Friday, 5 April 2013

16 patch quilt block tutorial


This is a quick tutorial showing how to make a fast and easy 16 patch quilt block.


To make one 12.5" unfinished block you need  2 contrasting fabrics. Cut each fabric into 2 strips each measuring at least 14" x 3.5"


Lay your strips out so they are ordered dark, light, dark, light. Sew the strips together with a 1/4" seam, pressing to the dark fabric.


Cross cut into strips measuring 3.5" wide.


Flip the 2nd and 4th strips to give a chequerboard effect.



Sew the strips together, again using a 1/4" seam. You should find that your seams nest perfectly because you pressed to the dark fabric.



Press all seams in one direction and admire your pretty block! I found this really fast and addictive and ended up making 4 blocks in about half an hour because I couldn't stop myself!


Note. This block works best when you use a dark value fabric and a light value fabric. There needs to be a good contrast between the two.

This tutorial is for the Together Circle of do.Good Stitches, but if anybody else finds it useful I'd love to see what you make!

Fiona x
Posted by Fiona @ Poppy Makes at 01:40
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20 comments:

  1. Judith, Belfast5 April 2013 at 02:12

    Great tute Fi, and lovely blocks too! Jxo

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  2. Di5 April 2013 at 02:31

    Thanks for sharing how to make these lovely blocks. Di x

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  3. Susan5 April 2013 at 03:03

    Very pretty blocks Fi! Thanks for your tutorial!

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  4. Archie The Wonder Dog5 April 2013 at 03:17

    Pretty blocks!

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  5. Lynz5 April 2013 at 04:55

    Pretty, pretty blocks and a great wee tute!

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  6. Nicky5 April 2013 at 05:42

    Looks good to me - nice an easy!

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  7. Annabella5 April 2013 at 05:45

    Lovely tute - these blocks would make a beautiful quilt!

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  8. Sarah5 April 2013 at 07:43

    lovely tute, great blocks too :)

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  9. Julie5 April 2013 at 10:26

    Looks very easy peasy. Thannks! Juliex

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  10. Cindy5 April 2013 at 10:32

    Awesome! What will you make with your pretty blocks?

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  11. Katy Cameron5 April 2013 at 13:09

    Cunning plan!

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  12. MARIA CRISTINA5 April 2013 at 16:41

    Genial!muchas gracias!

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  13. Sophie Belle Designs5 April 2013 at 17:38

    Like the dark & light values in this tute - thanks :)

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  14. Emily's Mum6 April 2013 at 13:05

    This is one of my favourite blocks to make when in a hurry. It's so effective and makes up so quickly too. Love it

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  15. Inspiredbyfelix6 April 2013 at 13:59

    OOo that's clever and simple! x

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  16. Mish Mash Mama6 April 2013 at 23:50

    Press to the dark side-hehe! Sorry, had to laugh at that line! Such a simple yet stunning block. Love it, thanks for tooting your tute!! :) x

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  17. myBearpaw8 April 2013 at 07:38

    thanks for very clear simple tute Fiona - off to get some made for our new circle right now :)

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  18. Sarah27 April 2013 at 07:33

    Wonderful clear tute, thanks so much. Your blocks are very pretty too.

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  19. Sheila30 April 2013 at 14:19

    Brilliant tute Fiona, will get a couple done for Judith's Bee Blessed.

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  20. Sarah Lou1 November 2013 at 05:57

    Thanks for the tutorial, it's v clear, will hopefully be using this to make one of our Christmas presents this year.

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