Cat's Cradle quilt block

The Cat's Cradlee quilt block is the perfect choice if you would like to make a "scrappy" quilt. The quilt block uses half square triangles and squares -- easy peasy. All of those bits of leftover fabric can be used in this block to make a stunning quilt. The big decision is whether you want to make a light or a dark quilt.

CAT'S CRADLE quilt blocks

The second decision when using this nine patch quilt block is to take a serious look at all of the possibilities of a quilt layout as this is another of those directional quilt blocks. By using 90 degree rotations of some of the blocks, a secondary pattern appears. All sorts of variations are possible.


These two sample quilts show two of the possibilities you can create when you use the rotations of the blocks. In the light quilt, the blocks are used in groups of four blocks, creating large stars.The dark quilt is just one of many that can be created as an overall design by selectively rotating the blocks to form the desired result.

Quilts designed using the CAT'S CRADLE quilt block

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Mexican Star quilt block

The Mexican Star quilt block utilizes a quilt patch that is often called a three quarter square triangle unit by quilters. This quilt patch uses three right angled triangles inside a square. The learning part in sewing this unit is that you use both half square triangles and quarter square triangles. This seems strange until you realize that it is always favourable to have the straight grain of the triangle fabric on the outermost edge. Whenever possible you do not want to have a bias edge on the outer edge of a patch.  As you construct this patch you will understand what I mean.

Mexican Star quilt block

The construction of this quilt block is done in what I call "chunks" and then arranged as a uneven nine patch block (so named because it is constructed as a nine patch but with uneven rows).


I liked this quilt block for its simplicity and because it has an often underused patch (in my opinion) -- the three quarter square triangle as I mentioned above.

The two sample quilts shown below are constructed with common settings of the blocks. I just really liked how all of the colours came together.

Quilts designed using the MEXICAN STAR quilt block

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Road to Rome quilt block

Italy in the summertime. What could be better? I can only speculate as I have never been, but I will get there someday.

On that note, today's featured quilt block is called Road to Rome. If you are a beginner quilter, then this block is one for you. You will practice using the two most commonly pieced patches that are found in oh so many quilts -- the half square triangle and the flying geese units.

Road to Rome quilt block image

The two sample quilts shown below are both designed to continue with simplicity. The quilt on the left uses an on point setting and features extra, blank blocks to showcase your quilting designs. The quilt on the right sets the quilt blocks side by side, separated with sashing strips. Both are striking versions.

Quilts designed using the ROAD TO ROME quilt block

Check out these other "ROAD" quilt blocks:
~ Road to California
~ Road to Kansas
~ Road to Mississippi
~ Road to Vegas
~ Rocky Road


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Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block

Well, I am a little late. The royal wedding this past weekend revealed two interesting things and each had a subtle role in the big day.

• Meghan's favourite flower is the Peony - used in the floral arrangements at St George’s Chapel
• Diana's favourite flower was the Forget Me Not - included in Meghan's bridal bouquet

How fortunate that this quilt block is a tribute to both of those flowers -- The Peony and Forget Me Not.

Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block

The Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block is a wonderful choice if you want to make a larger block, hence less blocks to make. This block is not a choice I would make as a beginner quilter, but if you like a challenge, there is nothing difficult in the making of this block -- just lots of pieces, and therefore, precision in your sewing is critical. So, go for it!


The two sample quilts illustrated below both use on point settings, but give entirely different looks to the final project. Will you choose one of these or create an original design of your own?

Quilts designed using the PEONY AND FORGET ME NOT quilt block

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Monkey Wrench quilt block

The Monkey Wrench quilt block was one of the many blocks used as codes to help slaves escape and reach Canada along the 'Underground Railroad'. Quilts were strategically placed on fences and clotheslines in such a way as to showcase certain quilt blocks Those blocks were indicators of whom to approach or which direction to take on their escape route. The Monkey Wrench quilt block represented the blacksmith. (Side note: the block was named for the inventor of the tool -- a London blacksmith by the name of Charles Moncke).

You might also be interested in this quilt block ~ Underground Railroad

Monkey Wrench quilt block

Using the colours shown in this sample block as an example, you might envision a quilt for a special man in your life. (Also, the quilt block represents a "blacksmith" -- a very manly occupation.) :-)

The two sample quilts shown below, both use on point settings. As you can see, you can achieve very different looks while using this simple quilt block.

