how to make a tree block--part one, cutting

There are lots of tree blocks out there. This simple, primitive tree is based on one that I saw about 25 years ago on a Ladies Circle Patchwork Quilts magazine. What a wonderful magazine that was.

I use the EZ angle and the Companion Angle rulers by Sharon Hultgren. When I have a choice when drafting a block, I try to get the geometry to work with these rulers. These are very useful rulers that are well worth the investment (and re-investment as I lose them in my sewing room...)

Cutting

Plaids:
Cut a strip 2 1/2 inches by about 12 inches long.
Cut from left to right, one EZ angle at 2 1/2, one Companion angle at 2 1/2, one Companion angle at 3, and one final EZ angle.

Let's look closer at that second Companion angle patch. The first one was a goose, but the second is a decapitated triangle.

(The two EZ angle triangles are set aside. They are not part of the block, but I may choose to use them in the border. If not, they are ready to go for another project. By starting and ending your cutting with the EZ angle around the cutting for the Companion angles, you have two half square triangles of a usable size, and no waste.)

Trimming dog ears:
use the EZ angle to trim the dog ears off of the goose and decapitated triangle pieces.
(You may find your piecing more accurate with or without the dog ears in place--whichever way you choose, make sure you remove the dog ears before the last step to reduce bulk.)

Solids:
Cut a strip 2 1/2 inches by about 17 inches long.
Cut two EZ angles at 3, two EZ angles at 2 1/2, two squares at 2 1/2.

 Let us look closer at those cut at 3.

Trimming dog ears: (not shown)
use the EZ angle to trim the dog ears off of the triangle pieces if desired.

Trunk fabric:
Cut strip 2 1/2 inch. Cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces for trunks.