Anyone up for Checkers?

There are lots of things going for this quilt block called Checkerboard Friends.  It is a seven patch block with quite a few pieces, but works well as a larger block -- hence fewer blocks to make for a quilt.

Checkerboard Friends quilt block

I chose to construct this block as an uneven nine patch as I find working with larger units easier to manage. However, you can easily make this block in rows if that is your preference. Half square triangles are featured in the outer border, but the main patch used is the simple square. Easy, peasy.

Lots of options present themselves for a quilt layout and if you throw in a few blank blocks as shown in the illustrated sample, your quilt goes together faster and you get to showcase your quilting skills. A win-win situation!

Download the free quilt block pattern.

Checkerboard Friends quilt

And Speaking of Friendship ...

• "I value the friend who, for me, finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar."
  ~ Robert Brault

_{'Checkerboard Friends' images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com}