Quilts designed using the MONKEY WRENCH quilt block

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Quilt Blocks for Mother's Day

In North American (and hopefully elsewhere around the world), the second Sunday in May is a special day to celebrate mothers.

Mother's Day was originated by Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s. Anna had even copyrighted the day. However, she was quite appalled at how the day she had originated as a tribute to her own mother, took on the life of a commercial venture, which continues to a far greater scope today.


Here are three different quilt blocks that you might enjoy sewing -- perhaps as a tribute to your own mother. Check out each of the pages by clicking on the images to see sample quilt layouts for each quilt block.

_{P.S. It's a little early, but Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, up there over the rainbow.}

Mother's Choice quilt block

Mother's Own quilt block

Mother's Favorite quilt block

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Blueberry Compote quilt block

The quilt block called Blueberry Compote is a quick and easy one to construct. It uses only squares and half square triangles.

My first block was designed using only three colours, but I thought it was a little drab, so I decided to add the bright orange --the complementary colour to the blue. By using a little of this colour, it gives the block just the spark it needed. (However, if your goal is to create a more subtle colour palette, then the choice on the left is the one for you.)

Blueberry Compote quilt blocks

Below I have used both blocks to create the sample quilts. The first selections show the quilt blocks set side by side in groupings of four blocks. Rotations by 90 degrees of some of the blocks in each group, results in a quilt with a secondary pattern appearing.

Quilts designed with the BLUEBERRY COMPOTE quilt block. Side by side block setting

This second set of quilts uses the quilt blocks set on point. Several blocks are also rotated to once again utilize the directional nature of the blocks, and create an entirely different quilt design.

More quilts designed using the BLUEBERRY COMPOTE quilt block. On Point block setting

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Auntie's Puzzle quilt block

The Auntie's Puzzle quilt block is a simple five patch featuring squares and half square triangles. Those are the first patches you will learn to use as a beginner quilter, and that is because these are the most commonly used units in quiltmaking.

Auntie's Puzzle quilt block

After having described this block as a five patch, I then change it up because my personal preference for constructing the block is as an uneven nine patch simply because I like to work with "chunks" rather than in rows. (However, if you prefer to work in rows, then that is perfectly fine as well.)

The Auntie's Puzzle quilt block is also a "member" of a group of blocks that are directional in nature. This opens up all sorts of interesting ideas for quilt designs by rotating some of the blocks by 90 degrees, which often results in creating a secondary pattern. If you look closely at the quilt shown on the left you will see "stars" forming when using groups of four blocks. Switching up the colour options and/or including an additional colour can make this feature stand out even more.

Quilts designed using the AUNTIE'S PUZZLE quilt block

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Baton Rouge Square quilt block

The Baton Rouge Square quilt block is a favourite of quilters for two reasons.

• Firstly, it is a 10" block and that makes for easy math. (But if this size is not for you, I have also given instructions for two other block sizes.)
• Secondly, it is an easy quilt block to sew as it is constructed using only squares and a few half square triangles. This makes it a wonderful choice for a beginner quilter -- and -- as an addition to your collection of quilt blocks reflecting cities and places.

Baton Rouge Square quilt block

For some, the name Baton Rouge Square brings to mind the capital city of Louisiana. However, I was drawn to the word "rouge" which means "red" in French. Since red is my favourite colour, how could I not use it in this block?


Using red as the background colour in the block, I also played around with a variation of the two remaining colours -- black and grey -- and switched them up, using both versions in the resultant quilt shown on the right. This just adds an additional bit of interest to the final quilt.

Quilts designed using the BATON ROUGE SQUARE quilt block

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Best Friends quilt block

The Best Friends quilt block has a lot of pieces -- but -- it is well worth the effort to make as it then lends itself to some amazing quilts as a result.

Best Friends quilt block

(A Side note is that the block contains only squares, rectangles and half square triangles -- easy peasy!)

If you have been following this blog for any length of time, you know that I like to make the construction part as simple as possible. So, as is often the case, I have designed this seven patch block to be constructed in an easier manner (at least in my opinion) -- as an uneven nine patch.

The two sample quilts illustrated below both use an on point setting. But -- could they look any different? (Maybe so, and that is where your design skills come into play!).

