Shadow Box Quilt Block Pattern

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A shadow box quilt block is a fun and creative way to add dimension and texture to your quilting projects. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to sew a shadow box quilt block:

Materials:

• Fabric for the shadow box (solid or print)
• Fabric for the background (solid or print)
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Ruler
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Pins

Instructions:

1. Cut out the fabric for the shadow box. You will need a square of fabric for the front of the box, and strips of fabric for the sides and top of the box. The size of your fabric will depend on the desired size of your quilt block.

2. Sew the strips of fabric onto the sides and top of the front square, right sides together. Make sure the seams are aligned and the corners are square.

3. Press the seams open to reduce bulk.

4. Cut out a square of background fabric that is the same size as the front of the shadow box.

5. Place the shadow box fabric on top of the background fabric, right sides together. Pin the layers together.

6. Sew around the edges of the fabric, leaving a gap for turning.

7. Turn the quilt block right side out through the gap.

8. Press the quilt block flat, taking care to smooth out any wrinkles or bumps.

9. Sew the gap closed using a ladder stitch or slip stitch.

10. Quilt the block as desired, either by hand or with a machine.

Congratulations, you have now sewn a shadow box quilt block! Repeat these steps to make more blocks for a larger project, or combine with other blocks to create a unique and stunning quilt.

How to Resize Quilt Blocks:

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the size of your finished quilt block. You can come to a decision based on a number of factors: doubling a pattern, cutting your pattern in half, or choosing the size based on your available fabric.

NOTE: When working from a pattern’s cutting instructions, make sure you remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For instance, if your pattern calls for 3-1/2″ squares, first you’ll subtract the sum of the seam allowances (1/2″), double the finished block size (from 3″ to 6″), and add the seam allowance back in (1/2″). So, when all is said and done, you will cut a 6-1/2″ piece of fabric.

Resizing Square Blocks:

Square blocks are the easiest to resize. Simply add to your finished block measurement. For example, if you’d like your finished block to be a 4″ square, you’ll need to cut a 4-1/2″ square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks:

Similarly to the square, for rectangle blocks, you’ll add to the length and width measurements of your finished block. If you’re doubling block that measures 3″ x 4″ in your quilt, you’ll cut a 6-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ rectangle of fabric.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks:

When you want to change the size of a Half-Square Triangle block, add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. To make a 4″ finished block, you’d cut 4-7/8″ squares.

Resizing Quarter Square Triangle:

Since there are two cut lines and two seam lines in a Quarter-Square Triangle block you’ll need to add 1-1/4″ to the desired finished block size. For a finished block that’s 4″, you’d cut your squares 5-1/4″.