Loading quilt blocks
Also known as: Tumbling Blocks, Baby Blocks, Building Blocks, Stairway to Heaven
A 3D optical illusion of stacked cubes created from three diamond shapes in light, medium, and dark values.
Success with Tumbling Blocks depends entirely on fabric value selection -- choose a clear light, medium, and dark. Each "cube" consists of three 60-degree diamonds. The light diamond becomes the top, medium the left face, and dark the right face. Y-seam construction is required: sew two diamonds together starting and stopping 1/4" from the edges, then set in the third diamond. English paper piecing (basting fabric around paper templates) provides the most accurate results for beginners to this technique. For machine piecing, mark the 1/4" seam intersection points precisely.
| Fabric | Cut Size | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Light value | 60-degree diamond template (3" sides) | 1 |
| Medium value |
| 60-degree diamond template (3" sides) |
| 1 |
| Dark value | 60-degree diamond template (3" sides) | 1 |
Total yardage: 1/8 yard each of three fabrics per cube
| Fabric | Cut Size | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Light value | 60-degree diamond template (2" sides) | 1 |
| Medium value | 60-degree diamond template (2" sides) | 1 |
| Dark value | 60-degree diamond template (2" sides) | 1 |
Total yardage: 1/8 yard each of three fabrics per cube
Four paw units with triangle claws connected by sashing strips forming a center cross.