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Free Quilt Block Pattern - Friendship Quilt Block Pattern

By Janet Wickell, About.com

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Introduction to the Friendship Block, Materials & Cutting

Friendship Block/Paths and Stiles Variation

© Janet Wickell
Versions of this traditional quilt block have been called many names over the years. Friendship Quilt is one term used for quilts made from the block, because each quiltmaker added a signature to her or his block. Light fabrics and dark fabrics were often flip flopped in this block -- envision lights where you see darks and darks where you see lights.

The Friendship quilt block resembles the Paths and Stiles block, but most blocks tagged with that name have a nine patch pieced center.

It's not unusual to see name variations, because most of our traditional quilt blocks have been altered and renamed over time and will be altered even more in the future.

Block Size: 9-1/2" unfinished size

The directions make two identical blocks. Repeat to make additional blocks from a scrappy assortment of fabric.

Fabrics

  • Choose a white or white on white fabric for backgrounds.

  • Choose a small to medium scale floral for other areas. Try to avoid florals with lots of white so that chunky white edges don't blend into the white background fabric.

Instructions help you make blocks as shown here, but feel free to change the theme and colors to suit your own tastes. You'll have lefovers if you choose a fat quarter of each fabric type.

Cutting Chart

From the floral fabric, cut:
  • Two strips 1-1/2" x 15"
  • Four 3-7/8" squares (or slightly larger to trim back after sewing)
  • Two 3-1/2" squares

From the white fabric, cut:

  • Four strips 1-1/2" x 15"
  • Four 3-7/8" squares (or slightly larger to trim back after sewing)

Index: Free Quilt Block Pattern - Friendship Quilt Block Pattern

  1. Introduction to the Friendship Block, Materials & Cutting
  2. Make the Friendship Block's Quick Pieced Components
  3. Assemble the Quilt Block

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