How to Make Paint Brushes

My paint brush block, with the paint brush on the diagonal is a 7.5" square that finishes as a 7" square. The paint brush can be used alone, without the block. 

I used my Cricut to cut the handle for the brush (3 7/8" by 2"). After cutting the red handle, I bonded it to the background (2 1/2" by 6") with Heat n Bond light. Then I machine-appliquéd it. 

Next, I made the brush. Starting with a rectangle of the fabric (about 3" by 3 1/2") that would be the brush material, I stitched on a piece of colored fabric to represent paint.

I left the fabric behind the colored part and began stitching the threads with Isocord #1123 thread. I tested several threads in several colors and liked this the best.

When I liked the way the brush looked, I pressed it 

and trimmed it to 2 1/2" by 3".

Here is the back.

Next, I sewed a black piece (about 1" by 2 1/2") to the top of the brush.

I trimmed the black to 1/2" so it would finish at 1/4". Trim the edges, if needed.

Sew the bottom of the brush (color part) to the background fabric (about 3" by 2 1/2") .

Sew the handle part to the brush. The brush part appears to  be 1/4" bigger on each side. This is seam allowance.

Here's the back. I pressed so I didn't have to fold the brush stitching at all.

For the sides of the block, cut an 8 1/2" square of background fabric. Cut it in half on a diagonal.

Attach the triangles to the brush unit.

Now trim to a 7 1/2" square.

Enjoy!