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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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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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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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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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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Mrs. Keller's Nine Patch quilt block

I have no idea who Mrs. Keller was, but this quilt block is quite striking, so I am going to go out on a limb and assume that she was too!

Mrs.Keller's Nine Patch quilt block

This quilt block is technically a five patch as it is designed on a 5 x 5 grid. (Due to the colour choices I made, it is difficult to see the nine patch that is the centre of the block. Can you see it?) And, to add more intrigue, it is sewn in "chunks" in a manner of an uneven nine patch -- just for ease in construction.



The two sample quilts illustrated below are both designed with quilt blocks set on point. However, just with changing up a few features, two very different quilts emerge.

Quilts designed using the MRS. KELLER'S NINE PATCH 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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Old Fan quilt block

The Old Fan quilt block is an easy one to construct -- a perfect choice for beginner quilters.

Old Fan quilt block

This four patch block uses flying geese patches in each of the four quadrants to form a pinwheel and a few squares are thrown in to add some extra colour.
The sample quilts shown below use standard settings of the blocks. A side by side block layout utilizes sashing strips for extra colour and the on point block setting allows for extra blank squares to show off some fancy quilting.

Sample quilts designed using the OLD FAN 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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Remember to Remember

Once the pumpkins have had their day, it is time to focus on the poppy. The poppy has long been a symbol worn in November, so that we remember to remember. The official date is November 11^th.

POPPY quilt block

I saw a picture a while back of a quilt with similar pieced blocks, so I created this Poppy quilt block pattern for those (like me) who are not keen on using appliqué as a preferred method. (A side note -- I am in awe of those who love appliqué and produce such beautiful quilts, but being a "math nerd", I prefer the geometric, pieced blocks.)
The quilt block can be made without the green fabrics but, as you can see in the two sample quilts illustrated, simple rotations of the block can produce additional “borders” for the poppy and add a different look to your quilt.

Quilts designed using the POPPY quilt block

Remember to Remember

• "The living owe it to those who no longer can speak, to tell their story for them."
  ~ Czeslaw Milosz - from "The Issa Valley"

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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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Weathervane quilt block

I don't really have a reason, but the Weathervane quilt block has always been one of my favourites. Perhaps it is that it is an easy quilt block to construct, using half square triangles -- and my favourite patch -- the flying geese unit. Along the way you will throw in some squares and rectangles just for effect.

Weathervane quilt block

This easy block would be a good choice for teachers -- to introduce new quilters to the most commonly used layout for a quilt block -- the nine patch -- and to practice up on the two frequent patches most often seen in a patchwork block -- namely that half square triangle and flying geese.

The two sample quilts illustrated use the standard settings for quilts. On the left, the blocks are laid out using an on point setting with sashing strips to separate and frame the blocks. On the right, blocks are set side by side with additional blank blocks (as in the quilt on the left as well) to feature your quilting, . The only limit to your creativity is your imagination. Enjoy!

Quilts designed using the WEATHERVANE quilt block

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