Week 1 of the National Quilters Circle Mystery Paper Piecing Quilt Block Challenge was a great success – we loved seeing the beautiful color combinations you all have chosen! It’s now time for our second week reveal! This week we will be making blocks two and three.
Over the course of six weeks, we will be creating the Mystery Ice Crystals quilt pattern, designed by the talented Toby Lischko.
Looking for fabric requirements? Find them here!
Click the button below to download a PDF with instructions for week two. Make sure to share your progress in the Quilt Block Challenge Facebook Group – we can’t wait to see everyone’s work!
If you haven’t signed up for the Quilt Block Challenge, there’s still time! You can sign up here to make sure you get the block assignments delivered to your inbox each week. And make sure to visit Toby’s quilt gallery to see more of her beautiful work!
Other blocks from this challenge:
Mystery Paper Piecing Quilt Block Challenge: Fabric Requirements
Mystery Paper Piecing Quilt Block Challenge: Week 1
Mystery Paper Piecing Quilt Block Challenge: Week 2
Mystery Paper Piecing Quilt Block Challenge: Week 3
Mystery Paper Piecing Quilt Block Challenge: Week 4
Mystery Paper Piecing Quilt Block Challenge: Week 5
Mystery Paper Piecing Quilt Block Challenge: Finishing Instructions
What is the square on the patterns marked 1″ used for?
I think the 1″ is to help you see the scale, so when you print it, that square should measure 1″.
The 1″ square is there as a measuring device to make sure your printer is printing at the right size. Adjust printing zoom if the 1″ square is larger or smaller than 1″.
The box with 1” is the gauge box when you print out your pattern make sure that it measures correctly, measure the box. If it measures 1”, then your pattern should come out to 12.5” after sewing together. Hope this helps.
When you print out the pattern the 1” square needs to measure one inch, if it does not then you have to adjust your printer settings.
these are so you can check that it is printed out correctly….. the square should measure 1” when it is printed, if it doesnt you need to tweak your settings on your printer
Sherry, the 1″ squares are on the pages to check that you are getting the correct size for your templates. Once you have printed the page, check the 1″ block to make sure it is accurate. If not, print again at ACTUAL SIZE – NOT FIT TO PAGE.
It is to check your printer to make sure it is print the size required or the blocks. Hope this helps. Toby was talking about it on the facebook link. Hope this helps. Good luck.
my thought is a size gage. if it measures 1 in you have printed correctly
Measure it after printing to ensure the printed pattern is the right size.
It is to be certain your patterns are printed to the correct scale. Print the pattern and measure the square to confirm it is 1″. If you print at “actual size” you should be good to go! If the square is not 1″, you blocks will not be the correct size.
The square with 1″ written in it should measure out to be a perfect 1″ square as a sizing guide for accuracy in printing
The 1″ square is so you can check the size when you print the copy out. After you print the copy, check to be sure the square measures 1″. If it doesn’t, you may have to adjust your sizing on the printer or your piece won’t be the correct size. If it’s bigger than an inch, your block will be bigger. If it’s less than an inch, your block will be smaller.
The 1” square is ther eto help you verify your printer printed the pattern to the correct scale. If it measures exactly 1”, you don’t have to do anything. If your one inch square is any different, you’ll need to try printing it again.
On your paper, you measure it. If you have a real 1″, the size is right. For that you have to print “real size”. Sometimes printer is set to shrink to fit and then the square does not measure a real one inch, and you’ll have trouble when assembling all of the blocks…
Love <3
You measure the one inch block to make sure that it is truly one inch so that you can make sure that your pattern printed at the correct size.
To verify that your print is the correct size. When you print your templates measure the 1″ block with a ruler to see if it is one inch. If it is not the templates will make a smaller block .
In case you have not already gotten a reply, the 1″ box is for you to check your copy to see if it copies “actual size”.
This is there to ensure your pattern printed correctly. If you measure that square, it should be 1″. If it isn’t then you need to re-print your pattern (usually want to ensure printing with no scale or at 100% will help)
Sherry A Hudson, the 1″ boxes are there so you can measure to see if it printed as 1″. If it measures 1″ after you print it, then you have the pattern printed at the correct size. If the box measures differently you will need to adjust you printer settings to 100% and reprint the pattern.
That is the test block to see if your printer printed true. If it measures 1″ you have a true print and can use the pattern as is. If it is smaller or larger look in you print settings and see why it isn’t at 100%.
if the square is not printing out 1″ on your paper the pattern pieces will not be the right size either.
On pattern for block 2 & 3 are squares 1″ – what are they?
I believe they are just a gauge for you to measure (check) to make sure you printed out your patterns the correct size.
All patterns include a 1″ square as a guide to keep the patterns consistent. Sometimes copying a pattern will shrink or expand the pattern and you’ll get a wonky result. If your printer prints the pattern and the 1″ square IS 1″ on a side, all is right with the world. Otherwise, you need to experiment with shrinking or expanding the copy setting until the 1″ square is a perfect 1″ square. Printer/copier shops can do this for you, saving time if not money.
I think the 1″ is to help you see the scale, so when you print it, that square should measure 1″.
The squares are to make sure you are printing out at 100% the square is supposed to measure 1″ if that does then your paper pieces are printed out at the proper size.
See above 🙂
They are to measure to make sure your pattern printed to scale. They should be 1″ when measured with a ruler. If not, your pattern is not printed the correct size.
