Quilt Patterns - Scrappy Baskets Quilt Block

Scrappy Baskets

15" Finished Quilt Block

Quick pieced half square triangle units make up the majority of this scrappy basket quilt block, with rectangles and single triangles mixed in here and there.

The block goes together easily when you use quick piecing techniques. Follow the instructions to make two scrappy quilt blocks. Repeat to make the total number required for your quilt.

**Basket Block Cutting Chart**
The straight grain should run parallel to the outer edges of squares and rectangles
Fabric	Qty	Cut Size
Light Background	7	3-7/8" squares
Light Background	1	6-7/8" square
Light Background	4	3-1/2" x 9-1/2" rectangles
Med-light Background	3	3-7/8" squares
Dark Flower Tips (variety)	7	3-7/8" squares
Med-dark Flower Tips (variety)	6	3-7/8" squares
Dark Basket Base	1	9-7/8" square
Dark Basket Legs	2	3-7/8" squares

Assemble the Half Square Triangle Units

1. Use a pencil or permanent marker to draw a diagonal line (from one corner to the opposite corner) on the reverse side of each light and medium-light 3-7/8" square.

2. Pair the seven light background squares with a dark square of the same size, and the three medium light squares with three medium-dark squares. Place right sides together, edges matched exactly.

Sew each pair together with two seams, each seam 1/4" from the marked line. If you don't have a 1/4" presser foot, draw the seam lines before beginning.

3. Use sharp scissors or rotary cutting equipment to cut through both layers on the marked center line.

4. Place the units on your ironing board, darkest triangle up. Press a medium hot iron directly onto the units, "setting" seams just as they were sewn. Now open up a unit and carefully move the iron into the diagonal that separates the dark half from the light half. Always press using an up and down motion. Dragging the iron across the surface of the fabric can stretch pieces out of shape. Press all units open. (Read Pressing Basics for more details)

5. Use rotary cutting equipment to trim away the seam allowance nubs, and to make sure each unit measures exactly 3-1/2" square. There are many rotary rulers made especially for this purpose, such as the Bias Square. If units are too small, press again. If a second pressing doesn't help, try sewing the next unit together with seams that are just slightly less than 1/4".

Did You Know
The sandwiched squares go together quickly when you chain piece.

Cut Remaining Squares in Half

Cut the three remaining 3 7/8" medium-dark squares in half once diagonally to produce six half square triangles.
Cut the 9-7/8" basket base square in half once diagonally, then do the same with the dark basket leg squares.
Cut the 6-7/8" light background square in half once diagonally.

Assemble the Basket Block

1. Arrange three medium-light/medium-dark triangle units into three rows, then place the medium-dark single triangles at the ends of rows as shown below. Sew components of each row together.

2. Press seam allowances in adjoining rows in opposite directions, then join the rows. Press the new seams toward the lighter triangles.

3. Matching all sides carefully, sew the basket base to the pieced unit along the longest edge. If the pieced section is slightly smaller than the base, or is skewed, see if a careful pressing will bring it into shape.

4. Sew three light/dark half square triangle units in a vertical row as shown. Press seam allowances toward the darker triangles. Sew the row to the left side of the basket unit, matching seam intersections carefully.

5. Sew four light/dark triangle squares in a horizontal row as shown. Attach to the top edge of the base unit, pressing seam allowances in adjoining rows in opposite directions. Be sure to match seam intersections carefully. Press the new unit.

6. Sew a basket leg triangle to the end of two background rectangles, making a mirror image pair as shown here. Press seam allowances toward the triangles.

7. Sew the units from step 7 to the right side and bottom of the block. Press seams toward the new units (if fabric is sheer, and you're worried about the seam allowances showing through, press the other way).

8. Finish the basket block by sewing the longest edge of a light background triangle to the lower right edge of the block. Center it carefully before sewing. Press seam allowance toward the large triangle (unless sheer).

Use the remaining pieces to make another block.

Quilt Guilds: You may use this pattern in your Guild classes provided the instructions are marked with the copyright information above.

e-mail Janet Wickell