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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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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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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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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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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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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Blazing Star quilt block

The Blazing Star quilt block is not for the beginner -- but I say that with a caveat. There is nothing difficult in the making of this block -- it just contains lots of pieces and therefore, you must be able to sew a precise quarter inch seam allowance. That's it! So, if you can do that, then this block is a lovely addition to your collection of Star quilt blocks or Biblical quilt blocks and more.

Blazing Star quilt block

This quilt block is technically an eight patch as it is designed on an 8 x 8 grid. However, I have taken a few liberties in the number of cut pieces (why have more seams than necessary?) and chose to construct the block as an uneven nine patch, for the ease in the sewing.


The two sample quilts shown below use standard block settings -- an on point setting with sashing strips and setting triangles for more "pop"-- and a side by side layout that produces a tiny secondary pattern between the blocks.

Quilts designed using the BLAZING STAR quilt block

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Toad in the Puddle quilt block

You just have to wonder who comes up with these names for quilt blocks. This is a perfect example. But, who am I to quibble?

I like this four patch quilt block because it offers up the perfect choice for using your scraps, as I did in this sample block. I chose a light coloured background fabric, but this would be striking in a dark fabric too -- as long as there is lots of contrast between that dark background and the remaining scrappy fabrics.

Toad in the Puddle quilt block

Flying geese patches and half square triangles are the only units in this simple quilt block. By breaking the block into quadrants and then sewing many different groupings, you can then arrange and rearrange the sections to make a variety of interesting blocks.


The two sample quilts illustrated are both created using standard quilt block settings -- side by side blocks or blocks set on point with additional setting triangles.

Quilts designed using the TOAD IN THE PUDDLE quilt block

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Pinwheel Star quilt block

Who doesn't immediately smile when you think of a pinwheel? For some reason, I think of days at the fair or getting one of these whirling treasures at a birthday party when I was a child.

Pinwheel Star quilt block

So, today's featured quilt block is the Pinwheel Star. This quilt block is comprised of half square triangles and flying geese patches. It is actually a small nine patch block within a larger block -- constructed as an uneven nine patch -- so you get twice the fun in the construction.

The two sample quilts illustrated both use standard on point settings, but each has its own special charm and look very different.

Quilts designed using the PINWHEEL STAR quilt block

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Christmas Star quilt block

I'm a person who likes traditions -- especially old traditions -- and so, this Christmas Star quilt block is designed with the colours of the season.

Christmas Star quilt block

This quilt block is a little more challenging that other star blocks you might make, but the only difficulty in making this block lies in the number of pieces. So, with careful attention to your quarter inch seam allowance, this block should go together with ease. You get to use a patch that is underused (in my opinion) -- that being what quilters refer to as a three quarter square triangle patch. This patch is constructed using both half square triangles as well as quarter square triangles in order to place the three triangles within the square, and leave no bias edges on the outer raw edges of the patches. Oh, and there are also a few of my favourite patches included as well -- the flying geese patch.

The two sample quilts illustrated use basic settings of the blocks. The only extra "ingredient" in the on point quilt setting is the extra colourful blank blocks for quilting designs.

Quilts designed using the CHRISTMAS STAR quilt block

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Cut Glass Dish quilt block

Cut Glass Dish is a quilt block that lends itself perfectly to creating designs for your quilt by rotating the blocks by 90 degree increments to create secondary patterns.

Cut Glass Dish quilt block

This nine patch block is an easy one to construct as it contains only squares and the first patch you will learn as a new quiltmaker -- the half square triangle.
The two sample quilts shown below -- as mentioned above -- illustrate how you can make some really stunning geometric quilts just by rotating some of the blocks.

Quilts designed using the CUT GLASS DISH quilt block

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A quilt block by any other name ....

Do you see what I see? Do these two blocks look the same?

On the left you are looking at Fox and Geese

On the right you are looking at Old Maid's Puzzle

Fox and Geese quilt block                                                      Old Maid's Puzzle quilt block

I don't know the history of how these blocks were named, but I suspect that two different quilters both had the same brilliant idea for an easy four patch block and here you see the results.

Since today's post offers two different quilt blocks, here are two sets of quilt layouts.

Quilts designed using the FOX AND GEESE quilt block

Quilts designed using the OLD MAID'S PUZZLE quilt block

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Bright Morning Star quilt block

The Bright Morning Star quilt block is an easy one to construct as it contains only simple patches -- squares, rectangles and flying geese units. However, placement of colour and values is what makes the block interesting -- and by extension -- a striking quilt.

Bright Morning Star quilt block

If you are new to quiltmaking, this is the choice for you -- you learn how to make one of the most commonly used patches (and my favourite) -- the flying geese unit. Then you construct the quilt block in the most favoured layout -- as a nine patch.
The two sample quilts illustrated show that you can make a stunning quilt with simple blocks. Colour placement is the key. Now the question is -- should you use sashing strips or not? :-)

~ More Biblical Quilt Blocks for your collection

Quilts designed using the BRIGHT MORNING STAR quilt block

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All Hallows quilt block

A quilt block that is perfect for Halloween. The All Hallows block features lots of half square triangles and flying geese patches.

All Hallows quilt block

This nine patch block and it is a perfect choice for new quilters to move on and really practice up that quarter inch seam allowance. Not only are there lots of patches, but fabric/colour placement is key to make this block really stand out. And who doesn't love a pinwheel? (Okay, maybe that is just the kid in me speaking!) :-)


The two sample quilts illustrated below continue on with a mostly dark background, just for the effect of a Halloween night. What was interesting to me was that, depending on your chosen layout of the blocks, a secondary pattern can emerge. I'd be interested in seeing what you can come up with.

Quilts designed using the ALL HALLOWS quilt block

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Twilight Star quilt block

The Twilight Star quilt block is designed using another quilt block as its starting point. This is a common occurrence in quiltmaking. One block looks interesting -- and then -- with a couple of quick change-ups -- you have a brand new block.

Twilight Star quilt block

Now, I cannot take the credit for the origin of this nine patch block -- I just admire it and like that it can add to my collection of Star quilt blocks. The Twilight Star block stems from a frequently used favourite among quilters, (especially in a teaching situation) -- called Ohio Star.

The Twilight Star is comprised of frequently used patches -- the half square triangle and the quarter square triangle. All in all, it is a fun project.

The two sample quilts illustrated both use on point settings of the blocks. However, with simple changes made to the fabrics used for the setting triangles and extra blank blocks, you get two very different quilts.

Quilts designed using the TWILIGHT STAR quilt block

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Chinese Puzzle quilt block

I had created Chinese Puzzle pattern a couple of years ago and just updated it to feature one more block size and one more sample quilt layout.

Chinese Puzzle quilt block

This four patch quilt block features half square triangle units as well as quarter square triangles to make another patch which quilters often refer to as the three quarter square triangle. Can you spot those patches?



The Chinese Puzzle block was fun to play around with because I used multiples of the block with 90 degree rotations to create new and interesting designs. One of the quilts also mirrors the fabric placement to create an additional design option. Although I chose to use only three different fabrics, quilts made from this block would be ideal as a scrappy version.

Quilts designed using the CHINESE PUZZLE quilt block

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