Blocks with a Twist
By Sheila Christensen
Make these fun mini quilts to use as coasters, all from one simple basic block. There are all sorts of styles you can use. Once mastered, you can find your own combinations.
You will need:
(Finished Quilt size 8 x 9 1/4”)
- Cream/Gold 5/8th yard
- Black/Gold 5/8th yard
- Binding 1/2 yard
- Backing fabric 5/8th yard
- Batting (wadding) 1/3 yard or 10” square for each coaster
- 12 wt thread for hand quilting if desired in cream and black
- Rotary cutter, mat and straight quilting ruler
- 60 degree triangle quilting ruler, eg Creative Grids CGRT60 or ruler with a 60 degree line.
- Non-sew press fasteners
The block
All of these different designs are made from just one block, repeated six times and put together in a different way for each coaster.
Once you know how to make this simple block you can create any of the designs.
How to cut the shapes
Follow the cutting instructions for the ruler you are using (see below)
Creative Grids CGRT60 or other ‘blunt tip’ ruler
These rulers have a blunt tip, and the measurements start from the tip.
Triangle A
Start with a 2 1/2” strip of fabric and place the 2 1/2” line of the ruler on the bottom of the strip. The tip of the ruler will be sticking out 1/4” above the top of the strip.
Trapezoid B
Start with a 1 1/2” strip of fabric and place the 3 1/2” line of the ruler on the bottom of the strip. Cut on both sides of the ruler.
Trapezoid C
Start with a 1 1/2” strip of fabric and place the 4 1/2” line of the ruler on the bottom of the strip. Cut on both sides of the ruler.
Clearview Triangle or other 'point' ruler
Triangle A
Start with a 2 1/2” strip of fabric and place the 2 3/4” line of the ruler on the bottom of the strip.
The tip of the ruler will be sticking out 1/4” above the top of the strip.
Trapezoid B
Start with a 1 1/2” strip of fabric and place the 3 3/4” line of the ruler on the bottom of the strip. Cut on both sides of the ruler.
Trapezoid C
Start with a 1 1/2” strip of fabric and place the 4 3/4” line of the ruler on the bottom of the strip. Cut on both sides of the ruler.
Straight ruler with a 60 degree line
Triangle A
Start with a 2 3/4” strip of fabric. Place the ruler with the 60 degree line on the top of the strip and cut on the right. Rotate the ruler to put the 60 degree line on the bottom of the strip and cut again.
Trapezoid B
Start with a 1 1/2” x 4 3/8” rectangle. Use the ruler to cut the angle at each end.
Trapezoid C
Start with a 1 1/2” x 5 1/2” rectangle. Use the ruler to cut the angle at each end.
To make up
All seams are 1/4”. Press each seam open before sewing the next one.
Place trapezoid B on the right hand side of triangle A, sew then press the seam open. Clip the small triangle in the corner.
Place trapezoid C on the left-hand side, sew then press the seam open. Clip the small triangles in the corners.
See the designs below for ideas of how to arrange the blocks.
Make 6 blocks per coaster, varying the colour placement to suit the arrangement you want to make.
Assemble the coasters in two halves of 3 blocks each, then join the halves together.
Design ideas
All blocks the same
Make all 6 blocks the same.
You can also reverse the colourings for these blocks to create a different look.
Alternative block colourings
Make 3 blocks with light triangles/dark trapezoids and 3 blocks with dark triangles / light trapezoids.
Further information
See more projects and techniques by Sheila Christensen on her website.
Instagram / Facebook: @mysteryquilter