Showing posts with label five patch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label five patch. Show all posts

June 07, 2018

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 image © Wendy Russell
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 - images © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the MEXICAN STAR quilt block


All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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May 12, 2018

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 image © Wendy Russell
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 - images © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the MONKEY WRENCH quilt block


All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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April 18, 2018

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 image © Wendy Russell
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 - images © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the AUNTIE'S PUZZLE quilt block


All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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January 04, 2018

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 blockimage © Wendy Russell
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 - images © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the MRS. KELLER'S NINE PATCH quilt block

All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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November 09, 2017

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 11th.

Poppy quilt block image © Wendy Russell
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 - images © Wendy Russell
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"


All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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September 29, 2017

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 image © Wendy Russell
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 - images © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the Z CROSS quilt block

All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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June 11, 2017

Grandmother's Choice quilt block

Earlier this week we looked at celebrating Dads with the Father's Choice quilt block. Today, it is all about Grandma.

Grandmother's Choice quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Grandmother's Choice quilt block


This is an easy five patch block. It uses half square triangles in two different sizes and that is the extent of the difficulty in this quilt block.


Although this block is technically a five patch (because it is designed on a 5 x 5 grid) it also falls into the category of uneven nine patch due to the size of the patches -- often covering two rows of that five row grid.

The two sample quilts illustrated both use on point settings of the block but give you different looking quilts in the end. The choices of block layout are endless and you just need to use your imagination. Enjoy!

Quilts designed using the Grandmother's Choice quilt block - images © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the Grandmother's Choice quilt block

Keeping it in the Family

~ Father's Choice
~ Mother's Choice
~ Sister's Choice
All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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June 05, 2017

Father's Choice quilt block

Last month we celebrated our Moms. Now it is time to recognize those great men in our lives -- Dads. The Father's Choice quilt block might be just what you are looking for.

Father's Choice quilt block image © Wendy Russell
Father's Choice quilt block

I chose this subtle colour scheme since most of the Dads I know like blue and grey. However, if your Dad has another favourite colour, don't be shy in expressing it in this five patch quilt block. The only pieced patch required is the half square triangle and the rest of the patches are squares. This is a quick and easy block to make.



The two sample quilts illustrated are both using an on point setting of the block. But as you can see, by careful placement of the blocks and choosing other features such as sashing or extra, blank blocks you can achieve very different looks.

Father's Choice quilt images © Wendy Russell
Quilts designed using the Father's Choice quilt block

Similar quilt blocks - Keeping it all in the Family

~ Farmer's Daughter 
~ Grandmother's Choice
~ Sister's Choice

All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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May 04, 2017

Mother's Own quilt block

Mother's Day is arriving soon -- Sunday, May 14th to be exact. There is not a moment to spare if you want to create a special quilt block for the big day.

Mother's Own quilt block

This quilt block is an easy one. Even though you see triangles in the block (creating the star shape), they are sewn using only squares, with the "sew and flip" method which is favoured by many quilters. It's a five patch block, so an added bonus is that the math is simple!

The two sample quilts illustrated both use an additional fabric for sashing strips between the blocks. This is entirely optional, but I just liked the look.

Download the free quilt block pattern.

Quilts using the "Mother's Own" quilt block - images © Wendy Russell
Sample quilts using the Mother's Own quilt block

More quilt blocks to celebrate Mothers:
All images © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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October 28, 2015

Did you know the source of these quotes?

Cain and Abel quilt block
The Cain and Abel quilt block is a five patch block, so named because it is built on a 5 x 5 grid. However, I find it much easier to construct the block as an uneven nine patch, but that is simply my preference. Many people sew five patch blocks in five rows, so this is really a choice. The block is simple because it uses only the two most common patches in quiltmaking -- the square and the half square triangle. Colour choices are what will make your quilt a different work of art.

Not Shakespeare and not clichés,

  • "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."
    [Ecclesiastes 3:1]

  • "The truth shall make you free.
    [John 8:32]"

  • "Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.
    [1 John 3:18]"

  • "The ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.
    [Job 34:3]"


'Cain and Abel' quilt block image © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com

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April 25, 2015

Crown of Thorns Quilt Block

'Crown of Thorns' image © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com
Crown of Thorns quilt block
Who comes up with these names anyway? I guess the "thorns" are all the points of the half square triangles in the block. You will get lots of practice making these patches, but the construction is easy, as the only other shape used in this quilt block is the square.

This is a 10" quilt block, which is a favourite with quilters because it makes the math easier. It is also in the category of  5 patch block (so named because is is made on a 5 x 5 grid), and is sewn together as an uneven nine patch.

Download the free quilt block pattern.

Today's Insightful Quote

  • "If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased."
    ~ Katharine Hepburn


'Crown of Thorns' image © W. Russell, patchworksquare.com