FREE QUILT BLOCK TUTORIAL: Bow Tie Block
Want to learn to sew a versatile quilt block? The Bow Tie Block is great for projects small and large and quick to put together!
This tutorial creates a 6″ finished block – a chart follows to show how to create a 9 or 12″ block as well.
All seams are sewn at scant 1/4″
For this example I used 2 prints from my Send Me to the Woods Fabric sold by Riley Blake Designs.
Background Fabric: Send Me to the Woods Forest Gray
- (2) 3 1/2″ squares
Print or “Bow” Fabric: Send Me to the Woods Main Gray
- (2) 3 1/2″ squares
(2) 2″ squares
Use the chart below for cutting directions for different sized blocks.
OPTIONAL: Fussy Cutting the Small Squares
If you are using an overall toss or non-directional fabric you can skip this part. Simply cut the small “bow tie squares” to size and move to the next step.
When deciding on fabric for this tutorial I wanted to create a 6″ mug mat (instructions to follow) with a lodge feel.
I chose the forest print as my background – watch the direction as you use that so you don’t have your trees upside down!
Then I chose the animal print for the “bow tie”. Since I didn’t want an animal cut through the face or upside down on the final project, I needed to be careful about how I fussy cut the 2″ square AND check and double check how I sewed the pieces to the background blocks.
My 2.5″ Cute Cut® square ruler by Lori Holt (from Riley Blake Designs – see link to purchase at the bottom of the post) was perfect for fussy cutting my squares.
Here is what you need to do…
When deciding on fabric for this tutorial I wanted to create a 6″ mug mat (instructions to follow) with a lodge feel.
I chose the forest print as my background – watch the direction as you use that so you don’t have your trees upside down!
Then I chose the animal print for the “bow tie”. Since I didn’t want an animal cut through the face or upside down on the final project, I needed to be careful about how I fussy cut the 2″ square AND check and double check how I sewed the pieces to the background blocks.
My 2.5″ Cute Cut® square ruler by Lori Holt (from Riley Blake Designs – see link to purchase at the bottom of the post) was perfect for fussy cutting my squares.
Here is what you need to do…
Because the print I was using was pretty dark and it was hard to see the markings on my square, I turned the print over and lined it up from the back.
Remember that 1/2 the square will be cut away so you need to place your desired image on one side or the other of the square.
Remember that 1/2 the square will be cut away so you need to place your desired image on one side or the other of the square.
Place the square and fold it the way it will go once sewn to make sure you got it right. If you don’t have extra fabric in case you make a mistake and need to cut again, you can do a quick sketch with an image or a simple arrow on a paper before you cut your fabric and test that!
Place and double check both sides before sewing to save you seam ripping time later!
How to Assemble the Bow Tie Quilt Block
On the wrong side of each of the two 2″ squares DRAW a diagonal line from corner to corner.
SEW along the drawn lines.
TRIM excess corners 1/4″ from the sewn lines and press seams.
ARRANGE the four units and sew into two rows of two units – paying attention to the direction of the fabric if necessary.
SEW along the drawn lines.
The Bow Tie block is great for beginners and can be put together is so many ways for quilts or other projects. If you are on Pinterest, do a search for “Bow Tie Block Quilts” and you will be blown away and inspired! (While you are there be sure to follow me too! > pinterest.com/artisttarareed)
– Tara Reed
P.S. If you make this block I’d love to see it!
Tag me on Instagram: @artisttarareed
Share it on Pinterest: pinterest.com/artisttarareed
P.P.S. Want to see more free projects using my Send Me to the Woods Fabric? CLICK HERE >
– Tara Reed
P.S. If you make this block I’d love to see it!
Tag me on Instagram: @artisttarareed
Share it on Pinterest: pinterest.com/artisttarareed
P.P.S. Want to see more free projects using my Send Me to the Woods Fabric? CLICK HERE >
Materials Used in this Project:
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It’s one of the ways I support my site.
Look for the Send Me to the Woods fabric in your local fabric store or online. CLICK HERE to find a location near you >
