The traditional Garden Maze quilt might seem a little intimidating at first, but this easy rotary cut assembly method will help you put it together quickly and accurately.
The patches for the corner units of the Garden Maze block aren't particularly rotary-cutting friendly -- it has pesky off-size dimensions. But if you're like me, you try avoid using templates as much as possible. We'll rotary cut the patches anyway, and then bring in a guide to square-up the "X" corners so that they're just right.
I drafted this block for Joy, a Forum Hostess who's organizing a Garden Maze quilt block swap. Be sure to read Joy's specific fabric instructions, sign up for the swap and take part in the discussion if you would like to participate. You'll find that other members offer excellent tips and support during the construction phase.
Make One 9" (Finished Size) Garden Maze Block
Cut patches and test-sew one block before you progress to the 6-block instructions near the end of the page. Also see: Alternate Paper Pieced Xs
Batik Fabric
- Cut one 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" square
- Cut one 1-3/4" x 15" strip
- Cut four 3" x 3" squares; cut each square in half once diagonally
Tone-on-Tone Black Fabric
- Cut two 1-3/8" x 15" strips
- Cut eight 1-3/4" x 6" bars
Make Six Identical (9" Finished) Garden Maze Quilt Blocks
about one half-yard of each fabric
Batik Fabric
"43" strips" refers to selvage to selvage cuts; must be at least 42-1/2 or so to allow for squaring up. Use the entire crosswise length.
- Cut six 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" squares
- Cut two 1-3/4" x 43" strips
- Cut two 3" x 43" strips; cut twenty-four 3" x 3" squares from strips; cut each square in half once diagonally
Black Fabric
- Cut four 1-3/8" x 43" strips
- Cut seven 1-3/4" x 43" strips; cut forty-eight 1-3/4" x 6" bars from the strips
