The block for April, 2002 is Four Patch Chain. This block measures 12 inches square.  (12 1/2 inches unfinished).   Instructions:  Use good quality, 100% cotton pre-washed fabrics.

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Pick two coordinating or contrasting colors from your stash and use bleached, white muslin for the chain cross. 1.  From the background fabric, cut twelve 3 1/2 inch squares.   2.  From the coordinating fabric, cut one 2 inch by 18 inch strip.      From the white muslin, also cut one 2 inch by 18 inch strip.   3.  With right sides together, sew the strips along the long side of the rectangle using a 1/4" seam allowance.  You should end up with a 2-tone strip 3 1/2 inches by 18 inches.   Press to the dark side.  Cut the strip at 2 inch intervals to make 8 pairs of squares.  There will be a small amount left over which can be discarded. 4.  Sew 2 of these sections right sides together with a 1/4" seam allowance.   (See graphic 4)  Repeat with the other 6 sections.  You will end up with four 4-patch squares each 3 1/2 inches square.  Press 5.  Refering to graphics 5 & 6 assemble the 4-patch squares and the 3 1/2 inch background squares into four larger squares.  There will be two of each. 6.  Sew the larger squares into two rows and then assemble these rows into a finished block.  Refer to graphic 7 for placement.  Remember to pin the rows together well at the seams to ensure your corners match up as closely as possible.   Your completed unfinished block will measure 12 1/2 inches. 12 inches after sewn into a quilt!

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