Sew a Basket Quilt that Combines Patchwork and Applique

By Janet Wickell

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Combine Patchwork and Applique in a Quilt

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Holiday Harvest Quilt Pattern. Photo Credit: Janet Wickell

The Holiday Harvest quilt pattern combines two traditional quilt blocks, the patchwork Grape Basket with an applique design known as Oak Leaf & Acorn. Quilt blocks are arranged on-point and surrounded by setting triangles.

Use any type of applique method to sew the quilt, including:

Download the Oak Leaf & Acorn PDF template file before you begin.

I've included two options for the block center -- one much simpler than the other.

Finished Block Size: 10" square

Finished Quilt Size: about 55-1/2" x 69-1/2"

Fabrics and Other Materials

Neutral background: 1-3/4 yards

Dark blue: 3 yards (includes setting triangles)
Green: 1-1/2 yards
Gold: 1/2 yard
Red: 1/2 yard
Backing: 2-1/4 yards
Batting: about 65" x 80"
Binding: about 275 running inches doublefold binding

Basket Block Cutting

Cut enough for a test block before cutting all yardage. Read the entire pattern before you begin cutting and sewing.

Background

(3) 2-7/8" strips across selvage; cut (36) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares^** from strips
(1) 2-1/2" strip across selvage; cut (12) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares from strip
(4) 2-1/2" strips across selvage; cut (24) 2-1/2" x 6-1/2" bars from strips
(1) 4-7/8" strip across selvage; cut (6) 4-7/8" x 4-7/8" squares from strip

Dark Blue:

(3) 2-7/8" strips across selvage; cut (36) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares^** from strips
(1) 4-7/8" strip across selvage; cut (6) 4-7/8" x 4-7/8" squares from strip

Green

(1) 2-7/8" strip across selvage and (1) 2-7/8" x 12-1/2" strip; cut (18) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares^** from strips

Gold

(1) 2-7/8" strip across selvage; cut (12) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares^** from strips
(1) 4-7/8" strip across selvage; cut (6) 4-7/8" x 4-7/8" squares from strip

Red

(2) 2-7/8" strips across selvage; cut (24) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares^{** from strips}

^**I like to cut these squares oversize and then trim back half-square triangle units after assembly.

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How to Sew Grape Basket Quilt Blocks

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Basket Quilt Block Pattern - Janet Wickell

Assemble the Basket Quilt Block. Photo Credit: Janet Wickell

Half square triangle units are used throughout the majority of the Grape Basket quilt block. Refer to the quick pieced half square triangle method for instructions, and combine the squares listed below.

Combine 2-7/8" background squares with red squares of the same size (yield = 48 units that measure 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" after assembly).
Combine remaining 2-7/8" background squares with blue squares of the same size (yield = (24 units that measure 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" after assembly).

Combine 2-7/8" gold squares with blue squares of the same size (yield = 24 units that measure 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" after assembly).
Combine remaining 2-7/8" red squares with green squares of the same size (yield = 36 units that measure 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" after assembly).
Combine 4-7/8" gold squares with blue squares of the same size (yield = 12 units that measure 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" after assembly).

Cut remaining 2-7/8" blue squares in half once diagonally.

Cut 4-7/8" background squares in half once diagonally.

Sew the basket block together:

See illustration, upper left. Arrange components into units as shown. Sew smaller half-square triangle units together in pairs as shown.
See illustration, upper right. Press seam allowances in adjoining rows in opposite directions if possible. Sew units into two columns as shown, butting seams for a good match.
See Illustration, lower left. press seam allowances in adjoining rows in opposite directions. Sew columns together. Sew a blue triangle to ends of 2-1/2" x 6-1/2" background bars. Press seam allowances towards the bars.

Sew bars to the sides of the block (matching at straight edges).
See illustration, lower right. Center a triangle cut from a 4-7/8" background square at the corner of the block. Sew and press seam allowance towards the triangle.
Make a total of 12 Grape Basket blocks.

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Oak Leaf and Acorn Quilt Block Pattern

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Upper left, the traditional Oak Leaf and Acorn Block. Lower right, a block with a simplified center. Choose the option that works for you. Photo Credit: Janet Wickell

Download the PDF file and make templates from the shapes. Specific cutting instructions will depend on the applique method you choose.

You'll Need:

(24) Green oak leaves (larger template)
(24) Red acorns (smaller template)
(6) Gold centers -- there are two options included, one simpler, with fewer (and more gentle) curves

Cut one 11" x 11" square of background fabric. Fold it in half crosswise, from both directions, creasing each time.

Fold in half along both diagonals, leaving creases.

Use the creases to guide you as you arrange and pin fabric in place. The ends of oak leaves will slip underneath the gold center patch for hand applique. So will acorns if you use the more intricate center patch.

Applique shapes to the square. Press. Use a square ruler (or make a template) to square-up the quilt block to 10-1/2" x 10-1/2", centering the motifs.

Adjust remaining background squares up or down if necessary (from 11") to make sewing and squaring up easier/more accurate. Make a total of six Oak Leaf & Acorn quilt blocks.

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Assemble the Holiday Harvest Quilt

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Arrange the quilt's blocks and setting components into diagonal rows. Photo Credit: Janet Wickell

Assemble the Holiday Harvest Quilt Top

Setting & Corner Triangles

Cut (2) 15-3/8" squares from setting triangle fabric. Cut each in half twice diagonally to use as side triangles.
Cut (2) 8" squares from the same fabric. Cut each in half once diagonally to us as corner triangles.

Arrange the patchwork quilt blocks, applique quilt blocks and side triangles in diagonal rows as shown, placing blocks on point.

Sew the components of each row together.
Press seams in adjoining rows in opposite directions. Sew rows together, butting seams for a close match.
Center and sew corner triangles to the quilt top. Press.