Perfect in Plaid String Quilt Block

Go mad for everything plaid with this cheerful Christmas quilt block design! This string quilt block pattern is made in festive holiday prints and designed to be precut friendly, so it’s ideal for using up any fat eighths or fat quarters that you have in your fabric stash. Centered around a simple rectangle, this quilt block uses fabric strips in different prints to create a unique geometrical look. Whether used in smaller projects or pieced together in a quilt, this block design is an excellent choice for your next winter project.

Finished Size: 12″ (30 CM) block

Fabric Requirements:

• 6 fat eighths or quarter cuts of coordinating holiday fabrics. The designer suggests the “Hustle and Bustle” line by Basic Gray for Moda, newly released for Holiday 2021.

Designer Notes:

• Before you begin, please read through all instructions.
• Use a standard 1/4″ seam allowance (or just under the 1/4″ seam) to sew all pieces together.
• Press all seams as you go for a professional finish.
• The abbreviation “RST” means right side of fabric placed together.
• This block was designed to be fat eight or quarter precut friendly.

Cutting Instructions:

1. Cut 1 rectangle (feature/larger print): 4 by 5 1/2″ (10 x 14 cm).
2. Cut 2 strips each: 2 by 5  1/2″ (5 x 14 cm), 2 by 7″ (5 x 18 cm), 2 by 8  1/2″ (5 x 21 cm), and 2 by 9 3/4″ (5 x 25 cm).
3. Cut 2 squares: 6  1/2″ (15 cm).

Piecing Instructions:

ASSEMBLE CENTRAL UNIT:

1. Lay out the central 4 by 5  1/2″ rectangle right side up. Place both 2 by 5  1/2″ strips on top and bottom of the rectangle, lining up the 5  1/2″ sides.
2. Place the pieces RST and sew a 1/4″ seam to begin forming the central unit. Press seams open or to the darkest side of fabric.
3. Place the 2 by 7″ strips along the 7″ side of the central unit and sew RST. Press seams.
4. Continue adding the 2″ by 8  1/2″ and 9 3/4″ by rotating sides as you add the next set of strips. See figure 1 below.
   
5. Fold the central unit in half and press with the iron to create a central crease. Fold opposite direction and repeat so each edge of the block has a creased central line. See figure 2 below.
   

FINISH THE BLOCK:

1. Take the two 6  1/2″ squares to the iron. Fold each in half with opposite corners touching and press to form a central diagonal crease.
2. Cut each square along the diagonal to create 4 half square triangles. Fold each triangle in half with the points on the longest side of the triangle touching and iron for a central crease.
3. Line up the crease of the triangle with the crease of the central unit and pin in place. Repeat for the opposite side and sew. (See figure 2 below.) Press the entire block flat.
   
4. Take the block to the cutting mat and trim to 12″ (30 cm) square to complete the block. A clear 12″ square ruler is advised. See figure 3 below.
   
   

Final 12″ square Perfect in Plaid String Block.