5 Quilt Block Patterns Ebook
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Introduction to the Providence Quilt Block Pattern
Providence Quilt Block Pattern Providence is a five-patch quilt block made from a combination of squares, half square triangle units and quarter square triangle units. Both of the triangle unit variations can be assembled using quick piecing methods. The instructions assume you will use the easy sandwich method to make the triangle units. If you choose another method, cutting will differ. Choose a method that will yield units that finish at 2-1/2" x 21/2" -- or are an unfinished 3" x 3" square. Finished block size: 12-1/2" x 12-1/2" Providence Quilt Block Fabrics & Cutting Two different green print background fabrics are shown. They are similar, but the fabric used in quarter square triangle units are slightly lighter in color value. The deep purple (one is multicolor) fabrics blend, but look different visually. Midpoint squares are made from a paisley fabric that picks up some of the other colors in the block, but isn't as dark as the purple "star" tips. Light green print for background: (4) 3-3/8" x 33/8" squares; (9) 3" x 3" squares Lightest green print: (2) 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" squares Deepest purple print: (2) 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" squares (for quarter square triangle units) Purple/multicolor print: (4) 3-3/8" x 3-3/8" squares Medium paisley print: (4) 3" x 3" squares
Assemble the Providence Quilt Block
Assemble the Providence Quilt Block 1. Gather your 3-3/8" x 3-3/8" light green squares and your purple/multicolor squares of the same size. Use the easy sandwich method to pair contrasting squares, making four half square triangle units. When complete, each unit should measure 3" x 3". 2. Gather your 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" lightest green squares and the deep purple squares of the same size. Use the same easy sandwich method to pair contrasting squares. Half square triangle units should measure 3-3/8" x 3-3/8". 3. Take your Step 2 units one notch further, combining them to make quarter square triangle units. Follow the directions, and be sure to place unlike triangles right sides together when it's time to sew. Each completed unit should measure 3" x 3" square. 4. Arrange the pieced units and the squares into the sub-units (top, middle and bottom rows) as illustrated (lower left). Sew units in each section together, pressing seams in adjoining units in opposite directions where possible. 5. Sew components in each row together. 6. Sew rows together. Press. The quilt block should measure 13" x 13".
Providence Quilt Block Layout Example
Here's an example of four identical Providence quilt blocks that are straight set and sewn into two rows. The layout will change dramatically if you make scrappy blocks, or if you alter color value placement. You could also choose to sew sashing between quilt blocks, separate them with plain setting squares, or use an alternate block between them that "fits" with the Providence's patchwork intersections.
Introduction to the Checkerboard Flower Basket Quilt Block Pattern
Checkerboard Flower Basket Quilt Block Pattern Finishing at 16" square, the design works for a bed size quilt or as the medallion center for a wall hanging. The baskets look good on point or set horizontally as shown. There are hundreds of styles of basket quilt blocks. This version is made with a checkerboard base, shown here in two shades of green. A single floral triangle takes the place of applique flowers in the basket, but you can sew a different fabric in that slot and add yo yos or applique. Orange-salmon triangles sit above the basket -- I like to think of them as more flowers, but those slots can also represent a basket handle. A white-onwhite background contrasts with the basket fabrics. Fabrics and Cutting Cream or White-on-White Background • (2) 4-1/2" x 8-1/2" rectangles • (1) 8-7/8" x 8-7/8" square, cut in half once diagonally** • (6) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares Large Scale Floral Print • 8-7/8" x 8-7/8" square, cut in half once diagonally** Orange-Salmon for Flower Tips • (6) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares Dark Green for Basket • (11) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares Lighter Green for Basket • (6) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares • (4) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares, each cut in half once diagonally Save one of each triangle cut from 8-7/8" squares for a second quilt block or another project. Make the Flower Basket Top and Base Units
Make the Checkerboard Flower Basket Top and Base Units 1. Gather your green triangles and squares. Set aside two dark green squares and four lighter green triangles, reserving them for basket sides.
