From Janet Wickell,
Your Guide to Quilting.
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Basket Block

Like the other Anniversary Sampler Quilt blocks, this basket block finishes at 12-inches square. The colors shown help me illustrate which units go where; choose fabrics and colors that work with your quilt theme.

The basket block contains half square triangle units. Use my easy sandwich method to make them. Read the instructions before you begin, because you might decide to cut your squares oversize and trim units back after assembly.

Basket Block Fabrics

Dark, Warm Color (shown as red)

• Two 3-7/8" squares

Dark, Cool Color (shown as darkest blue)

• Three 3-7/8" squares
• One 6-7/8" square

Medium-Light, Cool Color (shown as light blue)

• One 3-7/8" square
• One 6-7/8" square

Light Background Fabric (shown as light neutral)

• Three 3-7/8" squares
• One 3-1/2" square

Medium floral (shown as brown)

• One 6-7/8" square

Make the Half Square Triangle Units

1. Draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the reverse side of each 3-7/8" background square and each light blue square.

2. Referring to the quick piecing instructions, combine two of the 3-7/8" background squares with the red squares of the same size to make four half-square triangle units. Each completed unit should measure 3-1/2" square.

3. Combine a 3-7/8" background square with a dark blue square of the same size to make two half-square triangle units. The completed units should measure 3-1/2" square.

4. Repeat to make two half-square triangle units by combining light and dark blue 3-7/8" squares.

5. Assemble two half-square triangle units by combining the 6-7/8" light and dark blue squares. The completed units should measure 6-1/2" square. Set one aside for a block project later in the year.

Work with Remaining Basket Block Components

1. Cut remaining two 3-7/8" dark blue squares in half once diagonally. Do the same with the 6-7/8" floral square.