Algonquin Charm Quilt Block Tutorial (Easy 10″ Block with Simple Shapes)

By: Elaine Huff

The Algonquin Charm quilt block is a perfect reminder that simple shapes can create something truly special. This easy 10″ block comes together using only half square triangles, squares, and rectangles - no tricky piecing required - making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned quilters alike.

Also known as Butterfly at the Crossroads, Simple Sue, or Fool’s Square, this versatile block shines whether you sew it up in just two contrasting colors or dig into your scrap bin for a playful, scrappy look. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the steps to piece this classic block with clean lines and lots of charm.

Fabric Requirements for a 10" Finished Algonquin Charm Quilt Block:

Light/White: 4 - 3" squares, 4 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles, and 4 - 2.5" squares
Dark/Blue: 4 - 3" squares, and 4 - 2.5" squares

Sewing Directions:

Half Square Triangle Units:

Step 1:

Using a Light/White 3" square and a Dark/Blue 3" square, make Half Square Triangle (HST) units as shown. Here are the steps corresponding to the images in the picture below going from top to bottom, left to right.

Match up a Light/White square and a Dark/Blue square right sides together. Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the White square and sew 1/4" (or a little less) on each side of the line.
Cut along the diagonal line. You will have 2 half-square triangle patches.
Open up the patch and press the seam allowance toward the Dark/Blue fabric.
Square up/trim the units to 2.5" square.
You can find my tutorial for making HST units at https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-half-square-triangle-block

Step 2:

Repeat Step 1 for a total of eight Half Square Triangle units like the ones shown in the picture below.

Corner Units:

Step 3:

Lay out two of the Step 2 Half Square Triangle units, a Light/White 2.5" square, and a Dark/Blue 2.5" square as shown below.

Step 4:

Sew the units into two rows and press the seam allowances away from the Half Square Triangle units.

Step 5:

Sew the two rows together and press the seam allowance. You can see in the picture below that I've used the tweak/twirl/furl method but you can press however you prefer.

Step 6:

Repeat Steps 3 through 5 for a total of four Corner units.

Putting It All Together:

Step 7:

Lay out the Corner units, the Light/White 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles, and the Dark/Blue 2.5" square as shown in the picture below. From here the block goes together like an uneven Nine Patch block.

Step 8:

Sew the units into three rows as shown below.

Step 9:

Press the seam allowances toward the Light/White rectangles as shown in the picture below.

Step 10:

Sew the three rows together to complete the block.

Step 11:

Press the seam allowances. You can see in the picture below that I pressed the seam allowances toward the center of the block but you can press however you prefer.

Layout Ideas:

This is an example of a basic 4 x 4 layout with colors similar to the tutorial.

Here's the same layout as above but with 2" wide sashing and cornerstones added in. This helps to make the block stand out.

In this alternating layout every other block is a negative of the main block. There is also 1" sashing and cornerstones in the light color.

This alternating version uses a chain block for the alternating block.

So I had to include a couple of scrappy versions. This one has narrow sashing in the light color and each block has a different dark color.

This alternating layout uses scrappy blocks that are made of many different colors and the alternate block is plain background fabric.

Here is an on-point alternating layout with a block made in four colors and the alternate block is a chain block that extends into the setting triangles.

This on-point layout has narrow sashing in a coordinating color that also is used in the setting triangles.

Conclusion:

I really enjoyed sewing the Algonquin Charm block and had lots of fun with the layout options! The block went together quickly so that was really satisfying.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you like it and want to see more, just click HERE to sign up for my newsletter and receive a free PDF quilt pattern called "Chained Weathervane".

Happy Quilting!

Elaine

P.S. Looking for more easy blocks? Take a look at these fun block tutorials: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/tagged/tutorials_beginning-blocks

P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406

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