Free Trade

The Free Trade Pattern was published in the Kansas City Star in 1933. The example quilt layout shows how the blocks interact with each other. I especially like the diamonds that appear as the points of the stars come together. AccuQuilt GO! Dies and rotary cutting instructions are provided.

Fabric

Fabric A - Cream or Tan fabric
Fabric B - Green fabric

AccuQuilt GO! Dies

8" Block

Cut 6 Fabric A Squares - GO! Square 2 1/2" 55059 or Value Die 55018 or use 55014 or 55017 2 1/2" Strip Cutter, then rotate 90° and sub cut into 2 1/2" squares

Cut 10 Fabric A Triangles - Go! Half Square 2" Finished Triangles: Die 55063 or Value Die 55018

Cut 10 Fabric B Triangles - Go! Half Square 2" Finished Triangles: Die 55063 or Value Die 55018

12" Block

Cut 6 Fabric A Squares - GO! Square 3 1/2" 55006

Cut 10 Fabric A Triangles - Go! Half Square 3" Finished Triangles: Die 55009

Cut 10 Fabric B Triangles - Go! Half Square 3" Finished Triangles: Die 55009

Rotary Cutting

8" Block

Cut 6 - 2 1/2" Squares from Fabric A

Cut 5 - 2 7/8" Squares for half square triangles from Fabric A

Cut 5 - 2 7/8" Squares for half square triangles from Fabric B

12" Block

Cut 6 - 3 1/2" Squares from Fabric A

Cut 5 - 3 7/8" Squares for half square triangles from Fabric A

Cut 5 - 3 7/8" Squares for half square triangles from Fabric B

Block Assembly Instructions

1. Assemble ten Fabric A and Fabric B half square triangles. Refer to the Half Square Triangles from Squares diagram if using rotary cut pieces or visit the Half Square Triangles Quilting Basic Section for more information.

2. Finger press the seam allowances toward the darker fabric. Double check measurements of the half squares. If doing the 8" block, your half squares should measure 2 1/2" unfinished. If doing the 12" block, your half squares should measure 3 1/2" unfinished. If the square ended up too small, check your seam allowance is a scant 1/4" or if it was too big, trim down.

3. Arrange the squares and half square triangles as shown in the exploded view.

4. Starting with the first row, align, pin and sew the squares and half square triangles together to form the first row unit. Sew the remaining three rows in the same manner.

5. Press the seam allowances of each unit in opposite directions to make it easier to nest the seams.

6. Match the seam lines in the first and second row, nesting the seams then pin. Sew the first and second units together. Continue to add the third and fourth row units in this manner. Press the block on the back then the front.