2. Find one of your orange-salmon 2-7/8" squares and cut it in half once diagonally. 3. Arrange the components you've gathered into six rows as illustrated, upper left area of the drawing. Each row begins with an orangesalmon triangle or a light green triangle. 4. Sew components of each row together. Press seam allowances towards darker squares. 5. Join the rows, matching seams carefully. Press. Basket Top 1. Gather (5) remaining 2-7/8" orange-salmon squares and (5) background squares of the same size, pairing contrasting squares together. Use the easy sandwich method to make (10) half square triangle units from the squares (one will not be used, save it for a scrappy project). When complete, each unit should measure 2-1/2" x 2-1/2". 2. Arrange and sew five of the half square triangle units into a vertical row as shown in the lower portion of the illustration. Cut the remaining 2-7/8" background triangle in half once diagonally and sew it to the bottom of the row. Press seam allowances towards darker fabric. 3. Sew four half square triangle units into a horizontal row as shown. Sew the remaining small background triangle to the end of the row. Press seam allowances towards darker fabric. 4. Sew the horizontal unit from Step 1 to one short side of the large floral triangle as shown. Press seam allowance towards the large triangle. 5. Sew the vertical row to the left side of the unit you just created. Press seam allowance towards the large triangle. 6. Sew the two completed units together. 7. Complete the Checkerboard Flower Basket Quilt Block
Complete the Checkerboard Flower Basket Quilt Block
1. Gather the four remaining light green triangles and two dark green squares. 2. Sew a green triangle to a green square as shown. Press seam allowance towards the square. Add a second triangle to the bottom of the unit. 3. Repeat to make another identical unit. 4. Sew each unit to a short end of a 4-1/2" x 81/2" background rectangle, arranging pieced bottoms to form a mirror image pair. Press seam allowances towards rectangles unless fabric is sheer. 5. Sew the mirror image units to the block as shown, one on the bottom and the other on the right-hand side. Make sure the patchwork formed by green triangles and squares is oriented as illustrated. 6. Center and sew the large background triangle to the bottom of the quilt block. Press. The block should measure 16-1/2" x 16-1/2".
Introduction to the Fool's Square Quilt Block Pattern
Fool's Square Quilt Block Pattern Personally, I would call this block a miniature, since it's half the size of the traditional 10" block we normally see for this design. But at 5" square, let's just call it small -- a petite scale that makes Fool's Square suitable for a wall hanging or a baby quilt. Fool's Square is very much like other star-motif blocks, another example of similar quilt blocks tagged with different names when their color value arrangements vary. Choose three fabrics for each Fool's Square. Make several blocks, but vary the fabrics. You'll be
working small, so make sure you are sewing an accurate 1/4" seam allowance, because even small variations can throw off the block's dimensions (you'll likely find that seams are most accurate when you sew a scant allowance). Block corners are made from half square triangle units. The cutting chart below lists the "textbook" size required to make units for the small block, but consider using slightly larger squares and then cutting your units back to the exact size after assembly, just to be sure they are accurate. When you trim-back, use a square ruler with a diagonal line from corner to corner (like Martingale's Bias Square). Align the diagonal line with the unit's diagonal seam, trimming two adjacent sides at once to the correct unfinished size (in this case 1-1/2" square) and making sure each represents exactly half of the unit. Fool's Square Fabrics & Cutting Pink floral print: • (1) 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" square • (3) 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" bars • (2) 1-7/8" x 1-7/8" squares (or cut larger and trim back after assembly) Dark pink print: • (12) 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" squares Green print: • (4) 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" squares • (2) 1-7/8" x 1-7/8" squares (or cut larger and trim back after assembly) Assemble Patchwork Units for the Fool's Square Quilt Block
Assemble the Fool's Square Quilt Block 1. Pair a 1-7/8" x 1-7/8" pink print square with a green square of the same size. Use the easy sandwich method to make two half square triangle units from the pair. When complete,
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each unit should measure exactly 1-1/2" x 11/2". Repeat to make two more identical half square triangle units from remaining 1-7/8" squares. Gather one 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" pink print bar and two 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" dark pink squares. Use the quick flying geese method to sew pink squares to each end of the bar, trimming a portion away to create the triangles. Be sure to orient seams as shown in the illustration on this page. Repeat to make three additional units. Create the block's nine-patch center by arranging four dark pink squares, one pink print square and four green squares (all are 11/2" x 1-1/2") into three rows as shown. Sew squares in each row together. Press seam allowances towards green squares. Join the rows, matching seams carefully.
Assemble the Fool's Square Quilt Block
1. Arrange components into three rows as shown. 2. Sew components in each row together. Take care, especially with the narrow top and bottom rows, which will likely have a tendency to stretch. 3. Press seam allowances in the tall center section towards the nine-patch unit; sew seam allowances in top and bottom rows towards the outer units. 4. Join rows, matching seams carefully. The quilt block should measure 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" square.
Maple Leaf Quilt Block Pattern
This Maple Leaf quilt block pattern was used for a previous Block Lotto drawing, a monthly event on our Quilting Forum. Participants sewed the leaves in fall colors of red, orange or yellow and placed them on a blue background. You can alter the theme to suit your needs. Finished Block Size: 9" x 9" Materials for One Block Light or medium-blue tone-on-tone background fabric: • one 3-1/2" square • two 3-7/8" squares • two 3-1/8" squares From red, orange or yellow tone-on-tone leaf fabric: • four 3-1/2" square • two 3-7/8" squares Assemble the Block 1. Assemble the stem square using the "easy corners" technique that we use for snowball blocks. Select a 3-1/2" inch square of leaf fabric and the 3-1/8 inch squares of sky fabric. 2. Draw a diagonal line from one corner to an opposite corner on each small background square. Lay a background square on top of the larger square, right sides together, edges aligned in one corner. 3. Sew on the diagonal line, and then trim and press. Repeat in the diagonally opposite corner. 4. Use the easy sandwich technique to make four half-square-triangle units from the 3-7/8 squares, pairing a background square with a leaf square. The finished units should measure 3-1/2" square. 5. Layout the stem, triangle square units and plain squares in three rows as shown above. Sew the components of each row together, and then press seam allowances in adjoining rows in opposite directions. Sew the rows together, matching seam intersections. Press. 6. Repeat to make additional Maple Leaf quilt blocks.
