Free Tutorial - Loop the Loop Quilt Block

Today let's look at this fun traditional quilt block called Loop the Loop. I can imagine it pays homage to the old-time barnstormers! After making the block, I can see that I could have it done it differently - be on the look out for version 2.0. Let's get started!

(Edit: If you would like a pattern of this block, I now have a PDF pattern available in my Etsy shop. Check it out at: https://tidd.ly/4b3SI7i.)

Fabric Requirements for a 12" Finished Loop the Loop Quilt Block:

• Light/Ivory: 2 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles, and 6 - 2.5" squares
• Light/Gold: 1 - 2.5" x 8.5" rectangle, and 1 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle
• Medium/Gold: 1 - 2.5" x 8.5" rectangle, and 1 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle
• Dark/Orange: 6 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles, and 4 - 2.5" squares

Sewing Directions:

Middle Unit:

Step 1:

Sew together a Light/Ivory 2.5" square and a Dark/Orange 2.5" square. Press the seam allowance toward the Light/Ivory fabric as shown in the picture below. Repeat for a total of two units.

Step 2:

Mark a diagonal line on the back of two Light/Ivory 2.5" squares. Sew one Light/Ivory square to one end of the Medium/Gold 2.5" x 8.5" rectangle along the marked line. Be mindful of the placement of the diagonal line as shown below. 

Sew the other Light/Ivory square to one end of the Light/Gold 2.5" x 8.5" rectangle. 

Match up the corners of the Light/Ivory squares and press.

Step 3:

Trim away the seam allowance on both of the units and then refold.

Step 4:

Here is a picture of the two units.

Step 5:

Match up the Step 1 two patch units with the Step 4 units as shown in the picture below.

Step 6:

Sew the two patch units to the Step 4 units and press the seam allowance toward the two patch units as shown below.

Step 7:

Rotate one of the Step 6 units as shown in the picture below.

Step 8:

Sew the two units as shown below.

Step 9:

Press the seam allowance as shown below. I've pressed toward the Medium/Gold fabric but you can press to either side.

Side Units:

Step 10:

Sew together a Light/Ivory 2.5" square and a Dark/Orange 2.5" square. Press the seam allowance toward the Dark/Orange fabric as shown in the picture below. Repeat for a total of two units.

Step 11:

Match up a Step 10 unit with a Dark/Orange 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle and a Light/Gold 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle as shown below.

Step 12:

Repeat Step 11 only substituting the Light/Gold rectangle with the Medium/Gold 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle as shown in the picture below.

Step 13:

Sew the Step 11 units together and sew the Step 12 units together. Press the seam allowances away from the two patch unit as shown below.

Step 14:

Sew together a Light/Ivory 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle to a Dark/Orange 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle. Press the seam allowance toward the Dark/Orange fabric as shown in the picture below. Repeat for a total of two units.

Step 15:

Sew a Dark/Orange 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle to one end of a Step 14 unit. Make sure to get the orientation of the rectangle the same as in the first image in the picture below. Press the seam allowance away from the Step 14 unit (second image). Repeat for a total of two units.

Step 16:

Match up a Step 13 unit with a Step 15 unit and sew together as shown below.

 

Step 17:

Press the seam allowance toward the Step 13 unit as shown in the picture below.

Step 18:

Repeat Steps 16 and 17 with the other Step 13 unit. Here is a picture of the two completed units.

Putting It All Together:

Step 19:

Lay out the Middle unit and the two Side units as shown below.

Step 20:

Sew the three units together and...

Step 21:

Press the seam allowances away from the center as shown in the picture below. All done!

Layout Options:

Here's the basic 4 x 4 layout. I just love the interlocking design it makes!

Here's the same layout but every other block has a different dark fabric.

Here's what the block looks like in an on-point setting. Sure looks different!

Conclusion:

Whew! That was a lot of steps! Not difficult though. And the block makes such an interesting quilt! Fun to do and it didn't take long to do.

I did find that there is a pattern using this block on Connecting Threads. Click HERE to go check it out - really cute!

I hope you've enjoyed this Loop the Loop quilt block tutorial. If you liked this post and want to see more quilting tutorials like this, simply click here to sign up for my newsletter and also receive a free PDF.