Friendly Hand This is another block that reminds me of my many friends from our sixty-five retreats. There were so many friendly hands that helped me in all those years, retreaters as well as people who worked at the Inn, and my family. Those retreats could not have happened without all the friendly hands I had. This block looks a little off by itself, but when put together with a bunch, it makes a great quilt. I played in Electric Quilt and decided if I was going to make one, it would be scrappy, but all my darks would be the same color, most likely a dark blue since I have a lot of blue scraps and stash. And I'm pretty sure my lights would be a variety of white-on-whites, since I have more of that than anything else.         I'm giving you directions to make one block as usual. For one 12 inch finished Friendly Hand block you will need to cut:       One 2 inch by 17 inch strip of both colors       Four 3 7/8 inch squares of both colors       Two 3 1/2 inch square of both colors Note: If you plan to make a full quilt of this block, you can find directions on how to cut multiple squares for your diagonal half squares here. Step by step directions for making diagonal half squares two at a time can be found here. Mark your squares diagonally through the center. Sew 1/4 inch on either side of your marked line, then cut on that line. Press to the dark fabric. You should have two 3 1/2 inch diagonal half squares. To make your four patch squares, sew together the 17 inch strips using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Press to the darker color and then cut into two inch segments. Sew two segments back together, alternating colors into the four patch blocks, which should measure 3 1/2 inches. Now you get to put the block together. Each row is different, so assemble them one at a time. (If you are making a lot of blocks, I would still assemble them a row at a time. And if you are making a scrappy quilt, this is a great opportunity to mix up your pieces.) Row One       Row Two       Row Three       Row Four       Here are diagrams of two quilts, first the green blocks sampled above. The second quilt is how I vision the scrappy blue Friendly Hand quilt I would make if I ever had time to get around to it. (Only mine would be much scrappier!)       I made a sample block in blues, and when I posted the photo online, I noticed a mistake. I decided to show my mistake, so you all know that I'm not perfect. (As if you didn't know that already....) The corrected block isn't perfect either, but close enough to be perfect when seen from a galloping horse... something one of the retreaters frequently said.       This pattern can be used for personal use only and can not be used commercially without the owner's permission. No copies may be made without the owner's permission. This includes the patterns as well as any graphics and/or instructions that are associated with a pattern. The content on these pages, including text and images are the sole property of the Delaware Quilts and may not be used in any manner without consent. All Rights Reserved. Friendly Hand © Delaware Quilts November 2025 Posted , 2025 |Home| Quilts| Email|