Block Heads.  It's a Block of the Week with favorite blocks from many of Moda's Designers.  With Round 3 starting, we wanted to answer the most-asked questions.  And with so many new Block Heads, there is a lot to know.

So here we go.

How do I join?  Grab some fabric, the block instructions and start sewing.  It's that simple. 

How will I know when new blocks are posted?  And how will I find them?  Each new block is posted on Wednesday morning at 8:00 am.  Ish.  But if you're waiting at your computer with fingers poised... be patient.  Websites get overwhelmed when thousands - yes, thousands! - click the Designer blog link at the same time.  (Ask us how we know.)

If you read this blog and/or follow any of Moda's social media, you'll know which Designer blog will have the pattern instructions for that week's block.  The list of Designers will be included in each post - with links to their blogs. 

How many blocks are there?  For Block Heads 3, there will be 56 blocks - four blocks each from fourteen Designers.

How big is the quilt?  That depends on the size block you choose to make.  For BH1, all of the blocks were 6" finished, and for BH2, the blocks were mixed sizes.  This time, each of the blocks can be made in at least two sizes - 6" and 12" finished.  Most will also include instructions for 4" and 8" finished.  If you make all 12" blocks, that's an 84" x 96" quilt without sashings or borders.  For 6" blocks, that's 42" x 58".  

How will the quilt be assembled?  That is also up to you but the designers are sharing their ideas for layouts on their blogs.  We will also be sharing several layout options that include how many blocks are needed, what sizes to make, yardages and assembly.  (The first option is coming tomorrow - Friday, January 17.)

Is the block only available on the Designer blog?  Yes.  Mostly.  On Friday, the PDF for the instructions will be posted in the Moda Block Heads Facebook Group.  (More on that in a moment.)

Why do I have to go to the Designer blog for the instructions?  One of the original reasons for the Block Heads was to introduce quilters and makers to Moda's traditional Designers.  The original Block Heads were Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles, Betsy Chutchian, Jan Patek, Lisa Bongean and Jo Morton.  Each blogged every week, sharing blocks, tips and extras.  Because we knew you'd be as interested as we were, we also asked them questions about their design process, how they stored fabric, etc.  It was a lot of fun and we learned a lot about these ladies. 

For Block Heads 2, we expanded the group to include Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique, Laurie Simpson, Stacy Iest Hsu, Corey Yoder, Sherri McConnell. Barb and Mary of Me & My Sister, and Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic.  With such varied styles and color palettes, it was amazing to see the variety in the blocks and finished quilts.

If the blocks are available without having to visit Designer blogs, that circumvents one of the reasons why we do all this.  We get it - once we publish the blocks, they are available to everyone to be used however they like.  But honestly, we think you're missing out by not visiting the Designer blogs.   

How much yardage do we need?  That depends on the size block you choose to make, how scrappy you want to make your quilt, and how big you want your quilt to be. 

Our best guess-timate is to start with 32 to 36 Fat Quarters for your mediums and darks.  If you're going to make as many 12" blocks as possible, 36 to 40 Fat Quarters is better.  That will be generous and you will probably have leftover pieces that can be used for do-over blocks and some of the little extras the Designers will be sharing along the way. 

Background?  If you're making 6" blocks, 3 to 4 yards will be more than enough.  For 8" blocks, 5 to 6 yards.  For 12" blocks, 7 to 8 yards.  If you like sampler quilts made with sashings and borders that match the background, add accordingly. 

If you're really worried about not having enough background - or running out - we recommend using a Bella Solid.  The color will match and they're always available.  If you're worried you won't remember the number you got, write the color number in the selvage with a black Sharpie.  (E.g., 9900-200.)

How do I get the patterns for Block Heads 1 and Block Heads 2?  Block Heads 1 became a book from Martingale - Moda Blockheads.

The patterns for Block Heads 2 can be found through the blog posts for Block Heads 2 - and there is a single page listing the block and blog links in the works.  (You might have noticed we moved digs and that "box" seems to have been temporarily misplaced.  It happens, right?).  So - Block Heads 2.

What is the Facebook group about?  It's an online quilt group for everyone making Block Heads blocks!  There are beginners and experts, super-fast stitchers and folks just finishing their BH1 and BH2 quilts.  If you have problems with a block, questions about color or fabric choices, or just want to hang with other quilters, these folks are there for you!  (It gets a little crazy sometimes - uh, like early Wednesday morning... - but everyone is supportive and nice.)

To find the Facebook Group - Moda Block Heads Facebook Group.

Is there an Instagram group?  No, but there is a hashtag.  Two of them that we're using!  #modablockheads and #modablockheads3.

And finally...

Who are the Designers for Block Heads 3?  This is the list of the fourteen designers - in the order they'll be posting - with links to their blogs.

• Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilts
• Sherri McConnell of A Quilting Life
• Betsy Chutchian
• Jan Patek
• Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic
• Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings
• Lissa Alexander
• Laurie Simpson
• Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique
• Stacy Iest Hsu
• Robin Pickens
• Janet Clare
• Jen Kingwell
• Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree & Co.

So what did we forget? 

If you have any questions - please ask!

One last thing - the option to sign-up to receive new blog posts for The Cutting Table and the Moda Bake Shop was also misplaced in our recent move.  We're working to get that added back as quickly as possible. 

If you're new and you missed it, here's Block 1 of Block Heads 3 - Corey Yoder's Star Crossed.