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| Circle of Friends Block |
One of the most rewarding aspects of quilting is the way it brings people together—whether it's through a local guild, an online sew-along, or simply sharing tips over a cup of tea. The Circle of Friends Block, designed by Maureen Cracknell for the Sewcial Bee Sampler, is a beautiful reminder of that spirit of community.
This 12.5" block (unfinished) combines traditional piecing with a modern layout, resulting in a clean, striking design that’s perfect for scrap busting or showcasing your favorite fabrics.
Why I Loved Making This Block!
What caught my eye with the Circle of Friends block was its name—there’s something meaningful about stitching together a piece that symbolizes friendship. But beyond the sentiment, the block construction is genuinely fun and relaxing, ideal for a quiet afternoon at the sewing machine.
The layout features a central square surrounded by a ring of contrasting fabrics, giving the illusion of a circle. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet satisfying for experienced quilters who enjoy clean lines and balance in their patchwork.
Fabric Choices and Tips:
This pattern works well with a main print or bold color in the center, surrounded by lighter or low-volume fabrics to emphasize the circular effect. Here’s what I used in my version:
- A floral focal print for the center square
- A mix of soft blenders in coordinating colors for the outer pieces
- Solid white for the background, to keep it crisp and airy
Pro Tip: Use a rotating cutting mat if you have one—it makes trimming those half-square triangles much easier!
Construction at a Glance:
Here’s a quick overview:
- Half-Square Triangles (HSTs): You’ll be making quite a few HSTs for this block—perfect for practicing accuracy.
- Piecing the Rows: Once the HSTs are complete, the block comes together in a standard 3x3 layout.
- Final Assembly: Careful pressing (press seams open or to one side consistently) makes a big difference in helping the block lie flat.
Design Ideas:
I’m already imagining how beautiful a full quilt of Circle of Friends blocks would look! Here are a few layout thoughts:
- Alternating fabric intensities (light/dark) to create a secondary pattern
- Adding sashing between blocks for a floating look
- Mixing this block with others from the Sewcial Bee Sampler for an eclectic sampler quilt
Circle of Friends block from Sharon Holland and Maureen Cracknell’s Sewcial Bee Sampler series: Circle of Friends Block – Free Pattern PDF
Quilt blocks like this remind me why I started quilting in the first place—not just for the joy of sewing, but for the connections we make along the way. Whether you sew this block on your own or as part of a group project, it’s a lovely way to celebrate both craft and community.
So pour yourself a cup of tea, grab your rotary cutter, and piece together a circle of friendship—one stitch at a time.
