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

<sub>All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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David and Goliath quilt block

I think I am going to have to create a new category of blocks as I seem to be designing quite a few with a "biblical" theme or name. So on that note, here is a block called David and Goliath.

David and Goliath quilt block

Now I have to admit that I took some liberties in my design of this quilt block. Other versions use more half square triangle patches, while (as many of you already know), I like to reduce the bulk and have less seams if at all possible. Therefore, many of those half square triangles are replaced by flying geese units.

The design of this block was created using a 7 x 7 grid and therefore it is technically a seven patch. However, to make the sewing easier, my pattern has you construct it as an uneven nine patch -- to work in what I call "chunks" rather than row by row.

The two sample quilts illustrated give you ideas of how to set the blocks using an on point setting with extra blank blocks and sashing strips or a standard side by side setting. So many options!

Quilts designed using the DAVID AND GOLIATH quilt block

<sub>All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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Stone Tiles quilt block

The Stone Tiles quilt block is perfect for a new quilter, since it contains only squares and rectangles -- no pesky triangles to worry about!

STONE TILES quilt block

This easy quilt block is constructed as an uneven nine patch, even though it is technically a seven patch block (as it is designed on a 7 x 7 grid).

This quilt block is also one that could be used in a two block quilt -- since the "stepping stones" in the four corners would lead the eye on a diagonal line. You would place it as an alternate block to just about any other block you want to feature in your quilt.

Depending on the layout of the blocks into your own quilt, you can have two totally different looks, as illustrated in the sample quilt images shown below.

Quilts designed using the STONE TILES quilt block

<sub>All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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Black Tie Event quilt block

Well I tried. I was going for a monochromatic quilt block but I just had to add a spark of colour. I'm a person who just adores colour everywhere, and as a result, it is difficult for me to stick to a single colour family in a quilt block. So, I just added a touch of colour -- my favourite colour -- to this block. I think it makes all the difference.

Black Tie Event quilt block

I took some liberties with this block -- making slight changes to another block created by Michelle Bartholomew, which she called Doves in the Daylight. I removed a few seams, thereby reducing the bulk and added the red corner squares. Michelle's block was also based on another quilters' favourite called Doves in the Window. Can you see how quilt blocks evolve over time? You start with one block, make some subtle changes, and voilà -- a new block is created. In this case, I have named it Black Tie Event.

I really had fun designing the quilts using this block. By introducing the sashing strips, I was once again able to include the tiny spots of red to brighten up the result. I think this colour combination lends itself to a special gift for the man in your life --  (at least that's my opinion). Your thoughts?

Black Tie Event sample quilts

<sub>All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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Flowers in the trees - Magnolia quilt block

Well you know it is springtime (and in my "neck of the woods", that phrase is followed by the word finally), when the Magnolia blossoms appear.

Magnolia quilt block

I selected the colours for this seven patch block by admiring the magnolia tree in the backyard of my friend. These beauties were gorgeous in ivory with touches of a medium shade of pink and of course, with the dark green leaves. All of these blossoms were showcased against a beautiful, blue sky.

I chose to construct this block with fewer seams in order to create less bulk. I also like to sew blocks in what I call "chunks" whenever possible, rather than row by row. This block is no exception and so I designed the pattern by sewing as an uneven nine patch. However, you may prefer the row by row method so that is an easy adaptation to make at your end.
The two sample quilts shown below are set with the most commonly used layouts -- a side by side setting and an on point setting. Both quilts have the blocks separated by sashing strips in order to introduce more colour.

Download the free quilt block pattern for Magnolia

More Flower quilt block patterns

Sample quilts using the Magnolia quilt block

<sub>All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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