Quilts designed using the BEST FRIENDS quilt block

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Odd Fellow's Chain quilt block

The world wide emblem of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows -- three chain links -- represents the values of Friendship, Love and Truth -- or the "chain" that binds the Members together.

This quilt block is the representation of this group, first founded in England in the 1700s and evolving in the United States in 1819. The IOOF became the first fraternity in the United States to include both men and women, in 1851.

Odd Fellow's Chain quilt block

This quilt block is not intended for a beginner quilter. This is not because it is difficult, but instead due to the large number of patches in the block. However, if you are up to the challenge, there is nothing difficult in this block. You just need to be very conscious of sewing a precise quarter inch seam allowance in order for all of those pieces to fit perfectly. My method constructs the block as an uneven nine patch (easier, in my opinion) rather than sewing this eight patch in eight rows of eight.


The two sample quilts illustrated show off the quilt blocks in very different ways. The quilt on the left adds large triangle corners to each block thereby increasing the size of the quilt blocks but also enhancing them with extra colour. The quilt on the right sets the blocks side by side and this creates a subtle secondary pattern if you look closely. There is no end to the possibilities for your own personal quilt.

Quilts designed using the ODD FELLOW'S CHAIN quilt block

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Quilt Blocks for the Irish in you

St. Patrick's Day is fast approaching and perhaps you want to start a quilt for the occasion. (Okay, it won't be ready until next year if you start now -- but there is no better time than the present.)

These four quilt blocks will give you lots of ideas for that quilt. Use one or all of them. That is the beauty of quilting -- you decide how it all goes together.


First up is Danny Boy -- a beautiful Irish ballad. Some believe the song was meant as a father's message to a son going off to war. It was first recorded in 1915. Perhaps this quilt block might be fitting for a veteran in your life.

Danny Boy quilt block

Irish Puzzle is a four patch quilt block that will give you lots of practice making half square triangles -- in two different sizes.

Irish Puzzle quilt block

We have all heard of the "luck of the Irish" so, what better block to choose than Lucky Clover? This simple quilt block is comprised of only squares, rectangles and flying geese patches. Of course, once again I went with the obvious green for most of the fabric choices.

Lucky Clover quilt block

Lastly, the Connemara quilt block requires a little more work in that it uses more patches in the block. However, none of those patches are difficult so the block is well worth the effort to make.

 
A side note - Connemara is a region in Galway, Ireland and is known since ancient times for its green marble (one slab can contain over forty shades of green). This marble is used for a multitude of things from countertops to jewelry.

Connemara quilt block

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Arrows quilt block

The Arrows quilt block might look a little boring at first glance, but colour choices make this a block that is striking -- and simple patches make it an interesting choice for a beginner quilter.

ARROWS quilt block

This four patch quilt block features only squares and half square triangle patches. These simple patches make the construction of this block an easy task and speeds up the making of a stunning quilt.

The sample quilt shown below on the left illustrates that by 90 degrees rotations of the blocks in groups four blocks, you will start to see a secondary pattern emerge due to the directional nature of the block. The use of sashing strips to separate those blocks adds another element of interest to the quilt.

The sample quilt shown on the right introduces additional blank blocks and setting triangles in varying colours to add an extra pop of colour to the quilt.

Quilts designed using the ARROWS quilt block

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Chisholm Trail quilt block

The Chisholm Trail quilt block is named for the famous cattle drive path from from Texas to Kansas in the post-civil war era. The "Chisholm" part of the trail was blazed and marked in 1864 by Jesse Chisholm, as a way to supply his own trading posts in Indian Territory, which is now part of Oklahoma.

Chisholm Trail quilt block

The design of the Chisholm Trail quilt block fits its name as it has a directional nature, which seems to me, to be appropriate. Directional blocks have lots of opportunities for the design of your quilt. By rotating some of the blocks by 90 degrees, you can develop all sorts of interesting variations.
This simple four patch quilt block is ideal as a starting point for a new quilter. Squares and half square triangles are the only patches used in this block.

The sample quilts illustrated are made with simple settings. Your biggest decision is how much colour do you want to add to the final quilt.

