Make 12 Inch Chinese Lanterns Quilt Blocks
This traditional pattern is usually referred to as a Chinese Lanterns quilt block, but it's suitable for any fabric.Try Asian themed fabrics for the large lantern pieces, and black or tone-on-tone fabrics for the narrow accent patches. If Asian fabrics aren't your thing, how about making your lanterns from kids prints or novelty prints? Small to medium scale prints would be perfect for creating a whimsical, colorful lanterns quilt. A few examples are: a Halloween lantern and a butterfly lantern.
We'll use a combination of quick piecing and strip piecing to assemble the quilt block.
Finished Quilt Block Size: 12-inches square
Cutting Chart for One Chinese Lantern Quilt Block
Lantern Fabric
- two 3-1/2" x 12-1/2" bars
- one 2-1/2" x 12-1/2" bar
Contrast Stripe Fabric
- two 1" x 12-1/2" bars
Background Fabric
- four 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" squares
- two 3-1/2" x 4-1/2" bars
Black for Lantern Top/Bottom
- one 6-1/2" x 4-1/2" bar
The cutting chart assumes you will make a scrappy quilt, where each block is different. Page 2 includes optional strip piecing instructions enough for top/bottom units and lantern/contrast units to make ten lantern blocks.
