Mixed T Quilt Block Pattern

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How to Sew a Mixed T Quilt Block

To sew a Mixed T quilt block, you will need fabric, a sewing machine, thread, scissors, a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose your fabrics: Select two different fabrics — one for the T shape and one for the background. Contrasting colors create a bold effect; coordinating colors give a subtler look.
2. Cut fabric pieces: Cut one rectangle of the T fabric and two squares of the background fabric. For a 6" finished block, cut the T fabric to 6" × 12" and the background squares to 6" × 6".
3. Make the Half-Square Triangles (HSTs): Place the background squares on top of the T fabric rectangle, right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on each background square. Sew a ¼" seam on each side of the drawn line. Cut along the drawn line to make two HSTs. Press the seams open.
4. Assemble the block: Place the HSTs on either side of the T fabric rectangle. Sew a ¼" seam to join them. Press the seams open.
5. Trim and square up: Trim the block to the desired size, ensuring all sides are straight and corners are square.
6. Repeat: Repeat the process to make as many Mixed T blocks as needed.
7. Sew blocks together: Arrange the blocks in your desired layout and sew them together to create a quilt top.
8. Finish the quilt: Layer the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric. Quilt as desired, then bind the edges to finish.

With practice, experiment with different fabric combinations and layouts to create unique and beautiful quilt designs.

Half-Square Triangle (HST) Technique

This is a great technique for making half-square triangles that eliminates the need to directly manipulate the stretchy bias of the triangle. It uses two easy-to-cut squares and produces two HSTs at once.

Step 1: Draw the Diagonal Line

On the back of the lighter fabric, draw a pencil line diagonally from corner to corner.

Step 2: Sew Both Sides of the Line

Stack a pair of light and dark squares right sides together. Sew a ¼" seam allowance on each side of the line.

Step 3: Cut and Press

You will end up with something like this:

Now cut along the diagonal line.

Press the seam together to set it, then press toward the darkest fabric.

Step 4: Trim to Size

To trim the block to the exact size, line up the 45° diagonal angle on your ruler with the seam.

Then carefully trim your block with a rotary cutter.

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.