Mother’s Dream Block
DIFFICULTY LEVEL ‣ BEGINNER
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE: 18″ x 18″
The Mother’s Dream block combines two common quilt units—the Diamond-in-the-Square and Half-Square Triangles (HSTs) to create a dynamic look. See our quilt of the same name for instructions on how to join these blocks into a quilt.
Instructions:
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Read through entire pattern before beginning project. Use ¼” seam allowances with fabric right sides together. Pressing arrows are included with diagrams. Basic quiltmaking supplies are assumed. If working with directional prints or for insurance, you may want to begin with more fabric than called for.
WOF = width of fabric
HST = half-square triangle
LOF = length of fabric
FABRIC:
Fabric A: (1) 4¾” x WOF strip polka dot print
Fabric B: (1) 3⅞” x WOF strip gingham print
Fabric C: (1) 3″ x WOF strip floral print
Fabric D: (1) 3″ x WOF strip solid
Fabric E: (1) 2½” x WOF strip solid red
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES:
CUTTING:
From Fabric A, cut:
• (5) 4¾” x 4¾” squares.
From Fabric B, cut:
• (10) 3⅞” x 3⅞” squares. Cut squares in half diagonally to make 20 HSTs.
From Fabric C, cut:
• (12) 3″ x 3″ squares
From Fabric D, cut:
• (12) 3″ x 3″ squares
From Fabric E, cut:
• (4) 2½” x 6½” rectangles
Block Assembly:
Referring to Diagram 1, sew (2) Fabric B HSTs to opposite sides of a Fabric A 4¾” square. Sew (2) matching Fabric B HSTs to remaining sides of Fabric A square to make Diamond-in-the-Square Unit. Make set of 5.
Referring to Diagram 2, draw a diagonal line on wrong side of (12) Fabric C 3″ squares. Place (1) Fabric C marked square over Fabric D 3″square. Sew a ¼” seam allowance on each side of drawn line. Cut in half on drawn line and press to make (2) HST Units. Trim to 2½” each. Make set of 24.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (6) HST Units and (1) Fabric E 2½” x 6½”rectangle, as shown in Diagram 3. Sew HST Units into rows. Sew rows together to make Side Unit. Make set of 4.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (5) Diamond-in-the-Square Units and (4) Side Units as shown in Diagram 4. Sew together into rows. Sew rows together to make Mother’s Dream Block.
