The Indian Trails Quilt Block

The Indian trails quilt block comes from one of my old time favorites of the Kansas City Star collection.

Imagine how great it would be to open the newspaper and see some of your favorite quilt patterns with all of the instructions too.

The Indian trails quilt block uses large and small half square triangles along with a few basic squares. By using only these very simple patchwork pieces, it is fast and easy to put together.

The pattern is based on a four patch grid. Each of the four “patches” is what creates the pattern.

This would make a great scrap quilt. When you put a few blocks together, it creates a sort of random pattern. But still a pattern none the less with clean lines and a creative twist.

To complete one block for a sampler quilt:

Materials:
Fat quarter fabric in two colors
(rust and white)
Batting
Backing

Step 1 - Use the rotary cutting techniques.

Cut 2 patches 7½” square from the rust fabric.
Cut 12 patches 3½” square from the rust fabric.
Cut 2 patches 7½” square from the white fabric.
Cut 12 patches 3½” square from the white fabric.
Cut 4 patches 2½” square from the white fabric.

Step 4 - Use the half square triangle method.

Place one 7½” square of rust fabric and one 7½” square of white fabric, right sides together. Draw a line on the diagonal on the lighter fabric from one corner to the opposite corner. Stitch ¼” on each side of the marked line.

Cut on the drawn line with your rotary cutter or scissors to separate the square into triangles.

Fold open the square and press the seam allowances toward the darker fabric. Using your plastic ruler, trim the square to be 6½”. Be sure to use the 45 degree angle on your ruler. Complete 4 large rust/white half square triangles.

Repeat the process using the 3½” rust and white squares to complete 24 small rust/white half square triangles.

Step 3 - To complete each of the four patch units, begin by sewing three small half square triangles in a row with the rust triangles all pointing in the same direction to the lower right. Add a white square to the end of the row of triangles.

Step 5 - Sew the row of triangles from Step 4 to the right side of a large half square triangle with the large rust triangle pointing to the lower left.

Step 6 - Sew the row of triangles from Step 3 to the top of the large half square triangle.

Complete a total of 4 patch units using the instructions from Step 3 through Step 6.

Step 7 - Sew the four patches together to complete the Indian trails quilt block, but pay attention to the placement of the large rust triangles because it will effect the pattern.

Go to Free Quilt Block Patterns from the Indian Trails Quilt Block