Having trouble with week #3 matching up sides and staying square. Is there a secret to this?
That square is for checking that your piece matches your gauge. I would use a ruler to check that your printer has printed the gauge accurately.
Hi, those are registration squares. When you print out the pattern on your printer you’ll want to make sure those squares print EXACTLY 1″ or nothing will fit together correctly.
The squares should measure 1″ when printed. This is so that you know the patterns printed at the correct scale.
Thank you!
Thank you
I’m new to paper piecing and had fun with the first block but I don’t know what the 1” square is for on blocks 2 and 3. Could you please explain? Thank you.
This is 1st time doing a mystery quilt.
Thanks
Do you know when I will be receiving my material? I ordered it last week. Your already on your next two blocks
Hi Leeann,
Here is a link to the site you ordered the material from. You will want to contact them and they will look into it for you. https://www.gatewayquiltsnstuff.com/
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
The first block went together quite well, so the next two shouldn’t be a problem.
Thanks
The square with 1″ written in it should measure out to be a perfect 1″ square as a sizing guide for accuracy in printing
Waiting for fabric to start.
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone has a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter account. Is there just a regular ol’ website where the pictures of everyone’s blocks can be viewed?
Hello Tiffany,
I do apologize, however to only way to share the completed blocks or to view the completed blocks is on our Facebook page “NQC Quilt Block Challenge.” You can however still participate and make the quilt without Facebook.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I’m looking for Week 1 pattern, I missed it and can’t get to the download pdf
Hello Valerie,
Here is the link to week 1. https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/mystery-challenge-week-1/
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Can someone please tell me where to find the pdf for block 2 and 3….. I have tried everything to find them, but keep getting the pdf for Ice-Crystals Block. Thanks
Hello Maureen,
The name of this quilt is Ice-Crystals, so it does sound like you are getting the correct PDF to download.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Again I did not receive an email for block 2. I called the number which I was sent for block 1, but she was no help. I know I signed up for this challenge 2x to be sure I would get it. Please let me know what I need to do to get block two and the rest. Thank You!
Hello Ellen,
We are sorry to hear that you did not receive block 2. Did you check your junk/spam folder to see if the email was in there? I have signed up your email address again to see if that helps with the emails to start going to you.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I notice no 1/4 inch seam allowances on Blocks 2 and 3 around the edges. Should I be concerned?
I am new to quilting in general and to paper piecing specifically. This pattern is not making sense to me.
Thank you
I love paper piecing.
Trying to open Block 2 & 3 and video for Block 1. Block 1 isn’t opening –no video. I do not have a printer so I am going to FedX to copy.
Got week 1 but no email for week 2.
Hello Annette,
We are sorry to hear that you did not receive week 2. Please make sure to check your junk/spam folder to see if the emails are going in there.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
How can I find the demonstration video that I watched a couple of days ago. I want to rewatch it.
The video showing Lesson 1
I am from Israel, a member of the Israeli Association, in fact a patchwork
Is it recomended that we go ahead and sew blocks one two and three together? And do we sew them in a straight line or two blocks on top and two in the second row ( when wae get block 4)
Hello,
No, it is not recommended that you sew any of the blocks together yet. The finishing and assembly instructions will be coming out later.
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
I am doing something wrong. I can’t get in so I can find the patterns for block 2 and 3. Help
Hello Barb,
The patterns for blocks 2 & 3 are located within this post. Simply click on Download Pattern to start the download process.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Looking forward!
When does week three come out in the challenge?
Hello Lynn,
Week three will be sent out by email Friday around 3:00 PM CST.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Love to paper piece. Is there a way to get templets if you do no have a printer?
Hello Vivian,
Unfortunately, You would need a printer to print of the patterns.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Having trouble with block 3, it just doesn’t go together evenly. Seems as if pattern pieces don’t fit. Help?
When I printed week 2, I got block 3. Where is block 2?
Hello Patty,
This week contains block 2 & 3. Block 2 is pages 1-4.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
this will be fun
Why are Different weeks links updated I do a search for week three and it only gives me up to week two
Hello Dawn,
Week 3 will be sent out by email today around 3:00pm CST.
Thanks,
Becky
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Coming in late. I’ll catch up.
This looks like fun!!
I can’t get week 2 pattern
Looking forward to the challenge
Are there any video for the Mystery Quilt explaining how to do this. I am new to quilting and have never paper pieced. Help
Can’t wait to get started!
How do I find the tutorial on using freezer paper to paper piece?
Hi Mary Jo,
We have that tutorial posted on our NQC Quilt Block challenge Facebook group page under the videos tab.
We also have this tutorial available as well:
https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/paperless-paper-piecing-technique-015622/
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle Video Membership
Please add the 1″ square to the week 5 to ensure consistent sizing.
Eager to get started on finishing this challenge quilt…wish I could say I was ‘patiently waiting for the Finishing Instructions’ to be posted…LOL
Thank you for the challenge
I am a relatively new quilter, but am not entirely new to foundation paper piecing. I recently finished a table topper using the pineapple pattern. However, I am having a difficult time getting the correct seam allowances for the pieces in Week 1’s block. Do you have any suggestions?
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your patience while we get the answer from the expert, her is the response:
Hi,
Here is a tutorial that should help you. It is a basic block that covers the fundamentals of foundation paper piecing, that you can then use on the block you are working on now:
https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/foundation-paper-piecing-013022/
Cheers,
Ashley
National Quilters Circle