I love big blocks because they show off fabric really well, plus you don't have to cut pretty fabric up into tiny pieces. The only trouble is that almost all the tutorials online for traditional style blocks are all 6-12". Those are definitely not big blocks! 

So I came up with something fun for 2021 that I'm really excited about!

I picked out (12) traditional style blocks, gave them a modern twist, and then upsized them into 18" blocks. Once a month, I will post the free tutorial for one block here on my blog for everyone to make!

The best thing is that these blocks are simple, fast, and friendly for new quilters, however, they definitely don't have to be boring! Individually, you can turn them into an 18" pillow, or you can make a bunch and whip up a quick quilt!

I call this new series JUMBO BLOCKS ROCK! And I'm really excited to show you the first block! You can visit my TUTORIALS page for this and links to all future blocks!

BLOCK 1 - ANTIQUE TILE REMIX

For my first block, I decided to take the traditional 12" ANTIQUE TILE block and jazz it up with a square in square unit in the center. I love that it adds a pop of color in the middle!

 

This is an example of what both blocks would look like in a 72" quilt.

BLOCK #1 TUTORIAL

PATTERN NOTES

• Please read through all instructions before beginning.
• Seam allowances are 1/4" unless specified.
• WOF = Width of Fabric; pattern assumes a minimum of 42"
• RST = Right Sides Together
• Press all seams open (or in preferred direction) unless specified.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

This block pattern uses (3) accent fabrics [FABRIC A] and (1) background fabric [FABRIC B]. Below are the requirements to make ONE 18" BLOCK.

 

NOTE - If you would like to make a SCRAPPY VERSION of this block, just use the exact quantities and sizes of fabric pieces listed below in the cutting directions.

CUTTING DIRECTIONS 

From FABRIC A1, cut:

(1) 3½" × WOF, subcut:

• (4) 3½" × 6½" rectangles 
• (4) 3½" squares 

 

From FABRIC A2, cut:

(1) 3½" × WOF, subcut:

• (4) 3½" × 6½" rectangles 
• (4) 3½" squares 

 

From FABRIC A3, cut:

• (1) 4¾" square 

 

From FABRIC B1, cut:

(1) 3½" × 26", subcut:

• (4) 3½" × 6½" rectangles 

(1) 4¼" × 9", subcut:

• (2) 4¼" squares 

DIRECTIONS

PART 1 - MAKING THE CENTER SQUARE IN SQUARE BLOCK

1. Cut the (2) 4¼" Color B1 squares diagonally in half to make (4) triangle pieces.

 

 

Using the (4) background triangle pieces and the (1) 4¾" Color A3 square, you will create a SQUARE IN SQUARE BLOCK by the steps 2-4 below.

 

💡 TIP - Before beginning, fold and iron a small crease in the middle of the (4) triangle pieces and in the middle of each side of the A3 square, as shown by the pink dotted line. Before sewing the triangle pieces to the sides of the square in the steps below, line up the creases. This is an easy way to make sure all pieces are centered.

 

2. First, align the long side of (1) triangle piece RST to both the left and right edge of the A3 square. Sew together by stitching ¼" away from the edge. Flip and press triangle pieces open, then trim off the very tips of the triangles so they are even with the top and bottom edges of the square. This helps to reduce unnecessary fabric bulk.

 

3. Next, align the long side of (1) triangle piece RST to both the top and bottom edge of the square. Sew together by stitching ¼" away from the edge. Flip and press the triangle pieces open.

 

4. Trim the block to 6½" square by positioning the ruler so the points of the green diamond are about ¼" away from the edge (see the red markings on the diagram below). 

💡 TIP - A 6½" square ruler is the easiest tool to use here because you can trim all four sides at once. However, you can use a larger ruler to trim two sides at a time. Before cutting, use your ruler to check where all your diamond points fall. They may not be exactly perfect, but try to center them inside a 6" square area of the ruler the best that you can so you have ¼ seam allowance on the other edge of the point. 

 

 

 PART 2 - MAKING CORNER UNITS

5. Lay out (1) A1 3½" × 6½" rectangle, (1) A1 3½" square and (1) A2 3½" square as shown below.

6. Place the A1 and A2 squares RST. Sew together and press open.

7. Place the A1 rectangle on top of the two squares RST, paying close attention that the A2 color is on the bottom right corner. Sew together and press open.

8. Repeat STEPS 5-7 to make a total of (4) CORNER UNITS. 

 

PART 3 - MAKING THE CENTER EDGE UNITS

9. Place (1) A1 and (1) B2 3½" × 6½" rectangle RST. Sew together and press open.

10. Repeat STEP 9 to make a total of (4) CENTER EDGE UNITS. 

 

PART 4 - BLOCK CONSTRUCTION

11. Lay out the CENTER UNIT, the (4) CORNER UNITS, and the (4) CENTER EDGE UNITS as shown below.

12. Sew the (3) units in each row together. Press open.

13. Sew the (3) rows together. Press open.

 14. Your block is now complete! Trim to 18½" square if needed. 

I decided to quilt this block up as a little wall hanging using a diagonal grid, except I used three lines instead of one! You can see that tutorial HERE.

 

What color would you make this block in? I can't wait to see all the different versions! Next month I'll have another block and we'll be making some Flying Geese!

Click HERE to see the pretty Navy and Coral version I made for Riley Blake Designs! It also includes a tutorial of the quilting I used on this version.

Until later, happy sewing!

Jamie 

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Find the other blocks in the #JumboBlocksRock here:

• Block 1 - Antique Tile Remix
• Block 2 - Maple Star Remix
• Block 3 - Amish Star Remix
• Block 4 - Salem Star Remix
• Block 5 - Sunflower Star Remix
• Block 6 - Boxed Basket Remix
• Block 7 - Illinois Diamond Remix
• Block 8 - Variable Star Remix
• Block 9 - Hidden Star Remix
• Block 10 - Honeymoon Diamond Remix
• Block 11 - Nine Patch Pinwheel Remix
• Block 12 - Blocks and Stars Remix