Virginia Reel Cutting Instructions: (Need help cutting pieces using the rotary cutter? Refer to our Rotary Cutting lesson page.) Peach solid ... 2 strips 1 9/16" x 7" (*Strip cutting guide - PDF file) ... 4 squares 2 3/8" x 2 3/8", cut diagonally to make 8 half-square triangles (Piece A) ... 4 squares 3" x 3", cut diagonally to make 8 half-square triangles (Piece B) ... 4 squares 3 7/8" x 3 7/8", cut diagonally to make 8 half-square triangles (Piece C)

Block Size: 12" Finished Intermediate Level

Peach print
... 1 strip 1 9/16" x 7"
... 2 squares 2 3/8" x 2 3/8", cut diagonally to make 4 half-square triangles (Piece A)
... 2 squares 3" x 3", cut diagonally to make 4 half-square triangles (Piece B)
... 2 squares 3 7/8" x 3 7/8", cut diagonally to make 4 half-square triangles (Piece D)

Green print
... 1 strip 1 9/16" x 7"
... 2 squares 2 3/8" x 2 3/8", cut diagonally to make 4 half-square triangles (Piece A)
... 2 squares 3" x 3", cut diagonally to make 4 half-square triangles (Piece B)
... 2 squares 3 7/8" x 3 7/8", cut diagonally to make 4 half-square triangles (Piece C

Piecing the block
Step 1. Using Diagram I as a guide, piece together Green print 1 9/16" x 7" strip to Peach solid 1 9/16 x 7" strip. (Repeat for Peach print and Peach solid strips) Press seam allowances toward dark fabric. Sub cut pieced strips into 1 9/16" x 2 5/8" rectangles. Sew rectangles together to make 4 four-patch units.

Diagram I

Step 2. Using Diagrams II, III, and IV as guides, make square-in-square units beginning with the 2 3/8" half-square triangles (Piece A). Sew Piece B half-square triangles (3") to unit. Complete the quadrant (Snail's Trail Block) by sewing Piece C half-square triangles (3 7/8") to unit.

Diagram II

Diagram III

Diagram IV

Step 3. Turn quadrants to layout Virginia Reel pattern. Referring to Assembly Diagram, sew quadrants together to make block.

Assembly Diagram