Strictly Solids BOM June

This month I wanted to try a more traditional block, but in the same bright colours of orange, red and white:

The block is called Courthouse Steps and is really easy to make, but really effective in bright colours!

It has it's history in the log cabin block. You can read more about the history of the block at Barbara Brackman's blog. It is the perfect block for a beginner.

You need one 3" square for the centre and strips of colour 1.5" wide.

I prefer to size the strips as I go, so that I am not guessing the size of the block as it grows and getting frustrated at having strips too short.

To start with, place your central  square right side up and cut 2 strips 1.5" by 3". Attach these to the sides of the square using a 1/4" seam:

Press the seams flat and open.

Measure the top edge of this unit and cut the next 2 strips for the top and bottom with a width of 1.5".

Sew them into place on the top and bottom of the block:

Press the seams open again.

You now have your first step!

Keep adding strips, starting with the sides strips. Make sure to measure the length of the side you are adding to before cutting and keep the strips 1.5" wide!

To get a 12.5" block you will need 5 steps on each side the central square.

I hope you enjoy making it!

Make sure you share the photos over on Flickr.

You can see the other blocks here.

See you next month!