Welcome to Block 2019! We’re exploring classic quilt blocks all year, and the sixth block is Basket. Part of the challenge of Block 2019 is to try different techniques and construction methods to grow and hone our skills as quilters. This month’s block is a traditional block that can come in many forms.
Fabric Requirements:
Gray (Includes quilt-as-you-go backing) — 3/8 yard
Aqua — 1/8 yard
Dark Blue — 1/8 yard
Coral — 1/8 yard
Batting — 12″ x 12″ (For quilt-as-you-go method only)
Cutting Instructions:
From the gray fabric, cut:
(1) 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ (For the quilt-as-you-go method only, do not cut otherwise.)
(14) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
(8) 2″ x 3 1/2″
(4) 2″ x 2″
From the aqua fabric, cut:
(12) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
From the dark blue fabric, cut:
(8) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
(4) 2″ x 2″
From the coral fabric, cut:
(6) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
Cutting Guide:
Assembly:
Half Square Triangles
Mark the wrong side of the coral 2 1/2″ squares in half diagonally once. Lay a marked coral square over an aqua 2 1/2″ square, right sides together. Sew a quarter inch from each side of the marked line. Cut apart on the marked line. Trim unit to 2″ square. Make 4.
Make the following additional Half Square Triangle combinations:
- (8) coral/dark blue
- (8) gray/dark blue
- (20) gray/aqua
Basket Assembly
Arrange the half square triangles, 2″ x 3 1/2″ rectangles and 2″ squares, as shown below. Assemble the 3 rows of HSTs first, then add the side and bottom row.
Make 4 individual baskets. Basket unit measures 6 1/2″ unfinished.
Block Assembly
Arrange the basket units as shown above. Sew in rows and press in opposite directions. Sew the rows together to complete the block. Block measures 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ unfinished.
To prepare the block for quilt-as-you-go, sandwich the 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ backing square, 12″ x 12″ batting centered on the backing square, and your block. Baste using preferred method. Quilt as desired inside the 12″ finished size of the block.
Check back later in the month, when we’ll share ideas for quilting the block.
And you’re all set!
Check back next week for some fun variations on the Basket block. You can always find links to all the previous Block 2019 blocks and see when the next installment is coming out in the main Block 2019 article, just click here.
As you finish your blocks, share them in the AQS Project Parade Facebook group, or use the hashtag #Block2019 and tag us @aqsonline because we can’t wait to see what you do!
American Quilter Magazine January 2020 Digital