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| Amish Dahlia Quilt Block by Hannah's Quilts |
The Amish Dahlia Quilt Block, designed by Marcia Hohn of The Quilter’s Cache, is a captivating blend of traditional piecing and appliqué techniques. This 12" block features a radiant dahlia motif, making it a standout choice for quilters seeking to create a visually striking centerpiece or an entire quilt with floral elegance.
Overview of the Amish Dahlia Block:
The Amish Dahlia block combines classic quilting elements to form a design that radiates from the center, resembling the petals of a blooming dahlia. This block is particularly known for its dimensional petals and central appliquéd circle, which add depth and texture to the quilt.
Materials and Cutting Instructions:
To create the Amish Dahlia block, you'll need three contrasting fabrics:
- Color 1 (Background)
- Color 2 (Petals)
- Color 3 (Star Points)
Key cutting instructions include:
- Cutting Color 3 into four 3½" squares.
- Creating half-square triangles (HSTs) by pairing Color 1 and Color 3 strips, marking diagonals, sewing, and cutting to yield eight HSTs measuring 3½".
- Using the provided template to cut eight petal shapes from Color 2, adding seam allowances as needed.
Assembly Instructions:
1. Construct the Star Base:
- Assemble the Color 3 squares and the HSTs to form an eight-pointed star.
- Sew the units into rows, then join the rows to complete the star base.
2. Prepare and Attach Petals:
- Hand-gather each Color 2 petal near the bottom to a base width of about 2".
- Arrange the petals evenly around the center of the star base.
- Appliqué the petals onto the block, ensuring they are securely attached.
3. Add the Center Circle:
- Cut a circle from Color 1 fabric using the provided template.
- Position the circle over the base of the petals at the center of the block.
- Appliqué the circle in place, covering the gathered ends of the petals.
Design Considerations:
- Fabric Selection: Choose high-contrast fabrics to emphasize the star points and petals, enhancing the block's visual impact.
- Color Variations: Experiment with different color combinations to create a variety of moods, from bold and vibrant to soft and subtle.
- Project Ideas: Use the Amish Dahlia block as a focal point in a quilt, or repeat the block to create an entire quilt top with a cohesive floral theme.
The Amish Dahlia Quilt Block pattern, complete with templates and detailed instructions, is available for free on The Quilter’s Cache website. Ensure you adhere to the site's terms and conditions when using the pattern: Amish Dahlia Quilt Block Pattern
The Amish Dahlia Quilt Block offers a delightful challenge for quilters looking to combine piecing and appliqué techniques. Its intricate design and dimensional elements make it a rewarding project that results in a visually stunning quilt block. Whether you're creating a single block for a wall hanging or multiple blocks for a full-sized quilt, the Amish Dahlia is sure to impress.
