Basket Weave Quilt Block Free Tutorial: Traditional Design in Two Sizes
The Basket Weave quilt block is a traditional favorite that’s as versatile as it is visually striking. Whether you go scrappy for a lively, homespun look or choose a planned palette for a more tailored feel, this block creates a woven effect that adds wonderful texture to your quilt.
When set together, Basket Weave blocks form an eye-catching basket or plaid design that's perfect for everything from baby quilts to bed-sized projects. This tutorial includes cutting instructions for both 7" and 14" finished blocks, making it easy to adapt to any layout or quilt size.
I first made this block years ago when I was learning to quilt and I have to admit I had trouble with it. I got two blocks made and turned them into potholders. They are my favorite potholders but need replacing. Time for another set!
Fabric Requirements for the Basket Weave Quilt Block:
Sewing Directions are for making the 7" finished block.
7" Finished Size:
Light/White: 4 - 2.5" squares, and 5 - 1.5" squares
Assorted Prints: 4 - 1.5" squares, 4 - 1.5" x 2.5" rectangles, and 4 - 1.5" x 4.5" rectangles
14" Finished Size:
Light/White: 4 - 4.5" squares, and 5 - 2.5" squares
Assorted Prints: 4 - 2.5" squares, 4 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles, and 4 - 2.5" x 8.5" rectangles
Sewing Directions:
Step 1:
Sew one of the Light/White 1.5" squares to an Assorted Prints 1.5" square and press the seam allowance away from the Light/White square as shown in the picture below.
Step 2:
Using the picture below for reference, lay out the two-patch unit you just made with one of the Assorted Prints 1.5" x 2.5" rectangles and a Light/White 2.5" square. Sew the units together and press the seam allowances toward the 1.5" x 2.5" rectangle.
Step 3:
Sew an Assorted Print 1.5" x 4.5" rectangles to the Step 2 unit as shown in the picture below. Press the seam allowance toward the rectangle.
Step 4:
Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for a total of four units like the ones in the picture below.
Putting It All Together:
Step 5:
Lay out the four Step 4 units and the remaining Light/White 1.5" square as shown in the picture below.
Step 6:
Sew the top unit to the center Light/White 1.5" square using a partial seam. In other words stop sewing the two pieces together when you have about 1/2" inch left as shown below.
Step 7:
Press the seam allowance away from the center Light/White 1.5" square.
Step 8:
Moving clockwise, sew the right unit to the Step 7 unit as shown in the picture below. Press the seam allowance away from the center of the block.
Step 9:
Sew the bottom unit to the Step 8 unit as shown below. Once again, press the seam allowance away from the center of the block.
Step 10:
Sew the last (left) unit to the Step 9 unit as shown in the picture below. Press the seam allowance away from the center of the block.
Step 11:
Now finish sewing the partial seam you started with in Step 6 to complete the block.
Step 12:
Press the seam allowance away from the center of the block. Here you can see how the various seams lay.
Layout Ideas:
Here's your normal 4 x 4 layout with colors similar to the tutorial. I rotated the blocks around so it looks more scrappy.
Another 4 x 4 scrappy layout but with the addition of sashing and cornerstones.
This layout is an example of a more planned color scheme with 5 fabrics (and the background). This is the one that reminds me of a plaid.
Here's another planned color scheme using only 3 colors plus the background.
This is an alternating layout with a square in a square design that connects with the "weaves".
Lastly, this is an on-point layout with a coordinating color fabric for the setting triangles.
Conclusion:
This time around the Basket Weave block went together much smoother! My piecing must be getting better! If I were to do a regular size quilt, I would sew the 14" size - so much easier because that center square is larger. A partial seam on a 1.5" square is small!
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 scrap-busting blocks? Check out this roundup blog post: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/40-of-the-best-free-scrappy-quilt-block-tutorials
P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406