Using directional prints with Yonder Quilt

A directional print: A print that has an obvious right side up and an upside down, or a stripe that you want to be in the same direction in every piece of the block.

This is a bonus post I've decided to supply to take the guesswork out of how to cut these pieces in case you have a directional print that you would like to be upright in your Yonder block.

Get the printable file for this tutorial here, along with other bonus files!

I have used directional prints in the Yonder blocks I've made, but stuck to the pattern’s cutting chart, and let the direction of the print in the individual parts be any-which-way. I like it to have that scrappy, laid-back look, so don't feel like your stripe or directional fabric needs to be cut according to these additional instructions.

But, if it’s your style to want every piece of a star (or section of the block) to have the same orientation, go for it!

These instructions are meant to be used hand-in-hand with the pattern, and add a level of complication to cutting, but I’ll aim to make it as clear as possible.

First, some notes:

I recommend upping your yardage for any directional print to 3/4 yards to compensate for some diagonal cuts. In the pattern every piece is cut on the straight of grain to start, then some are sub cut or cut to the size of the template. To make these sections have all the same orientation, you will need to cut a 45° angle, then cut the dimensions of the piece from that diagonal cut.

Please consider that these different cuts will mean that the straight-of-grain and the bias will now be in different places in the pieces. It could be a good idea to starch these prints before cutting so they don't stretch where they wouldn't have otherwise.

I'd recommend only having one of the five A-E sections have a directionally cut print in any one block.

Once cut, lay out the full block before assembly to ensure that every directional piece is facing the way you wish it.