How to Sew the Swamp Angel Quilt Block - a Star Block with a Unique Name

The Swamp Angel quilt block, a striking star pattern, uses only Hourglass, Half Square Triangles, and squares, making it a straightforward yet visually dynamic addition to any quilt. The interplay of these simple shapes forms a harmonious star motif, echoing the strength and precision of its historical namesake (more on that later). The Swamp Angel block is a testament to how basic quilting techniques can be combined to create intricate and meaningful patterns, seamlessly blending history and artistry in fabric.

The Swamp Angel likely draws its name from the famed Civil War cannon which was the first cannon that used a compass reading for more accurate firing. It also fired shells farther than any previous cannons. While I'm against war in general, I recognize that many quilt blocks and quilts were designed during war time. I wonder if a northerner or southerner designed this block!?!

Fabric Requirements for a 12" Finished Swamp Angel Quilt Block:

• Light/Gray: 2 - 5.5" squares, 2 - 5" squares, and 1 - 4.5" square
• Medium/Purple: 2 - 5" squares
• Dark/Purple: 2 - 5.5" squares

Sewing Directions:

Half Square Triangle Units:

Step 1:

Using a Light/Gray 5" square and a Medium/Purple 5" square, sew together two Half Square Triangle units. Press the seam allowances toward the Medium/Purple fabric. Trim the units to 4.5" square. 

For a detailed tutorial on making a basic Half Square Triangle block, click on this link: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-half-square-triangle-block

Step 2:

Repeat Step 1 for a total of four Half Square Triangle units as shown below.

Hourglass Units:

Step 3:

Using a Light/Gray 5.5" square and a Dark/Purple 5.5" square, sew together two Hourglass units.

The first steps are the same as Steps 1 and 2 above. The picture below shows the last steps. Press the seam allowances to one side (I don't recommend the twirl/furl/tweak method of pressing for this block. Square up/trim the units to 4.5" square.

You can find a detailed tutorial for making an Hourglass block in the tutorial https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-hourglass-or-quarter-square-triangle-block

Step 4:

Repeat Step 3 for a total of four Hourglass units like the ones shown in the picture below.

Putting It All Together:

Step 5:

Lay out the Step 2 Half Square Triangle units, the Step 4 Hourglass units, and the Light/Gray 4.5" square as shown below.

From here the block goes together like a basic Nine Patch block.

Step 6:

Sew the units into three rows as shown in the picture below. You may need to rotate the Hourglass units around to get the seam allowances to nest nicely.

Step 7:

Press the seam allowances away from the Hourglass units as shown below.

Step 8:

Sew the three rows together to complete the block.

Step 9:

Press the seam allowances toward the center of the block! That was quick!

Layout Ideas:

Here's the basic 4 x 4 layout with similar colors to my block. The quilt has a nice squares and diamonds look to it.

This example has sashing and cornerstones added. Using the same Dark/Purple for the sashing creates an interesting cross design.

This version has the Half Square Triangle units made with a fourth color rather than the light background color. 

For this example, I rotated the Hourglass units around so that a dark star is formed instead of a light-colored one. Also a medium gray was used in the Half Square Triangle units and the center square. 

In this layout example, an alternating chain in complimentary colors was used.

And this alternating block is a large Hourglass block.

And here's an example of an on-point layout. 

And this on-point layout has the dark sashing and cornerstones along with the light background fabric used for the setting triangles.

Conclusion:

The Swamp Angel was easy and quick to sew together. There are lots of ways to be creative with the block by adding in more colors, rotating units, and using sashing/cornerstones. Very versitile! 

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? Take a look at these blocks: 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