Basic Blocks PLUS.....

Basic Blocks PLUS... is a series of instructions to make traditional 12" block patterns PLUS instructions for making the same block in 6", 8" or 10" dimensions.

This set of instructions is for the Clay’s Choice. According Quilting in America.com Clay’s Choice is a popular block honoring Henry Clay, a longtime politician of the early 1800s.

Here is a black and white labelled map of the Clay’s Choice Block:

Clay’s Choice block is made using three color choices. It is a very simple block to make, and is a pleasing pattern. Here’s how the block can look when put together in a quilt:

Three colors used are Blue, Terracotta and Biscuit.

Cutting Instructions

Cutting Instructions for making a 6” block
Template A: Cut 8 x 2 3/8" squares in Biscuit Fabric
Template B: Cut 4 x 2 3/8" squares in Blue Fabric. (To be made into Half Square Triangles -see below)

TemplateB: Cut 2 x 2 3/8” squares in Terracotta Fabric. (To be made into Half Square Triangles -see below)

TemplateB: Cut 2 x 2 3/8” squares in Biscuit Fabric. (To be made into Half Square Triangles -see below)

Cutting Instructions for making a 8" block
Template A: Cut 8 x 2 1/2" squares in Biscuit Fabric
Template B: Cut 4 x 2 7/8" squares in Blue Fabric. (To be made into Half Square Triangles -see below)

TemplateB: Cut 2 x 2 7/8” squares in Terracotta Fabric. (To be made into Half Square Triangles -see below)

TemplateB: Cut 2 x 2 7/8” squares in Biscuit Fabric. (To be made into Half Square Triangles -see below)

Cutting Instructions for making a 10" block
Template A: Cut 8 x 3” squares in Biscuit Fabric
Template B: Cut 4 x 3 3/8" squares in Blue Fabric. (To be made into Half Square Triangles -see below)

TemplateB: Cut 2 x 3 3/8” squares in Terracotta Fabric. (To be made into Half Square Triangles -see below)

TemplateB: Cut 2 x 3 3/8” squares in Biscuit Fabric. (To be made into Half Square Triangles -see below)

Cutting Instructions for making a 12" block
Template A: Cut 8 x 3 1/2" squares in Biscuit Fabric
Template B: Cut 4 x 3 7/8" squares in Blue Fabric. (To be made into Half Square Triangles -see below)

TemplateB: Cut 2 x 3 7/8” squares in Terracotta Fabric. (To be made into Half Square Triangles -see below)

TemplateB: Cut 2 x 3 7/8” squares in Biscuit Fabric. (To be made into Half Square Triangles -see below)

To print out the How To Series instructions for Half Square Triangle Units Click here.

Sewing Instructions

Step 1: Using the instructions for the Half Square Triangle Units, make 2 HSTU from the Blue and Terracotta fabric.

Step 2: Using the instructions for the Half Square Triangle Units, make 2 HSTU from the Blue and Biscuit fabric.

Step 3: Place the top line of four blocks according to the picture following.

Step 4: Sew each of the blocks together, using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 5: Sew the remaining three rows the same, according to the block pattern, using a 1/4" seam allowance

Step 6: Sew each of the rows together to form the block.

Congratulations! This block is complete.