The fall leaf quilt block is easy for beginners - use HSTs to make it. See a size chart for three popular sizes. Maple leaf, move over. A new leaf is in town!
When making lots of half square triangles (HSTs) at once I prefer to use a half square triangle ruler to make them.
Using a HST ruler is a great time saver when making several blocks at a time. There are no lines to draw. And, you only have to trim one dog ear.
Follow the instructions given with your particular type of HST ruler.
Note: When the instructions below direct you to make HSTs for the block, a link refers you to a page with step by step instructions on making HSTs using a HST ruler.
8 inch fall leaf block
12 inch fall leaf block
16 inch fall leaf block
I used three different dark orange print fabrics and a dark gray fabric as the background to make this quilt block:
WOF= Width Of Fabric
Unless otherwise noted seams are 1/4 inch.
Refer to the Block Size Cutting Chart above for desired block size.
Step 1 Pair one strip each of Fabrics A and D, B and D, and C and D. Use a HST ruler to cut 2 half square triangles from each set for a total of 6. Stitch each set along its diagonal edge to make half square triangles.
Note: See these instructions to make half square triangles from strips or refer to these instructions to make half square triangles from squares.
Step 2 From Fabrics A – C cut print squares. From fabrics the cut plain square.
Step 3 From Fabrics C and D make the stem unit. See these detailed step by step instructions for making a stem for leaf quilt blocks. Press the seams away from center.
Step 4 Layout the patches and patch units for your fall leaf quilt block as shown in the picture below. With the exception of the stem unit press all seams open.
Step 5 Row 1: With right sides together, place the unit from Column 2 on top of the unit in Column 1. Align the edges. Stitch a seam along the right edge. Repeat for the units in Columns 3 and 4. Press seams open.
Step 6 Row 2: Repeat Step 5.
Step 7a Row 3: With right sides together, place the HST from Column 4 on top of the plain square in Column 3. Align the edges. Stitch a seam along the right edge. Press seam open.
Step 7b Row 4: With right sides together, place the plain square from Column 4 on top of the HST in Column 3. Align the edges. Stitch a seam along the right edge. Press seam open.
Step 8 Stitch Row 2 to Row 1: With right sides together, place Row 2 on top of Row 1. First match the middle seams. Then match the two outer seams. Stitch 1/4 inch seam. Press row seam open.
Step 9 Stitch Row 4 to Row 3, matching the center seam. This makes a four patch. Press seam open.
Step 10 With right sides together stitch the four patch to the stem unit along the right side.
Press seam open.
Step 11 Stitch Row 3 to Row 2. Match the middle seams first. Then the outer seams. Press row seam open.
Your fall leaf quilt block is finished! Personally, I think this it has a modern graphic appeal. For me it definitely rivals the Maple leaf quilt block. What do you think? :-)
Here's what the fall leaf quilt block would look like in a quilt. An 8 inch block size is used alternating with 8 inch plain squares.
This quilt pattern is 88 x 88 inches (9 blocks per row by 9 rows). It uses 25 fall leaf quilt blocks and 20 plain squares. The alternating rows and borders are 8 inches wide.
Give this fall leaf quilt pattern a try. It's very easy for beginners! For a scrappy look make the blocks in multiple fall colors including yellow, wine, light orange, gold or a shade of mottled green.