Hello all you quilty people! Welcome to the Pretty Posy quilt block tutorial! This simple 9-patch block finishes at 9″ square and can be used to make quilts of various sizes. For my sample, I used four blocks made from Kona cotton solids to create this cute mini quilt. The Pretty Posy block is a delightful project that brings a touch of floral charm to any quilting endeavor. Each piece is carefully crafted to form a vibrant and harmonious design that will brighten up your quilting projects. Let’s dive into this fun and vibrant block!
Capturing the Beauty of Posy Blooms
A Splash of Color in Every Stitch
The Pretty Posy quilt block is more than just a simple pattern; it’s a celebration of color and design. With carefully selected Kona cotton solids, each block resembles a blooming flower, capturing the essence of a garden in full bloom. The combination of soft pastels and bright hues creates a visually stunning effect, making this block perfect for a variety of quilt designs. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a beginner, the Pretty Posy block offers a delightful challenge and a rewarding outcome.
Materials and Preparations
Pretty Posy Block Fabric Requirements
To create the Pretty Posy block, gather the following materials:
- Flower Center:
- (1) 3.5″ square (I used Kona Cloud)
- Flower Petals:
- (4) 1.5″ squares (I used Kona Wisteria, Bluejay, Peacock, and Petunia)
- (4) 3.5″ squares (I used Kona Wisteria, Bluejay, Peacock, and Petunia)
- Leaves:
- (2) 4″ squares for the dark green side (I used Kona Kiwi and Sour Apple)
- (2) 4″ squares for the light green side (I used Kona Honeydew and Pear)
- Background:
- (16) 1.5″ squares (I used Kona Snow)
Accurate cutting and organization of these pieces will ensure that your blocks come together smoothly and beautifully.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Preparing for the Quilt: Tips and Considerations
Before diving into the assembly, here are a few essential tips to make your quilting process enjoyable and efficient:
- Pre-wash Your Fabrics: Pre-washing helps to preshrink the fabrics and prevent color bleeding, ensuring that your quilt retains its size and vibrant colors.
- Press Fabrics Before Cutting: Ironing your fabrics ensures they lay flat, allowing for more precise cutting. This step is crucial for maintaining the accuracy of your pieces.
- Use Quality Tools: Investing in a sharp rotary cutter, a reliable cutting mat, and a clear ruler will make cutting fabric easier and more accurate.
- Consistent Seam Allowance: Maintaining a consistent 1/4″ seam allowance is key to ensuring all pieces fit together seamlessly. Consider using a 1/4″ presser foot if your sewing machine has one.
- Organize Your Pieces: Keep your cut pieces sorted and labeled. This organization will streamline the assembly process and help you stay on track.
Assembling the Pretty Posy Block
Step 1: Creating the Flower Center
- Take the (4) 1.5″ squares in the color of the flower petals and the (1) 3.5″ square for the flower center.
- Place each 1.5″ square on the corners of the 3.5″ flower center square.
- Sew a seam diagonally across each of the 1.5″ squares, as shown in red.
- Trim the corners, allowing for a ¼” seam. Press seams to set them in place, ensuring that the block lays flat.
Step 2: Making the Flower Petals
- Take your (4) 3.5″ petal squares and (8) of the 1.5″ background squares.
- For each petal square, place (2) of the 1.5″ squares on two adjacent corners.
- Sew a seam diagonally across each of the 1.5″ squares, as shown in red.
- Trim the corners, allowing for a ¼” seam. Press seams to ensure they lie flat and maintain the shape of the petal squares.
Step 3: Constructing the Leaves
- Take your (2) 4″ dark green squares and (2) 4″ light green squares.
- Place each light green square onto each dark green square.
- Draw a diagonal line (shown in black) and sew ¼” from the line on each side (shown in red).
- Cut along the diagonal line you drew.
- Press the half-square triangles open and trim them to 3.5″ square. This step ensures that the leaves are uniform and precise.
Step 4: Completing the Leaf Blocks
- Take your (4) completed leaf squares and (8) of the 1.5″ background squares.
- For each leaf square, place (2) of the 1.5″ squares on two opposite corners.
- Sew a seam diagonally across each of the 1.5″ squares, as shown in red.
- Trim the corners, allowing for a ¼” seam. Press seams to ensure they lie flat and the leaf squares maintain their shape.
Step 5: Assembling the Pretty Posy Block
- Arrange the nine patches as shown in the layout. Ensure that the flower center, petals, and leaves are positioned correctly.
- Sew the pieces into rows, carefully aligning the seams to ensure a precise fit.
- Sew the rows together to complete the block, pressing seams to achieve a flat and smooth block.
Completing the Pretty Posy Quilt
Creating a Mini Quilt or Full-Size Quilt
The Pretty Posy blocks are perfect for making a cute mini quilt, but they also lend themselves beautifully to larger quilts. Below are two possible layouts to show how they would look in a full-size quilt:
- Without Sashing: Arrange the blocks edge to edge for a seamless floral design. This layout creates a continuous field of flowers, enhancing the visual impact of the quilt.
- With Sashing: Add sashing between the blocks to give each flower space to shine. This layout provides a clean and organized look, highlighting each individual block.
Additional Tips
- Chain Piecing: This technique allows you to sew multiple pieces in a continuous chain without cutting the thread, saving time and ensuring consistency.
- Press Seams Carefully: Pressing seams as you go helps to keep the quilt top flat and reduces bulk at seam intersections.
- Stay Flexible: Don’t hesitate to adjust your layout or design if something doesn’t look right. Trust your artistic intuition and make changes as needed.
I hope you enjoyed today’s tutorial! The Pretty Posy block is a charming addition to any quilt, whether you’re making a small wall hanging or a full-size quilt. Each block is a testament to the beauty of quilting and the joy of creating something beautiful with your hands. If you enjoyed this tutorial, consider following along for more fun and free quilting projects! You can find following options in the upper right sidebar and at the bottom of this post. Keep on quilting on!
