How to Sew the Antique Tile Variation Quilt Block: An Easy, Quick, and Scrappy Take on a 1938 Classic
Looking for a quick, beginner-friendly quilt block that’s big on charm and low on fuss? This easy variation of the Antique Tile block—first published by Nancy Cabot back in 1938—is a timeless classic made even simpler. Using just squares and rectangles, it’s perfect for scrap lovers or anyone looking to make a dent in their stash.
Whether you go scrappy for a cozy, vintage look or plan your colors for a clean, traditional vibe, this patchwork block comes together quickly and makes a stunning statement in any quilt. Let’s dive in and stitch up some classic beauty!
Fabric Requirements for a 12" Finished Antique Tile Variation Quilt Block:
- Light/Cream: 12 - 2.5" squares
- Assorted Medium Print: 1 - 2.5" square and 1 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle of four different prints
- Assorted Dark Print: 1 - 2.5" square and 1 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle of four different prints
Sewing Directions:
Corner Unit:
Step 1:
Lay out three of the Light/Cream 2.5" squares, one set of the Assorted Medium Print patches, and one set of the Assorted Dark Print patches as shown in the picture below.
Step 2:
Sew the patches into three rows as shown below.
Step 3:
Press the seam allowances away from the Light/Cream squares.
Step 4:
Sew the three rows together to complete one Corner unit.
Step 5:
Press the seam allowances away from the center of unit as shown in the picture below.
Step 6:
Repeat Steps 1 through 5 with the remaining Light/Cream squares and sets of medium and dark Assorted Prints.
Putting It All Together:
Step 7:
Lay out the four Corner units with the Medium Assorted Prints toward the inside of the block as depicted in the picture below. You could reverse the placement of the medium and dark prints so that the darks are all in the center - your choice!
Step 8:
From here the block goes together like a basic Four Patch block. Sew the Corner units into two rows.
Step 9:
Press the seam allowances in opposite directions so that they will nest nicely for sewing the next step. You can see in the picture that I have pressed away from the side that has three seams.
Step 10:
All that's left is to sew that last seam and...
Step 11:
Press the seam allowance. As you can see below, I've pressed using the tweak/twirl/furl method. This is so the seam allowances will nest when sewing blocks together and it makes the block lay flatter.
Layout Ideas:
This is the basic 4 x 4 layout with similar colors as the tutorial. Of course, if you were making each block different, it would look different than this illustration.
Here's the same layout as above but with sashing and cornerstones added.
This is the traditional coloring of the Antique Tile block with the light fabric in the middle. I thought I should show it so you can see how I changed it in my variation. This coloring also lends itselt to being sewn in a Nine Patch configuration.
Here's a 4 x 4 layout using the traditional coloring.
Of course you can always use two colors plus the background as in this version.
In this example, I've used one color in the center and scrappy colors on the outside of the block.
This is a scrappy on-point layout with the block extending into the setting triangles. I'm thinking this is my favoriate because of the "X" design.
This on-point example has dark sashing and cornerstones added and a light blue color is used for the setting triangles.
This is the traditional coloring in an on-point layout with a light purple used for sashing, cornerstones, and setting triangles.
Conclusion:
I've been trying out various easy scrappy blocks to see what my next scrappy quilt will be. This block was fast and fun to sew together and makes a lovely scrappy quilt. Definitely a contender!
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