Easy Bow Tie Quilt Block

We love sharing classic quilt block patterns with our readers, and we can’t wait for you to see Ann Butler’s easy bow tie block in our newest issue! Made in a pretty floral print, this traditional quilt block pattern is quick to sew and easy enough for quilting beginners to make. Finishing at an 8 1/2-inch square, this block pattern would make a darling throw pillow or spring mini quilt.

Materials:

• Fabric A (Bow Tie):
  • Two 4 1/2” squares
  • Two 2 1/4” squares
• Fabric B (Background):
  • Two 4 1/2” squares
• Thread

Tools:

• Sewing machine
• Ruler
• Pins
• Needle
• Iron
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Scissors

Piecing Instructions:

1. Use a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat to cut squares for the block.
   
   
2. With right sides together, place one of the 2 1/4 inch squares onto the upper corner of one of the background squares.
   
   
3. Stitch from one corner of the 2 1/4 inch square to the other corner.
   
   
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for the second 2 1/4 inch square and background square.
   
   
5. Trim excess fabric 1/4 inch from seam on both sewn pieces.
   
   
   
6. On the back side, press seam toward upper corner.
7. Then, press the right side of the sewn square as shown. Repeat for the second sewn square.
   
   
8. Place your sewn squares with the 2 remaining Bow Tie fabric squares.
   
   
9. With right sides together, place the sewn squares on top of the Bow Tie fabric squares.
   
   
10. Stitch with a 1/4“ seam allowance.
    
    
11. On the back side, press the seam toward the Bow Tie fabric. Then, press the right side of the sewn squares as shown.
    
    
    
12. Repeat Steps 9, 10, and 11 for the remaining two squares.
13. Lay the two sewn pieces one above the other as shown. Place the top section right sides together with the bottom section and pin where the seams meet. Stitch together along the edges, removing pins as you come to them.
    
    
    
    
14. Press the seam open so that the center where all of the seams meet does not become too bulky by pressing in one direction. Then press on the right side of the block.
    
    
    
15. Your Bow Tie Block is now complete and should measure 8 1/2″, which includes the seam allowance. Repeat these steps for however many blocks you need to complete a quilt.
    
    

DESIGNER NOTES:

• Before sewing your blocks together, lay them out in several different ways to see what you like the best.
• This block is a perfect way to use up scraps of fabric. Make all the Bow Ties from scraps and use one fabric for the background pieces to pull the entire quilt together.
• Create smaller Bow Tie Blocks to make a border around larger blocks, play around, and have fun with this block.
• Add sashing between blocks to emphasize each Bow Tie.
• Alternate background squares with the Bow Tie Blocks for a completely different look.