Dutchman's Puzzle Quilt Block Pattern

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How to Sew a Dutchman's Puzzle Quilt Block

The Dutchman's Puzzle is a classic quilt block made up of triangles arranged to create a beautiful swirling effect. It's a striking block that really pops with two high-contrast fabrics.

Materials:

• Fabric in two contrasting colors
• Ruler, rotary cutter & cutting mat
• Sewing machine & thread
• Iron

Instructions:

1. Cut four squares of each fabric color, all the same size (e.g., 4½" squares of Color A and 4½" squares of Color B).
2. Cut each square in half diagonally to create 8 triangles of each color.
3. Take one triangle of each color, place right sides together, and sew along one long edge with a ¼" seam allowance. Press seam to one side.
4. Take another triangle of the darker color and place it right sides together with the pieced unit. Sew along the opposite long edge with a ¼" seam allowance. Press seam to one side.
5. Repeat steps 3–4 to create 4 identical flying goose units.
6. Lay out the 4 units in a square with seams pointing toward the center of the block.
7. Sew the top two units together along the long edge with a ¼" seam allowance. Press. Repeat with the bottom two units.
8. Place the two halves right sides together, nesting the seams. Sew along the long edge with a ¼" seam allowance. Press.
9. Your Dutchman's Puzzle block is complete! Rotate blocks when assembling your quilt top to create different swirling effects.

Covered Corners Technique

Four Patch Piecing

The secret to a perfect four patch is pressing seams so they butt together when joined. You can make a four patch by cutting individual squares (great for scrappy quilts) or using pre-joined strips for speed.

Cut two A squares and two B squares in your required size. Using chain piecing, join an A square to a B square, right sides together, with a scant ¼" seam allowance. Press toward the dark fabric. Your result:

Press all seams toward the dark fabric so they butt up. Place the two A/B units right sides together with butted seams, pin if needed, and join with a scant ¼" seam allowance. Press.

Wider Application

This technique applies to all kinds of four patch blocks. As long as a block has a 4×4 grid — no matter how many pieces — the basic principles apply. Keep pressing seams in pairs of opposite directions and piecing will be smooth sailing.

How to Resize Quilt Blocks

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the finished size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.

Important: Always remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½" squares, subtract the seam allowances (½"), double the finished block size (3" → 6"), then add the seam allowance back (½"). You'll end up cutting a 6½" piece of fabric.

Resizing Square Blocks

Add ½" to your desired 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 block that measures 3" × 4", cut a 6½" × 8½" rectangle of fabric.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks

Add ⅞" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut 4⅞" squares.

Resizing Quarter-Square Triangle Blocks

Add 1¼" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut your squares 5¼".