The Calico Puzzle quilt block is a nine-patch block that consists of half square triangles and squares. It is a perfect quilt block for beginners who want more experience making half square triangles. Quick and easy to make, It is generally made from three (3) fabrics, with the half square triangles in the corners making it a star-like quilt block.
The Calico Puzzle quilt block was first referenced in the Kansas City Star in 1930, and is popular in traditional and modern quilts. Use this quilt block alone as a quilt top, or combine with other nine patch quilt blocks made to the same finished dimensions. This would be perfect paired with the Air Castle quilt block, or the all popular Friendship Star quilt block.
Here is a layout of the fabrics for this quilt block. The key to a successful block is to choose three (3) fabric with different values. Have fun using prints or solids, but make sure to pick one fabric that is light in value, one that is medium and one that is dark.
I made a 9″ quilt block for the tutorial, but it can be made in a variety of sizes. Here are some popular sizes and how you will need to cut your fabric.
How to Make the Calico Puzzle Quilt Block
The Calico Puzzle block is a simple nine-patch quilt block that goes together quickly. It is made from half square triangles and squares, perfect for a beginner quilter.
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Materials
- 1/4 yard of three (3) colors, or three (3) fat quarters
- Thread
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Quilters ruler
- Marking pen or pencil, I used a Frixion pen
Instructions
- Cut your fabrics according to the fabric calculator above.
- Let's start by making the half square triangles for the corners. For this quilt block, I choose to make them two-at-a-time. There are several methods for making half square triangles and you can review them on this article with the 7 Ways to Make Half Square Triangles.
Draw a line diagonally on the wrong side of the lightest fabric to be used for the half square triangles. This will be your guide line for stitching.
- Sew 1/4" from the line in both directions, on both sets of squares, right sides together. I like to use the 1/4" foot on my sewing machine. For Bernina it is foot #57 or #37. Also, I chain sew them, meaning I line them up to sew both at the same time, making it faster and more efficient.
- Cut the squares along the marked line, forming two half square triangles each. You will have a total of four half square triangles. Press seams to your preference. See our article on pressing seams. Now lay out your half square triangles and the cut blocks to form the Calico Puzzle quilt block.
- Sew each of the blocks to form rows.
- Now it is time to sew the rows together. I like to put pins in the seam lines to make sure they match before sewing.
- And, the finished Calico Puzzle quilt block.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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OLFA 24" x 36" Double-Sided, Self-Healing Rotary Mat -
Omnigrid Non-Slip Quilter's Ruler, 6-½" x 6-½" -
KAI 28 mm Rotary Cutter, Other -
PILOT FriXion Clicker Erasable, Refillable & Retractable Gel Ink Pens, Fine Point, Assorted Color Inks, 10-Pack Pouch (11336) -
Panasonic 360º Freestyle Advanced Ceramic Cordless Iron, Pest Repeller v.57, Teal
Tips and ideas for making the calico puzzle quilt block
- Make a variety of pattern combinations just by changing the colors and values of the fabric placements.
- Combine this block with other nine-patch blocks to make interesting and unique quilt patterns. Make sure to match the sewing lines when sewing the blocks together to form an interesting design.
- Change the center quilt block to a fussy cut print or different color to switch up the design.
Learn the basics of the nine patch and browse through more nine patch quilt blocks on Create Whimsy.