Quilts designed using the CHISHOLM TRAIL quilt block

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Love in the Mist quilt block

Continuing on the Valentine theme I started earlier this week, today's featured quilt block even has the word "Love" in the title. Love in the Mist is an easier block to make than Cupid's Arrow Point, featured previously.

Love in the Mist quilt block

Love in the Mist is a simple nine patch block featuring half square triangles and the square in a square patch -- (which is fast becoming a favourite of mine). However, don't think you are limited to using these "romantic" colours, as this star block would look fabulous in many other colour schemes.
The two sample quilts shown below use standard layouts of the blocks -- one quilt shows the blocks side by side with a centre section of blank blocks to showcase your quilting skills. The second quilt features extra colour in the blank blocks as well as sashing strips for additional effect.

Quilts designed using the LOVE IN THE MIST quilt block

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Cupid's Arrow Point quilt block

It's that time of year again when cherubs are getting ready to flex their bows. How appropriate that I have just the quilt block for you to make for this special day -- Cupid's Arrow Point.

Cupid's Arrow Point quilt block

This quilt block has something for everyone. It is a pretty block that is constructed as an uneven nine patch, for ease in sewing. And ... it is a choice to make when you are wanting to practice sewing some of the patches that you don't use for many a quilt block -- namely the square in a square as well as quarter square triangles. There are also lots of flying geese patches, but those are more commonly used.

I really like the surprises that appeared as I was designing the two sample quilts illustrated below. I am a lover of plaid and was delighted to see that these quilts looked like different arrangements of the same plaid. Can you see it too?

Quilts designed using the CUPID'S ARROW POINT quilt block

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Firewheel quilt block

Sometimes I just like to stick to the obvious colours that seem to call out to me. In the case of the Firewheel quilt block, this was no exception. I envisioned a fireball brightening up the night sky.

Firewheel quilt block

This quilt block is an eight patch featuring common pieced patches -- half square triangles and flying geese units. None of these patches are difficult to sew, but care must be taken to sew an accurate quarter inch seam allowance due to the large number of cut pieces in this block. The good news is that you will be creating a stunning quilt.
The two sample quilts shown on this page are just ideas that you might like for your quilt, or perhaps you are all set to design your own. Whatever the case, you will certainly have fun in the process.

Quilts designed using the FIREWHEEL quilt block

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Memory quilt block

The Memory quilt block is a nine patch that features only patches that you learn as you first start your quiltmaking journey. The pieced units are half square triangles and flying geese. I would suggest that it is difficult to find a patchwork quilt these days that does not contain one or both of these patches.

Memory quilt block

I chose to make this star quilt block as a controlled scrappy version. By that I mean, that you see three different colour values -- (light, medium and dark) -- but the overall look is that it retains a certain colour palette -- different shades of rust and yellow. I did keep the background fabric the same throughout, but you could easily use different scraps of a similar colour as well.


The two sample quilts shown below use standard layouts of the blocks. I wanted to focus in on the "blazing star" so chose simple settings of the blocks. I wonder what you will come up with in your personal quilt?

Quilts designed using the MEMORY quilt block

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Four Crowns quilt block

At first glance, you might not like this quilt block called Four Crowns, as it has a "directional" nature to it. Some might think that that will limit your options in the resultant quilt. I say that it is quite the contrary. Directional quilt blocks open up all sorts of interesting design possibilities.

Four Crowns quilt block

This Four Crowns quilt block is a four patch and is constructed entirely of half square triangles, in two different sizes. This is the perfect block to use to practice up on the most commonly used quilt patch.

The two sample quilts shown below give you ideas of how the directional aspect of this quilt block can work to create a wide variety of different quilt layouts. I would be interested in seeing some that you can design as well.

Quilts designed using the FOUR CROWNS quilt block

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Ribbon Star quilt block

The Ribbon Star is another quilt block that is sort of an optical illusion. The "ribbon" folds around the star, and you see the "right side" of the fabric and the "underside" of the fabric. This effect is created by using different values of the same colour family.

Ribbon Star quilt block

You might also be interested in these other examples of what I would call "optical illusion" quilt blocks.

• Folded Corners
• Formal Frame
• Garden Square

The two sample quilts shown below are both created with the blocks set on point, but are, as you can see, very different. Isn't it interesting how a few subtle changes of colour placement make such a change?

Quilts designed using the RIBBON STAR quilt block

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