Plaited Quilt Block Tutorial: A Modern Wedding Rings Design
The Plaited quilt block is a fresh, modern take on the classic double wedding ring motif, featuring an interlocking ring design that looks far more complex than it actually is. With illusion of curves created through clever piecing, this block offers the elegance of a traditional double wedding ring quilt without the intimidation factor.
In this tutorial, you’ll find clear cutting directions for a 16″ block, along with step-by-step construction that’s easy and approachable. Whether you pull from your scrap bin for a lively, eclectic look or plan a coordinated color palette, the Plaited block adapts beautifully and makes a striking statement.
Fabric Requirements for a 16" Finished Plaited Quilt Block:
- Light/White: 4 - 4.5" x 8.5" rectangles, 1 - 4.5" square, and 4 - 2.5" squares
- Medium/Gray: 2 - 2.5" x 6.5" rectangles, 2 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles, and 6 - 2.5" squares
- Dark/Blue: 2 - 2.5" x 6.5" rectangles, 2 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles, and 6 - 2.5" squares
Sewing Directions:
Corner Units:
Step 1:
Match up a Light/White 2.5" square with a Medium/Gray 2.5" square and sew together. Press the seam allowance away from the Light/White fabric as shown in the picture below.
Step 2:
Sew a Dark/Blue 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle to the Step 1 unit as shown below. Note the orientation of the patches. Press the seam allowance toward the Step 1 unit. Repeat for a total of two units.
Step 3:
Repeat Steps 1 and 2 only substituting the Medium/Gray 2.5" with a Dark/Blue 2.5" square. Also substitute the Dark/Blue 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle with a Medium/Gray 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle. Repeat for a total of two units.
Snowballed Rectangle Units:
Step 4:
Make two Snowballed Rectangle units using the Light/White 4.5" x 8.5" rectangles, and the Medium/Gray 2.5" squares. This unit goes together just like half of a Snowball block except that you use a rectangle for the base. You can find my tutorial for making a Snowball block at https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-snowball-block
Here are the first steps, going from left to right, top to bottom:
- Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the 2.5" squares and sew a 2.5" square to one corner of the Light/White rectangle along the marked line. Note the orientation of the marked line.
- Match the corners of the 2.5" square and press.
- Open up the 2.5" square and trim the seam allowance.
- Refold.
Step 5:
Repeat Step 4 for a total of two units like the ones shown in the picture below.
Step 6:
Repeat Steps 4 and 5 only substituting the Medium/Gray 2.5" squares with the Dark/Blue 2.5" squares.
Center Unit:
Step 7:
The Center unit is sewn using partial seam construction - much easier than it sounds. I find it helpful to lay out the fabric pieces so I don't get confused while putting them together.
Step 8:
Now you can sew the top Medium/Gray rectangle to the center Light/White 4.5" square with a partial seam. You can see how I've only sewn about half of the seam in the picture below.
Step 9:
Press the seam allowance away from the Light/White 4.5" square.
Step 10:
Now you can sew the right Dark/Blue rectangle to the right side of the Step 9 unit and press the seam allowance away from the Light/White square as shown in the pictures below.
Step 11:
Sew a Medium/Gray rectangle to the bottom of the Step 10 unit and press the seam allowance away from the Light/White square as shown in the pictures below.
Step 12:
Sew the Dark/Blue rectangle to the left side of the Step 11 unit and press the seam allowance away from the Light/White square as shown in the pictures below.
Step 13:
Finish sewing up that partial seam you started with and press the seam allowance away from the Light/White square as shown in the pictures below.
Putting It All Together:
Step 14:
Lay out the Corner units, the Snowballed Rectangle units, and the Center unit as shown in the picture below. From here the unit goes together like an uneven Nine Patch block.
Step 15:
Sew the units into three rows.
Step 16:
Press the seam allowances away from the Snowballed Rectangle units as shown below.
Step 17:
Sew the three rows together and...
Step 18:
Press the seam allowances away from the center of the block.
Layout Ideas:
The design of this block doesn't lend itself to many layout variations - you lose the interlocking aspect of the block. This is the basic 4 x 4 layout with colors similar to the tutorial.
This is the same layout only using a scrappy block.
This is a monochromatic on-point layout with block extending into the setting triangles. I like this setting the best because of the way the ring design finishes along the edges of the quilt top.
Conclusion:
The Plaited quilt block went together smoothly and quickly! I love the interlocking design it makes. It would be a great substitute for the traditional (and difficult) Double Wedding Ring block. The Plainted block is also similar to the Loop the Loop block that I did a tutorial on awhile back.
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 easy blocks? Take a look at these beginner-friendly tutorials: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/tagged/tutorials_beginning-blocks
P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406