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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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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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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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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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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God's Eye quilt block

I'm always fascinated when I stumble upon a quilt block that I have never seen before. Today's featured block is one of those -- God's Eye. This quilt block is an eight patch which is constructed as an uneven nine patch, just to make the sewing simpler.

God's Eye quilt block

The quilt block features lots of half square triangles and flying geese patches -- those pieced patches are the ones you learn first as a beginner quilter.
The two sample quilts illustrated both use standard settings, but in the case of this quilt block, notice that a secondary pattern seems to appear (formed by the background fabric) -- the sort of "starburst" shape -- when the blocks are placed side by side. I'm always a fan of secondary patterns. :-)

Now you have a new addition if you are collecting Biblical quilt blocks.

Quilts designed using the GOD'S EYE 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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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

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Amish Star quilt block

Another easy quilt block that is perfect for the beginner. (But don't think you can't make a dramatic quilt using only simple blocks -- not so.) A case in point is the Amish Star block which uses only the most basic patches in quiltmaking.

Amish Star quilt block

Featured patches in this nine patch block are simple squares and rectangles and then you will move on to half square triangles and flying geese units. Quilters use these same patches over and over and over again making all sorts of wonderful designs.

The quilts illustrated use two different examples of on point settings. One uses blank blocks to feature your exquisite quilting, while the second design covers the whole surface and separates the blocks with sashing strips. Just a "drop in the bucket" of designs you can come up with too.

More STAR quilt block patterns

Quilts designed using the AMISH STAR quilt block

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King's Crown quilt block

The King's Crown quilt block is technically a six patch (as it is designed using a 6 x 6 grid), but it is constructed as an uneven nine patch due to the large centre patch that takes up a great deal of the design.

King's Crown quilt block

The centre unit is known as a square in a square patch. With the centre section being so large, this is the perfect spot to place a motif that has been "fussy cut" from a large fabric. It would also be a wonderful spot to place a photograph that has been transferred to fabric.


To finish off the patches to create, you will make a number of half square triangles as well as a few flying geese units. All in all, this block is a great learning experience, if you are new to quiltmaking.

The two sample quilts illustrated are both designed using on point settings. This just gives you ideas of how very different two quilts can be when using identical blocks.

Quilts designed using the KING'S CROWN quilt block

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Best of All quilt block

The Best of All quilt block is one designed to give you lots of practice with various patches. (Okay -- perhaps that was not the reason for the design, but it is a block with interesting components.)

Best of All quilt block

Half square triangle patches and flying geese units are pretty common in hundreds (and probably thousands) of quilt blocks. But, the interest in this block (from a sewing perspective) is the unit that is sitting adjacent to the centre patch, on all four sides. You get to add quarter square triangles to two sides of a square (the small peach square) and then finish off the patch with larger half square triangles (dark grey) on each end. (Hard to explain, but if you look closely at the block you will understand what I mean.)


The two sample quilts shown are both designed on point with sashing strips separating the blocks. By simply changing up the placement of the pieced blocks and the blank blocks, you get two totally different looks.

Quilts designed using the BEST OF ALL quilt block

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Sun, Sand and Surf

Who doesn't think about getting wet and lying on a beach when the name San Diego is mentioned? This will explain my choice of colours for this quilt block.

San Diego quilt block

The San Diego quilt block could be a teaching tool for quilting instructors as the block contains half square triangles, flying geese units and the block is constructed in "chunks" to make the process simpler. An added bonus, is that the centre is comprised of its own quilt block -- called a Sawtooth Star. So you get two blocks in one!

The two sample quilts illustrated are both designed using an on point setting. The difference lies in just a simple change-up of the fabrics for the blank blocks -- which is a great spot to showcase your quilting skills.

Quilts designed using the San Diego quilt block

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My Fancy quilt block

I don't know why quilt blocks get their specific names, but the My Fancy block does not strike me as particularly "fancy". So, I chose to make it monochromatic and that is my contribution to being fancy.

My Fancy quilt block

The block falls into two different categories -- a four patch (the centre section) and then the complete block is constructed as an uneven nine patch. With half square triangles and flying geese units making up the block, this is a complete learning experience for a new quiltmaker.


The two sample quilts illustrated look like they were done with totally different blocks -- simply because of how the blocks were set into the quilt. So, now it is over to you to create a stunning heirloom.

Sample quilts designed using the My Fancy quilt block

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Delectable Mountains Variation quilt block

Delectable Mountains is a well known quilt block and this is a variation on that block. There are several more patches in this variation to add extra interest.

(*Note to self - prepare a pattern for the Delectable Mountains block too.)

Delectable Mountains - Variation quilt block

This quilt block is technically an eight patch (because it is designed on an 8 x 8 grid), but I have created the pattern to be sewn as an uneven nine patch as I feel it is a simpler way to construct it. (I would much rather work with smaller groupings than a row by row method.)

This block is a choice for those quilters who would like more of a challenge. There are no difficult patches to make to create the block -- but there are lots of pieces, and therefore lots of seams. Accuracy in sewing a quarter inch seam allowance is crucial to a successful construction of this block.


I took quite a while designing the sample quilt layouts as I wanted this block to create a stunning quilt. I like the outcome of my endeavours. They both look very different and you have to search very carefully to see that both quilts are made using only the one block in their design.

Sample quilts designed using the Delectable Mountains Variation quilt block

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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

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