Introduction to the Garden Maze Quilt
The traditional Garden Maze quilt might seem a little intimidating at first, but this easy rotary cut assembly method will help you put it together quickly and accurately. The patches for the corner units of the Garden Maze block aren't particularly rotary-cutting friendly -- it has pesky off-size dimensions. But if you're like me, you try avoid using templates as much as possible. We'll rotary cut the patches anyway, and then bring in a guide to square-up the "X" corners so that they're just right. Make One 9" (Finished Size) Garden Maze Block Cut patches and test-sew one block before you progress to the 6-block instructions near the end of the page. Batik Fabric • Cut one 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" square • Cut one 1-3/4" x 15" strip • Cut four 3" x 3" squares; cut each square in half once diagonally Tone-on-Tone Black Fabric • Cut two 1-3/8" x 15" strips • Cut eight 1-3/4" x 6" bars Make Six Identical (9" Finished) Garden Maze Quilt Blocks about one half-yard of each fabric Batik Fabric "43" strips" refers to selvage to selvage cuts; must be at least 42-1/2 or so to allow for squaring up. Use the entire crosswise length. • Cut six 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" squares • Cut two 1-3/4" x 43" strips
Cut two 3" x 43" strips; cut twenty-four 3" x 3" squares from strips; cut each square in half once diagonally Black Fabric • Cut four 1-3/8" x 43" strips • Cut seven 1-3/4" x 43" strips; cut forty-eight 13/4" x 6" bars from the strips •
Make the Garden Maze Quick Pieced Units
Use a scant quarter-inch seam allowance throughout. Make the "Striped" Units 1. Sew a 1-3/8" x 43" black strip lengthwise to each side of a 1-3/4" x 43" batik strip. Press seam allowances towards the black strips. Make another identical strip set. 2. Square up one end of each strip set and cut a total of twenty-four 3-1/2" segments. For a single block, sew the 3-1/2" long black bars to each side of the 3-1/2" long batik bar. Make the "X" Corner Units Alternate: foundation piecing template 1. Gather the triangles you cut by dividing the 3" squares in half once diagonally. Fold each in half along its longest edge to find the midpoint. Finger press. 2. Fold a 6" long black bar in half crosswise to find its midpoint. Sew it between two batik triangles as shown, matching midpoints carefully. Press seam allowances towards the black bar. 3. Cut the unit apart diagonally, with the cut traveling across the black center bar as shown
in the illustration. 4. Fold to find the midpoints along the long edges of the pieced triangles. Fold a 6" bar in half crosswise to find its midpoint. Sew the bar between the pieced triangles, matching midpoints carefully. Press seam allowances towards the black bar. 5. Download the PDF Trimming Template. Transfer it to a piece of see-through template material and tape it to the corner of a square ruler. The template includes a 1/4" seam allowance. 6. Line up the sewn "X" unit so that the sides of the "X" are matched to the lines on the template. The dashed lines show you how the "X" will flow into the seam allowance. Trim the unit to match the template, flipping the unit around as needed to make the cuts. If you prefer, mark the template on your ruler in a different way -- narrow masking tape is one option. You'll probably find additional suggestions in the forum discussion. • Make twenty-four "X" units.
Assemble the Garden Maze Quilt Block
1. Sew four "X" units, two "striped" units and one 3-1/2" square into three rows as shown. press seam allowances towards the "striped" units. 2. Sew the rows together, matching seams carefully. Press seam allowances towards the center row. 3. Your block should measure 9-1/2" x 9-1/2", and black strips that form the "maze" should match where they meet. 4. Make five more Garden Maze quilt blocks.
Garden Maze Layout Variations
If you sew the Garden Maze blocks side by side, your quilt will resemble the drawing at the top of this quilt illustration. If you sew extra "striped" units and squares between blocks, as sashing, your quilt will resemble the layout shown in the lower right. To do that, cut extra 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" batik squares and make additional black and batik strip sets from extra long strips of fabric, cutting away 3-1/2" segments. You can cut twelve 3-1/2" segments from each selvage to selvage strip or strip set. Layout is totally up to you, so have fun with it.