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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Z Cross quilt block

The Z Cross quilt block is perfect for anyone who is new to quiltmaking. It is also a really fun block for those who have been making quilts for years.

Z CROSS quilt block

The block is technically a five patch (since it is designed on a 5 x 5 grid). But, for any of you who follow this blog, you know that I generally prefer to construct a five patch block as an uneven nine patch instead. Then end result is the same, but it is just an easier method -- in my opinion. Squares and half square triangles are the only patches used in this block -- the most commonly used patches in quiltmaking.


I was pleasantly surprised when I started designing the sample quilts using this easy quilt block. This just reinforces my thought that just because a block uses simple patches does not mean the resultant quilts have to be boring. What do you think?

Quilts designed using the Z CROSS quilt block

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Blue Ridge Mountain Star quilt block

For those of you who like to make larger quilt blocks, (in this case a 16" block) -- then, this might be one for you. (Larger blocks = fewer blocks to make).

Blue Ridge Mountain Star quilt block

The Blue Ridge Mountain Star is also a fine choice to practice up on your skills in making certain common quilt patches, namely:
~ half square triangles
~ square in a square
~ quarter square triangles (just a few)

The two sample quilts illustrated below are perfect examples of how the design of your quilt can differ a great deal from a quilt made my your friend -- both of you using the same blocks. The setting of the blocks is what can make a world of difference.

Quilts designed using the BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN 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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West Virginia quilt block

The West Virginia quilt block is an eight patch, but is constructed as an uneven nine patch due to the different sizes of the patches.

Check out other "location" quilt blocks too: Cities, States and Other Places

There are lots of interesting things going on with this block -- a star, a "frame" around the star and the corner sections make a secondary pattern of sorts, depending on how you lay the blocks out next to each other in your final quilt.

West Virginia quilt block

I have assigned this quilt block to an intermediate category of difficulty -- not because there are any hard-to-sew patches, but simply because there are many pieces and therefore many seams in the block. Careful attention to sewing a precise quarter inch seam allowance will make this block go together in no time. The block features half square triangles and square in a square patches.

The two sample quilts illustrated give you an idea of how the secondary pattern can emerge -- do you see the extra "stars" that appear where the sashing strips separate the blocks?

Quilts designed using the WEST VIRGINIA quilt block

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Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block

This is not a common quilt block -- at least I have not seen it before, but I saw that it made a pretty block and so decided I should share it.

Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block

Most people would be familiar with the Forget Me Not flower with petals in a variety of blue colours, but there are some around in a pink-burgundy colour too -- and so that is what I went for here. Peonies come in all sorts of lovely colours. Check out this Peony Nine Patch quilt block.

A little trivia:  Forget Me Not flowers are often given and planted as a remembrance of one dear to the heart and you can read more about this beautiful flower at Flowerinfo.org. Be sure to check out the other colour variations shown in the images on that website.



This eight patch block is constructed as an uneven nine patch, mainly due to the specific patches used in the block. You will find half square triangles, quarter square triangles as well as a patch using both of these cut pieces to form what is known as a three quarter square triangle patch. The centre of the block is comprised of the square in a square patch. So all in all, this is a choice you might use to practice your sewing skills in your quiltmaking journey.

The sample quilts illustrated are quite different even though both quilts use on point block settings.

Quilts designed using the Peony and Forget Me Not quilt block

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Fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July

One of the biggest days in the United States is the 4^th of July. Celebrations are everywhere -- not to mention the mouth-watering scent of meat sizzling on the barbeques.

One thing for sure is that there will be fireworks once darkness sets in -- and so, here is a quilt block worthy of that event!

Starglow quilt block

This Starglow quilt block is not for the beginner quilter -- unless you are confident in the sewing of an accurate quarter inch allowance. That is the only difficulty due to the number of seams in the block. Other than that, none of the individual patches are difficult -- there are just lots of them.


I changed it up a little in this version of a sample quilt -- by simply swapping the placement of some of the fabrics -- to make a sort of reverse image of the block. By alternating these blocks with the original block, you can achieve all sorts of interesting variations when you design your own quilt. Have fun!

Quilt designed using variations of the STARGLOW 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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