The quilt blocks in this fun sampler quilt pattern are suitable for quilters of any skill level, and making the blocks will help new quilters practice their patchwork piecing skills. You'll find just a teensy bit of applique in the patterns, but it is optional, since some quilters absolutely do not want to go there just yet. I hope you have fun making the sampler, and that you'll send me a photo of yours when it is finished.
All of the sampler quilt blocks finish at 12-inches square.
A few blocks, along with the sampler quilt's final layout, are on the second page of this document, so be sure to follow the link to find those instructions.
Looking for the Scrap Happy Sampler Quilt? That's a different project.
1. Sampler Quilt Block #1: Flying in Circles
© Janet Wickell
The Flying in Circles quilt block is made from three simple units: flying geese, half-square triangle units, and a plain square of fabric. Quick piecing techniques help you assemble the block quickly and accurately.
2. Sampler Quilt Block #2: Baskets on Point
© Janet Wickell
Use my easy sandwich method to make the half-square triangles required for this pretty basket quilt block. Be sure to read the instructions before you cut fabrics, because you might decide to make your squares oversize and then trim units back after assembly -- that ensures they'll be perfect, every time.
3. Sampler Quilt Block #3: Rocky Mountain Puzzle
© Janet Wickell
The third block in the 2007 Anniversary Sampler Quilt is a variation of the traditional Rocky Mountain Puzzle quilt block, with a pieced center square surrounded by ten half-square triangles and plain squares in two corners.
4. Sampler Quilt Block #4: Scrappy Framed Star
© Janet Wickell
The Scrappy Framed Star quilt block features a pinwheel at its center, made from four half-square triangle units. The pinwheel is surrounded by darker star tips using "flying geese-like" units. A scrappy patchwork frame is sewn around the block's outer perimeter. This is one of my favorites from the Sampler Quilt series.
5. Sampler Quilt Block #5: Chariot Wheel Variation
© Janet Wickell
The fifth block for the About.com 2007 Anniversary Sampler is a variation of the traditional Chariot Wheel quilt block. It's partially strip pieced to speed things along, and is made with squares and bars -- you won't find even one stretchy selvage edge in the entire block!
6. Sampler Quilt Block #6: Switching Crowns
© Janet Wickell
If you're familiar with Queen Charlotte's Crown, a traditional quilt block, you'll know immediately that this design looks absolutely nothing like it. But Switching Crowns does have that block in its ancestry. As I drew Queen Charlotte's Crown, I knew I wasn't happy at all with it, so I started adding units and flipping them around. Switching Crowns is the result.
7. Sampler Quilt Block #7: Odds and Ends
Traditional Quilt Block
The Odds and Ends quilt block is the seventh in our Anniversary Quilt series. I found the block it in Electric Quilt 6, and designed it with a combination of green and pink florals. You can play around with fabric placement if you like, placing the lighter long bars on the outer perimeter of the quilt or switching around the value placement of the four patch units that rest in the corners. Assemble all of the units, and then experiment a bit before you sew everything together.
8. Sampler Quilt Block #8: Cut Glass Dish
Janet Wickell
The Cut Glass Dish is made up of half-square triangle units and three four-patch units. There are quite a few pieces, but the block is not difficult to make. Cut on grain to avoid stretch and watch your seam allowances and pressing so that the block doesn't "shrink" or become skewed during assembly.
9. Sampler Quilt Block #9: Girl's Choice
© Janet Wickell, Created in Electric Quilt v.6
The Girl's Choice quilt block is a little more involved than some of the other sampler quilt blocks, but if you are a beginner you won't find it difficult at all if you take care when cutting and sewing.
10. Sampler Quilt Block #10: Capital Ts
© Janet Wickell, created in EQ v6
I love how the brightly colored paisley fabrics look against a neutral background. This combination works for lots of themes, but be sure to choose fabrics that "fit" your sampler quilt.
