Suspension Bridge Block
DIFFICULTY LEVEL ‣ ADVANCED
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE: 12″ X 12″
The bold, geometric lines of this block lend it an Art Deco feel. The style became popular in France during the 1910s, shortly before World War I, and became widespread in America and Europe in the 1920s and ’30s. Interestingly, the block was first published by this name in 1922 by the Ladies Art Company. Foundation piecing allows you to achieve those sharp, narrow points successfully.
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. Fabric requirements include extra yardage for shrinkage and insurance. If working with directional prints, you may want to begin with more fabric than called for. Pattern is based on an antique quilt and has been simplified as needed for ease of construction and may differ slightly from original.
FABRIC:
Fabric A: 1 fat quarter (18″ x 20″) medium tan fabric for arcs
Fabric B: 1 fat quarter (18″ x 20″) red fabric for arcs
Fabric C: 1 fat eighth (9″ x 20″) cream fabric for arcs and center square
Fabric D: 1 fat eighth (9″ x 20″) dark gray fabric for center templates
CUTTING:
From Fabric A, cut:
• 1 set of (24) 3″ x 3″ squares
From Fabric B, cut:
• 1 set of (20) 3″ x 3″ squares
From Fabric C, cut:
• (1) 4″ x 4″ square
• (4) Template B
From Fabric D, cut:
• (4) Template C
Block Assembly:
Print (1) Arc Template and verify print size. Print 4 total Arc Templates. Printed side of Arc Template is the sewing side, and rectangles are placed right sides together on the unprinted side, aligning with each new stitching line. Place (1) Fabric A 3″ square over (1) Fabric B 3″ square with right sides together and raw edges aligned. Referring to Diagram 1, from the back, align squares with first seam line on paper Arc Template, allowing ¼” to extend past line. Sew on the line, then turn over and flip Fabric B along seam line so that right sides are open and seam allowance is covered. Finger-press in place. Continue, alternating Fabrics A and B as marked on the template, trimming excess as needed. When complete, trim excess fabric from Arcs, remove paper, and press to make (1) Arc. Make 4.
Sew (1) Fabric C Template B to inner curve of (1) Arc to make (1) Arc Quarter. Make 4.
Referring to Diagram 3, lay out (4) Arc Quarters with (1) Fabric C 4″ square and (4) Fabric D Template Cs. Sew (1) Template C to each side of (1) Fabric C square to make Center. Sew each Arc Quarter to Center piece to complete Suspension Bridge Block.
This block uses paper piecing to create accurate arcs for the block units. Choose a lightweight paper that will fit your printer, and remember that you will be sewing with the fabric on the bottom and printed template on top. Check the printed template to be sure of size before printing all arcs.
The weight of paper used and the stitch length may be adjusted. The paper should be heavy enough to withstand printing and handling, and the stitching should withstand handling and paper removal. We encourage you to experiment to see what options are best for you.
