Ships in the Night Block
DIFFICULTY LEVEL ‣ INTERMEDIATE
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE: 10″ x 10″
One of many patterns inspired by the sea, Ships in the Night may also be referred to as Dream Boat. Our method of cutting squares just slightly larger than needed and then trimming them down to size helps ensure accurate piecing results.
Instructions:
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Read through entire pattern before beginning project. Use ¼” seam allowances with fabric right sides together. Pressing arrows are included with illustrations. Basic quiltmaking supplies are assumed.
WOF = width of fabric
HST= half-square triangle
FABRIC:
Fabric A: (1) 8″ x WOF strip light fabric
Fabric B: (1) 4″ x 16″ piece dark fabric
Fabric C: (1) 3½” x 12″ piece medium fabric
CUTTING:
From Fabric A, cut:
• (1) 4½” strip. Cut strip into:
• (3) 3″ x 3″ squares
• (2) 2½” x 6½” rectangles
• (2) 2½” x 4½” rectangles
• (2) 2½” x 2½” squares
• (1) 1½” strip. Cut strip into:
• (2) 1½” x 10½” strips
From Fabric B, cut:
• (3) 3″ x 3″ squares
• (2) 2½” x 2½” squares
From Fabric C, cut:
• (1) 2½” x 10½” strip
Block Assembly:
1Draw a diagonal line on wrong side of (3) Fabric A 3″ squares. Place Fabric A marked square over Fabric B 3″ square. Referring to Diagram 1 sew a ¼” seam allowance on each side of drawn line. Cut in half on drawn line and press to make (2) HST Units. Trim to 2½” square. Make 5. (You will have 1 unused unit.)
Draw a diagonal line on wrong side of (2) Fabric B 2½” squares. Referring to Diagram 2, place (1) marked square onto one end of Fabric A 2½” x 4½” rectangle. Stitch together on drawn line. Trim corner ¼” from sewn line and press to make Partial Sail Unit. Make 2.
Draw a diagonal line on wrong side of (2) Fabric A 2½” squares. Referring to Diagram 3, place (1) square onto one end of Fabric C 2½” x 10½” rectangle. Sew together on drawn line. Trim corner ¼” from sewn line and press. Repeat on opposite end to make Boat Unit.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (1) EACH HST Unit and Partial Sail Unit as shown in Diagram 4. Sew together to make Short Sail Unit. Make 2.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (3) HST Units as shown in Diagram 5. Sew together to make Tall Sail Unit.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (2) Fabric A 2½” x 6½” rectangles, (2) Short Sail Units, and Tall Sail Unit as shown in Diagram 6. Sew together to make Sail Unit.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (2) Fabric A 1½” x 10½” strips, Sail Unit, and Boat Unit as shown in Diagram 7. Sew rows together to make Ships in the Night Block.
