Christmas Symbols Quilt Along-- Candy Canes and Tutorial

The second symbol of the quilt along, is the Candy Cane.  Candy canes symbolize Christmas because the shape is like a shepherds crook.

 The shepherds came to see baby Jesus. Christ is known as the good shepherd.  And when turned, the shape is a letter "J"

Luke 2: 8-9  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.

Candy Cane block tutorial

Cutting Instructions

Background fabric    White fabric              Red Fabric                     Bow fabric
(2) 10 1/2 x 2"        (2) 7 x 1 3/4" strips  (1) 3" square                 (1) 4" square
(4) 1 3/4 x 3"          (1) 1 3/4" square     (1) 7 x 1 3/4" strip
(2) 1 3/4" squares     (not shown)           (1) 1 3/4 x 3 1/2" strip
(1) 3" square
(1) 5" square
(1) 4 1/2" square
(1) 4" square

Step 1.  
a.  Place the 3" squares right sides together (RST) and sew around the perimeter.  

b.  Slice diagonally, press open and square up to 1 3/4"

Step 2.  
a.  Sew along one edge of a white and red 7" strip (RST) and press open.  
b.  Slice off (2) 1 3/4" x 3" sections (square up).  

c.  Then sew the remaining red strip (1 3/4" x 3 1/2") to the remaining section.
d.  Cut the 3 strip section into two as shown and square to be 1 3/4 x 4 1/4"

Step 3.  Slice the 5", the 4 1/2", and the 4" square diagonally ONCE.

Step 4.  Cut the 7" x 1 3/4" strip into (4) 1 3/4" squares and you have one more that you cut initially so you have (5) 1 3/4" squares.  (note: only 4 are shown)

Step 5.  Lay out all the parts into the candy cane design.

Step 6.  Sew sections together as shown by the yellow circles in the following photos.  Press.

Square up the Candy cane hook section to 4 1/4"

Sew remaining candy cane hook.  Start sewing on the setting triangles

I forgot to add the yellow circles but can you see where to sew?

Sew on final two corner triangles

Sew two sections together

Square up to 7 1/2 x 10 1/2"  Be sure to leave room at the bottom to preserve your points.

Get ready to sew on the final borders.

Borders pinned on and fold the Bow square in half RST and stitch around leaving a 2" opening for turning (see the wreath tutorial for more pictures and instructions)

Square the block up to 10 1/2" square.

Stop by soon for more Christmas symbol block tutorials!
Note:  Symbols and scripture references attributed to Emilie's family time blog ideas: A Year of Family Home Evenings.