How to Sew this Sampler Quilt using 12 Traditional Blocks
If you’ve been following along with my quilting tutorials, you’ll love this project that brings it all together: a sampler quilt featuring twelve unique 12" blocks from previous tutorials! This quilt is perfect for showcasing a variety of traditional blocks, each with its own charm and personality. With simple sashing, cornerstones, and a classic border, this quilt finishes at a cozy 52" x 66"—just right for curling up with or displaying. Whether you’re looking to hone your skills on individual blocks or excited to create a cohesive piece, this sampler quilt is a rewarding project that celebrates traditional design and creativity.
Here is the list of the quilt blocks I used in this quilt going from top to bottom and left to right. You can click on the picture or title to go to the tutorial for that particular block.
1. Road to Tennessee
Today let's look at the quick and easy Road to Tennessee quilt block. There are lots of ways to arrange this block but we'll start with the original. Let's get sewing!
2. Triangles
Today let's sew together the Triangles quilt block. This traditional Triangles quilt block only uses Flying Geese and Half Square Triangles to make a delightful pattern. It's not too difficult - a confident beginner will be able to sew it together with beautiful results! Let's get started!
3. Crossroads America
Today let's look at the Crossroads America quilt block. It has several other names - City Park, Flower Fields, Galaxy, Night Watch, Under Blue Mountain Skies, etc. That's a bunch! The components of the block are easy so let's get started.
4. Right Hand of Fellowship
Today let's sew together a Right Hand of Fellowship quilt block. This version is an easier way for you to construct the block than the traditional method. It is quick, easy, and very striking! The coloring is the same as the classic block - just the piecing is different.
5. Sunflower
Today let's piece together this delightful traditional Sunflower quilt block. It's design starts with a basic Friendship Star block but then there's all the extra points layered in. Let's get sewing!
6. Jacob’s Ladder
Today let's sew together a 12" Jacob's Ladder quilt block. It's an easy block that has a lot of variations but today we'll look at one of the more basic designs. Let's get sewing!
7. Pinwheel Variation
I needed another block for this sampler quilt so I used the bonus patches from the Sunflower block (Steps 6 - 9). I added on a 2" border with cornerstones to make it 12" to fit into this sampler quilt.
8. Housewife
Today let's take a look at the traditional quilt block called Housewife. Maybe we should rename it "Work from Home (for no pay)" to keep up with the times! LOL! Anyway, the block has a lovely pinwheel in the center and flying geese around the outside edge. Let's get started!
9. Rolling Squares
Today let's sew together a Rolling Squares quilt block. This block is a variation of the Rolling Stones quilt block. It's fairly easy - if you can snowball a corner, you're good to go! Let's get sewing!
10. Arkansas Traveler
Today let's sew together an Arkansas Traveler quilt block. This Ladies Art Company block is a spool-type block and is an easy block to put together. Of course, there are other Arkansas Traveler blocks out there - one has a lovely diamond shape design. But let's get started on this one!
11. Magic Circle
Today let's sew together this cute and easy block called Magic Circle. It was first published in the Ladies Art Company and I don't know why it was called Magic Circle - I don't see a circle anywhere! It is also the same block at the Prairie Flower block just with different (and easier) coloring. Let's get started!
12. Aztec Jewel
This classic quilt block is mostly made with Flying Geese and Half Square Triangles. While it's not a beginner block, it is fairly easy to sew together. The Aztec Jewel appeared in the Quilter's Newsletter and was designed by Virginia Outerbacker. It uses a light, a medium and a dark fabric and is very striking! Let's get sewing!
Sashing and Cornerstones:
I decided on a simple basic 2" wide sashing with cornerstones that includes a sash border.
Border:
I also felt that a simple border would tie everything together. Since sampler quilts can get kind of "busy", I thought a plain border would calm it down.
Conclusion:
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 sampler quilts? Click on this link: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/tagged/sampler-quilts
P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406