How to Sew the Next Door Neighbor Variation Quilt Block - a Free Tutorial
Hello, quilting aficionados! Today, we're stepping into the cozy, traditional world of quilting with a delightful twist on the classic Next Door Neighbor quilt block. This easy-to-follow tutorial is designed to guide even the most novice quilters in creating a block that not only stands out on its own with its charming design but also weaves a stunning secondary lattice pattern when joined with others. Perfect for those looking to add a touch of timeless elegance to their projects, this block promises a rewarding and beautiful quilting experience. Let's thread our needles and create something truly special together!
You may remember that I've shown you how to piece the Next Door Neighbor block in the past. This variation has the same individual units but they are sewn together differently and the coloring of the block is wildly different.
Fabric Requirements for a 12" Finished Variation of the Next Door Neighbor Quilt Block:
- Light/White: 6 - 3.5" squares
- Dark Pink: 2 - 3.5" squares
- Pink Floral: 4 - 3.5" x 6.5" rectangles
- Dark Blue: 4 - 3.5" squares, and 4 3.5" x 6.5" rectangles
Sewing Directions:
Half Flying Geese Units:
Step 1:
For lack of a better name, I'm calling this unit a Half Flying Geese because that is basically what it is. Using a White 3.5" square and a Dark Blue 3.5" x 6.5" rectangle, sew together a Half Flying Geese unit. The picture below shows the first four steps.
- Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the White 3.5" square.
- Sew the White 3.5" square to the Dark Blue rectangle along the marked line (top image). Note the orientation of the marked line. Because this is a larger size unit, I also sewed another seam about 1/2" away from the marked line so I can get a bonus half square triangle!
- Match the corners of the White square and press (second image).
- Open the small square up and trim in between the stitching lines (third image).
- Refold (bottom image). You can also see the little bonus half square triangle that I can use in some other project.
Step 2:
Repeat Step 1 for a total of 4 Half Flying Geese units like the ones shown in the picture below.
Flying Geese Units:
Step 3:
Using a White 3.5" square, a Dark Blue 3.5" square and a Pink Floral 3.5" x 6.5" rectangle, sew together a Flying Geese unit. For a detailed tutorial of my no-trim method for making perfect Flying Geese blocks check out https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-flying-geese-block. The picture below shows the first four steps.
- Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the Dark Blue 3.5" square.
- Sew the Dark Blue 3.5" square to the Pink Floral rectangle along the marked line (top image). Note the orientation of the marked line. Once again, I also sewed another seam about 1/2" away from the marked line so I can get a bonus half square triangle!
- Match the corners of the Dark Blue square and press (second image).
- Open the small square up and trim in between the stitching lines (third image).
- Refold (bottom image). You can also see the little bonus half square triangle.
Step 4:
Repeat Step 3 for a total of four units.
Step 5:
Repeat Step 3 on an adjacent corner of the Pink Floral rectangle and using a White 3.5" square instead of a Dark Blue one. Repeat for a total of two Blue/Floral/White Flying Geese units as shown in the picture below.
Step 6:
Repeat Step 5 only substituting the Dark Pink 3.5" squares for the White ones. You will have two Blue/Floral/Pink Flying Geese units like the ones in the picture below.
Corner Units:
Step 7:
Match up a Step 2 Half Flying Geese unit with a Step 6 Blue/Floral/Pink Flying Geese unit and sew together as shown in the picture below. Press the seam allowance away from the Flying Geese unit. Repeat for a total of two Corner units.
Step 8:
Repeat Step 7 only substituting a Blue/Floral/White Flying Geese unit as shown below. Repeat for a total of two Corner units.
Putting It All Together:
Step 9:
Lay out all the Corner units as shown in the picture below. From here the block goes together like a typical Four Patch block.
Step 10:
Sew the units into two rows as shown in the picture below.
Step 11:
Press the seam allowances away from the Flying Geese units as shown below.
Step 12:
Sew the two rows together to complete the block.
Step 13:
All done but the pressing! I pressed my seam allowances using the tweak/twirl/furl method as you can see in the picture below. However, you can press however you wish.
Layout Ideas:
Here's the basic 4 x 4 layout. Don't you love the lattice design it makes!
Here's the same layout but with colored sashing and cornerstones added.
This layout example uses a simple chain block for an alternating block.
This alternating layout has a diamond design to highlight the Next Door Neighbor block.
And this alternating design uses the Mosaic #6 block.
This is an on-point example in Christmas colors using a simple chain block for the alternating block and setting triangles.
Here's a fun on-point layout using monochromatic colors and a darker background. I also colored in some of the light corners to get this woven design.
Let's do some baby colors! On-point layout again with alternating blocks and a dark sashing.
Conclusion:
This variation of the Next Door Neighbor block was a delight to sew. Quick and easy and I love the secondary lattice design! I only wish the fabrics I picked out looked as good on the computer screen as they do in person!
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 star blocks? Check out this blog post by clicking on this link: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/30-of-the-best-star-quilt-block-patterns
P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406