Tuckerizing is a method of adjusting the cutting blocks slightly larger and using the Studio 180 Design Tools to trim the blocks to size.
The blocks are more accurate and despite cutting the blocks slightly larger, you end up saving fabric! Did you know, only 10% of all quilters are accurate piecers. With the Studio 180 Design Tools - you too can make more accurate blocks.
Today, I'd like to share how to "Tuckerize" Cluck Cluck Sew's Heart blocks. The link to Allison Harris' heart block tutorial can be found below:
https://cluckclucksew.com/2015/01/making-heart-blocks-in-multiple-sizes.html
This tutorial provides instructions for making heart blocks in multiple sizes using a stitch and flip technique. Allison has done the heavy lifting in the design and writing of the block. The block sizes range from 4" through to 10" finished.
I must admit, my stitch and flip blocks have not been accurate. However, by simply changing the technique to use the Corner Pop Tool, you will have accurate blocks that go together easily and with accuracy.
With the size of the Corner Pop Tool, we can Tuckerize the 5" through 10" finished block sizes. The size of the 4" finished block is just a bit small for this tool. I have produced a chart which has the revised cutting for the 5" through 10" blocks. Here is the link to the PDF for the resized cutting instructions:
To make the Tuckerized Blocks simple, also take time to refresh you knowledge of how to use the Corner Pop Tool. Letter sized instruction sheets can be downloaded for free from the Studio 180 Design website.
Corner Pop Letter Size Instruction Sheet
I have printed the letter sized instructions for all my Studio 180 Design Tools and have them in sheet protectors in a reference binder. It works well.
Let's start cutting the Valentine Rug Mug. For the Rug Mug, we will be making a 5" finished size heart block. Please refer to the chart in the resized cutting chart. Of note, when you are cutting the background triangles, you first cut a square of the size noted and and then cut the square into two triangles by cutting along the diagonal of the square from one corner to the opposite diagonal corner.
Cut all the pieces for the 5" finished block using the resized cutting chart.
Select the 2 - 3" x 5 1/2" print rectangles and place them WRONG SIDES TOGETHER on your cutting mat. Then using my Corner Pop tool and the 2 1/2" and 3/4" Cut Away Corner lines on my tool I cut the rectangles as noted in the photo below right.
The 2 1/2" Cut Away Corner line is used to cut the bottom right corner of both rectangles.
The 3/4" Cut Away Corner is used to cut the top right and left corners of both rectangles.
By placing the rectangles Wrong Sides Together, you will have a mirror cut on the bottom corners of the rectangles. See the photo below.
Using the instructions from your Corner Pop tool, sew the replacement background triangles to the cut print rectangles.
Your seams will be more accurate if you have the print rectangle on the top when sewing on the rectangles.
Press to set your seams and on one rectangle, press all the seam allowances towards the print rectangle.
For the second print rectangle, press all the seam allowances towards the background replacement triangles.
Varying the pressing of the seam allowances will result in both intersecting seams along the center seam to "nest". With the nesting of the intersecting seams, your heart block will be perfect!
Your heart block will measure 5 1/2" square. Continue to construct your mug rug using the instructions on the Let's Tuckerize Hearts reference sheet.
For a little added interest, consider adding big stitch quilting on the "mock binding".
I hope your Valentine enjoy's their Valentine Mug Rug.
My go to Studio 180 Design Tools are part of my essential quilter's tool kit. These tools are not a one project tool.
