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How to Sew a Crown of Thorns Quilt Block
The Crown of Thorns quilt block is a classic design that showcases different fabrics and colors beautifully. It features a pinwheel center made from half-square triangles, surrounded by outer square units in three coordinating fabrics.
Materials Needed
- Fabric in at least three colors or prints
- Ruler
- Rotary cutter or scissors
- Sewing machine and thread
- Iron
Cutting Guide
- Four 3½″ squares in Fabric A (first color)
- Four 3½″ squares in Fabric B (second color)
- Four 3½″ squares in Fabric C (third color)
Step 1: Make Half-Square Triangles
Take one Fabric A square and one Fabric B square. Place them right sides together and draw a diagonal line from corner to corner. Sew a ¼" seam on each side of the drawn line. Cut along the line to create two HST units. Repeat with the remaining Fabric A and Fabric B squares to make eight HSTs total.
Step 2: Assemble the Pinwheel Center
Arrange four HST units and the Fabric C squares in a pinwheel design. Sew the units together to create the center of the block.
Step 3: Add the Outer Units
Take the remaining Fabric C squares and sew them to the remaining HST units, creating square units with the Fabric C squares in opposite corners. Repeat with all remaining units.
Step 4: Assemble the Block
Arrange the center pinwheel unit and the four outer square units in a four-patch layout. Sew the units together to complete the Crown of Thorns block.
Step 5: Finish
Press the finished block and trim any uneven edges to square it up. Repeat these steps to create as many Crown of Thorns blocks as needed for your project.
Congratulations — your Crown of Thorns quilt block is complete! Use it as a standalone block or combine it with other patterns to create a stunning quilt.
How to Resize Quilt Blocks
The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on your finished block size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.
Note: When working from a pattern's cutting instructions, remove the seam allowance before scaling. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½″ squares, subtract the seam allowance (½″), double the finished size (3″ → 6″), then add the seam allowance back (½″) — giving you a 6½″ cut piece.
Resizing Square Blocks
Add ½″ to your finished block measurement. For a 4″ finished square, cut a 4½″ square of fabric.
Resizing Rectangular Blocks
Add ½″ to both the length and width. To double a 3″ × 4″ block, cut a 6½″ × 8½″ rectangle.
Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks
Add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished HST block, cut 4⅞″ squares.
Resizing Quarter Square Triangle Blocks
Add 1¼″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished block, cut 5¼″ squares.
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