This traditional patchwork tulip block is made up of eight half square triangle units, plus a combination of squares and rectangles. It's not difficult to assemble, but do be careful to place the tulip's center bud (shown here in blue) in the correct position.
Follow the instructions to sew four Tulip quilt blocks. Repeat to make additional blocks as needed. Choose any fabrics that suit you. The examples shown here were used when the block was swapped among members during a former Quilting Forum event.
Cutting Instructions for Four Tulip Blocks
Square up one end of eacj fabric strip before cutting segments from it.
Reproduction Fabric Circa 1930's
"Pink" Print
- One 2-1/2" x 42" strip, cut into sixteen 2-1/2" squares
- One 2-7/8" x 42" strip, cut into fourteen 2-7/8" squares for half square triangles
- One 2-7/8" x 6-1/4" strip, cut into two 2-7/8" squares for half square triangles
"Blue" Print
- One 1-1/2" x 30" strip, cut into four 1-1/2" squares; reserve remaining strip
"Kona Natural" solid
- One 1-1/2" x 25" strip
- One 2-1/2" x 25" strip, cut into sixteen 1-1/2" segments
- One 4-1/2" x 26" strip, cut into sixteen 1-1/2" wide bars
- One 2-7/8" x 42" strip, cut into fourteen 2-7/8" squares for half square triangles
- One 2-7/8" x 6-1/4" strip, cut into two 2-7/8" squares for half square triangles
Tip: Use 3" squares instead of 2-7/8" squares for triangle units. Use a square ruler such as a Bias Square to trim units to 2-1/2" square after assembly. The ruler has a 45-degree rule down its center -- align it with the unit's diagonal to be sure each triangle square is the correct size.
