units for each one you make. I hope that makes sense. For example, to make my quilt I made 3 different sets of sails, and had 3 sets left over when everything was done. But that just means I can make some coordinating cushions or something:) 

To make one block you will need the following fabric pieces:

Note: To make a scrappy/striped sail like mine, just sew (5) 2.5" x 8" strips together on the long edge:)

When we make our sails we need to mark our fabric 1/2" inside the corners. To make this easier, use a small piece of cardstock and trace around your ruler on the corner at the 1/2" mark. 

Now, lay out your two 12.5" x 8" rectangles side by side with the short edge on the bottom. Make sure your white fabric is on the port side (left) and your print fabric is on the starboard side (right). 

Using your cardstock, mark a 1/2" dot inside the lower left corner. 

Mark an additional dot in each of the corners indicated by the arrows.

Now, using your ruler, draw a line across your white fabric using the dots as a guide. You are essentially "connecting the dots" but you want your lines to extend to the edge of the fabric.

Now, take your white piece of fabric and rotate it clockwise and match up the dots on the white fabric with the dots on your print fabric. The dots will still be on the outside, you are just placing them on "top" of each other. The top of the white fabric is now on the lower right. 

Lift up the fabric and make sure the dots are on lined up on the top AND bottom. 

Now pin your fabric into place (but not near the drawn line). 

Sew 1/4" from both sides of drawn line.

Cut your pieces along the line to separate.

And open them up and press. 

I pressed towards the white fabric because I didn't want to fight the scrappy sails, but it's up to you which way you press:) 

Now we are going to make our left sail(s). Lay out your 9" x 13.5" pieces of fabric with the print on the left and the white on the right (a reverse of the last). Mark your dots 1/4" from the corners indicated by the arrows. Using the dots as a guide (and your ruler) draw a line to "connect" the dots on the white piece of fabric. 

Doing the same thing as we did before except this time you will place your white fabric on top of the print fabric with the dot on the top of the white fabric aligned withe the dot on top of the print fabric. Make sure the upper and lower dots are aligned. 

Next, pin the fabric, sew a line 1/4" from both sides of the drawn line...

Separate, open them up and press! Your sails are all done. 

You now have enough sails to make 2 boats, but for this tutorial we are only completing 1 boat. 

Next you will need your (2) 1" x 7.5", 1.25" x 16", 1" x 13.5" strips. 

Sew your 1" x 7.5" strips to the top and bottom of the right sail. Then sew the two sails to the 1" x 13.25" center.

Next, sew the 1.25" x 16" strip to the bottom of the sails.

Then you will need your 3" x 16" color fabric for the boat, and your 3" x 3" white squares. Draw a diagonal line through the center of the white squares and place them on your boat as pictured. Sew a line through the drawn line on your squares.  

Now, trim the corner of the square leaving a 1/4" seam allowance from the line you sewed. 

Press the squares towards the white, and sew your "boat" to your sail unit. 

Square your boat to 16" wide and 16.5" high. And you're done! 

If you are making your the Summer Beach Quilt, make 3 completed sailboats and sew a 2.25in x 16in sashing between the sailboats. Please refer to the layout diagram for quilt layout and assembly. 

And now it's on to the little houses row:)