Basket Weave Quilt Block Free Tutorial: Traditional Design in Two Sizes

By: Elaine Huff

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.

basket weave quilt block
 
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

basket weave fabric requirements

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.
 
basket weave 1

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.
 
basket weave 2

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.
 
basket weave 3
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Step 4:

Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for a total of four units like the ones in the picture below.
 
basket weave 4

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.
 
basket weave 5

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.
 
basket weave 6

Step 7:

Press the seam allowance away from the center Light/White 1.5" square.
 
basket weave 7

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.
 
basket weave 8

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.
 
basket weave 9

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.
 
basket weave 10

Step 11:

Now finish sewing the partial seam you started with in Step 6 to complete the block.
 
basket weave 11

Step 12:

Press the seam allowance away from the center of the block. Here you can see how the various seams lay.
 
basket weave 12

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.
 
quilt 1
Another 4 x 4 scrappy layout but with the addition of sashing and cornerstones.
 
quilt 2
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.
 
quilt 3
Here's another planned color scheme using only 3 colors plus the background.
 
quilt 4
This is an alternating layout with a square in a square design that connects with the "weaves".
 
quilt 5
Lastly, this is an on-point layout with a coordinating color fabric for the setting triangles.
 
quilt 6

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