The Big Dipper Quilt Block

The big dipper quilt block is another old favorite quilt pattern.

The big dipper uses half square triangles and triangles.

To complete one block for a sampler quilt:

Materials:
Fat quarter fabric in three colors
(solid blue, tan and blue print)
Backing
Batting

Step 1 - Use the rotary cutting techniques.

Cut 2 patches 3 ½” square from each of the solid blue and tan fabric.
Cut 1 patch 7 ½” square from each of the blue print fabric. Sub cut the square into 4 triangles.

Step 2 - Use the half square triangle method.

Place one 3 ½” square of solid blue fabric and one 3 ½” square of tan 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 2 ½”. Be sure to use the 45 degree angle on your ruler.

You will need a total of 4 half square triangles measuring 2 ½”.

Step 3 - Sew row one, half square triangle, half square triangle.

Be sure to check for correct placement of the half square triangles.

Step 4 - Sew row two, half square triangle, half square triangle.

Step 5 - Sew the rows together to complete the center square unit.

Step 6 - Sew one triangle to the top side of the square unit. Be sure to line up the center of the triangle with the center seam of the square unit.

Step 7 - Sew one triangle to the bottom of the square unit.

Press seam allowances to the dark fabric.

Step 8 - Sew one triangle to the left side of the square unit.

Step 9 - Sew one triangle to the right side of the square unit.

You have completed the big dipper quilt block.

What will your next project be?

Go to Quick and Easy Quilting Ideas from Big Dipper Quilt Block