Tag Archives: quilting

Four Corners Quilt Block

This week, I’m introducing the Four Corners quilt block, also found in Nancy Martin’s Perpetual Calendar.

Four Corners is drafted from a 6 x 6 grid.

Here is what the Four Corners block looks like set side by side in a simple straight set with borders.

NM Four Corners Straight Set

With sashing and cornerstones added:  

NM Four Corners Straight Set 2

Let’s try some plain blocks:

NM Four Corners Straight Set 3

Plain blocks open up spaces that allow for embroidery or to show off quilting.  Plain blocks allow spaces for the eye to rest and sometimes create wonderful design surprises. 

Below, the simple plain block is actually the Snowball Block.  It has triangles of color in the four corners, and is often used as an alternate block in design.

NM Four Corners Straight Set 4

Next, the Four Corners blocks are placed on point:

NM Four Corners On Point Set

And with sashing and cornerstones:

NM Four Corners On Point Set 2

And again, on point, and with the Snowball blocks.

NM Four Corners On Point Set 3

Notice the vertical and horizontal lines of the straight set designs switch to a diagonal direction in the on point design settings.

Fool’s Puzzle Quilt Block

The Fool’s Puzzle drafted from a 4 x 4 grid.

If you have Block Base, Fool’s Puzzle is number 3224.

Electric Quilt makes it quick and easy to visualize what this block will look like set side by side in a simple straight set with borders.

Fool's Puzzle Straight Set

Above, the block is composed of two fabrics.  Below, the same block is made with three fabrics.   Also, the alternate blocks in the setting below are rotated.

Fool's Puzzle Straight Set 2

I like how the ‘arrows’ are more defined in the second design.

And what happens when I alternate the Fool’s Puzzle with a large half square triangle block:

Fool's Puzzle Straight Set 3

I am also playing with value; the dark, medium and light fabric placements.

Next, the blocks are placed on point with two colorways alternating.

Fool's Puzzle Straight On Point Set

Below, I’ve added sashing and cornerstones.

Fool's Puzzle Straight On Point Set 2

Perhaps that sashing is too dark.  What do think?

Flying Dutchman Quilt Block

This week, we’ll look at the Flying Dutchman quilt block from Nancy Martin’s Perpetual Calendar.

The Flying Dutchman is drafted from a 4 x 4 grid.

Electric Quilt makes it quick and easy to visualize what this block will look like set side by side in a simple straight set with borders.

Flying Dutchman Straight Set

I like it better with sashing strips added:

Flying Dutchman Straight Set 2

See what happens when I switch out a few Flying Dutchman and add the Basic 4X block:

Flying Dutchman Straight Set 3

I like that star in the center!

Let’s see what the Flying Dutchman block looks like turned on point with borders:

Flying Dutchman On Point Set

Again, I like it better with sashing strips:

Flying Dutchman On Point Set 2

This is what happens when I increase the width of the sashing and put the Basic 4X blocks in the strips:

Flying Dutchman On Point Set 3

I am presenting basic design to you.  Create your own fun by trying different borders, changing the color and value, rotating the blocks, playing with sashing, and trying different block combinati0ns.