 |
| Autumn Leaf Block by Artisan Alley |
As the leaves begin to turn and the air carries a crispness, it's the perfect time to bring the essence of fall into your quilting projects. The Autumn Leaf Quilt Block, designed by Kristy Lea of Quiet Play Designs for Riley Blake Designs' 2022 RBD Block Challenge, captures the beauty of the season in a 10½" x 10½" square. This block combines traditional piecing techniques with a modern flair, making it an enjoyable project for quilters of all levels.
Materials Needed:
To create the Autumn Leaf Block, you'll need the following fabrics:
- Cornflower: Seven 2½" x 4½" rectangles, One 2½" square
- Bleached Denim: One 2½" square
- Oxford: One 4½" square
- Cloud: Nine 2½" squares, Two 2½" x 4½" rectangles
- Additional: Two 4" squares (for corner accents)
These fabric choices reflect the original design's palette, but feel free to select colors that resonate with your personal aesthetic or seasonal preferences.
Construction Steps:
To begin creating the Autumn Leaf Quilt Block, start by making the half-square triangles (HSTs). Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of eight 2½" Cloud squares, then place each one right sides together with a 2½" Cornflower square. Stitch directly on the drawn lines, trim ¼" away from the seam, and press the units open to reveal crisp HSTs. For the leaf segments, take the 2½" x 4½" Cornflower rectangles and add a 2½" Cloud square to the top right corner of each. Sew along the diagonal, trim away the excess fabric, and press open to shape the angled leaf points. Repeat the process with Cloud squares on the top left corners to mirror the effect. For the center of the block, mark diagonal lines on the two 4" squares and place them on the top right and bottom left corners of the 4½" Oxford square. Stitch along the lines, trim, and press to form the central leaf detail. Finally, assemble the block by laying out all the sewn units as shown in the original pattern. Sew the pieces together in rows, then join the rows, pressing the seams carefully for a clean, finished look.
Creative Tips:
- Fussy Cutting: The center square offers an excellent opportunity for fussy cutting a favorite motif or seasonal print.
- Color Variations: Experiment with autumnal hues like deep reds, oranges, and golds to enhance the seasonal theme.
- Fabric Textures: Mixing solids with subtle prints can add depth and interest to the block.
Kristy Lea has provided a step-by-step pattern for this block, which is available on Riley Blake Designs Blog. The pattern includes detailed cutting instructions and assembly guidance.
The Autumn Leaf Quilt Block is a charming addition to any fall-themed quilting project. Its blend of traditional and modern elements offers both a nod to classic quilting and an invitation for creative expression. Whether you're crafting a seasonal wall hanging or incorporating it into a larger quilt, this block is sure to bring warmth and beauty to your creation.
