Drafting the Rectangle Template

The template for our rectangle block is an odd shape indeed. So we will have to draw it out in several stages on 1-inch graph paper. Depending on the size of your block, you might need over-sized paper. You can sew different sizes of rectangle blocks – depending on the width and length, the resulting window shape will vary and you can obtain very interesting results. For the purposes of this tutorial, we will use a 3 x 4” rectangle block as an example, but you can apply the same principles to any size rectangle.

1. On graph paper, draw the finished size (full size) of your rectangle. In the following illustrations, the size we will be working with is 3 x 4”. Draw two diagonal lines from corner to corner.

2. Draw a vertical and horizontal line through the center of the rectangle and well beyond it. Measure from the center point (0) to point A and mark this distance between points A and AA, and between points C and CC. Measure also from the center point (0) to point B and mark this distance between points B and BB, and between points D and DD.

3. Join the four points – AA, BB, CC, and DD – to form a diamond.

Trace the diamond onto a fresh piece of graph paper. Draw a horizontal and vertical line through the center of the diamond.

Trace one triangular quarter of the diamond onto template plastic (or recycled cardboard, such as a discarded cereal box). Flip the template over and place along the longest edge of one side of the diamond. Draw around the two other sides. Repeat this with the remaining three sides of the diamond. This gives you the complete shape for the rectangle template. Add a ¼” seam allowance all around the shape to complete the template.