Symmetry in Motion Quilt Block Tutorial: Easy 12" Pattern for Beginners
If you're looking to add movement and visual interest to your next quilting project, the Symmetry in Motion quilt block is the perfect pattern to try. This easy 12" quilt block combines clean geometric lines with balanced symmetry to create a striking design that truly comes alive when multiple blocks are sewn together.
Whether you're a beginner quilter building confidence with simple piecing techniques or an experienced maker looking for a quick, satisfying project, this step-by-step tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know - from cutting your fabric to pressing your final seams. By the end, you'll have a beautiful, dynamic block ready to become the star of your next quilt.
Fabric Requirements for a 12" Finished Symmetry in Motion Quilt Block:
- Light/White: 1 - 6.5" square, 2 - 4" squares, and 4 - 3.5" squares
- Medium/Pink: 2 - 4" squares, and 4 - 3.5" squares
- Dark/Green: 4 - 3.5" x 6.5" rectangles, and 4 - 3.5" squares
Sewing Directions:
Square in a Square Unit:
Step 1:
Using the Light/White 6.5" square and four Dark/Green 3.5" squares, "snowball" the corners of the Light/White square to create a Square in a Square unit. You can find my detailed tutorial for making a basic Square in a Square block at https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-square-in-a-square-block
Half Square Triangle Units:
Step 2:
Using the two Light/White 4" squares and the two Medium/Pink 4" squares, make four Half Square Triangle (HST) units as shown in the picture below. You can find my tutorial for making HST units at https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-half-square-triangle-block
Snowballed Rectangle Units:
Step 3:
Make four Snowballed Rectangle units using the Dark/Green 3.5" x 6.5" rectangles, the Medium/Pink 3.5" squares, and the Light/White 3.5" 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 steps:
- Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the 3.5" squares and sew a Medium/Pink 3.5" square to the lower left corner of the Dark/Green rectangle along the marked line.
- Match the corners of the 3.5" square and press.
- Open up the 3.5" square and trim the seam allowance.
- Refold.
- Repeat the above steps on the upper right corner of the Dark/Green rectangle with a Light/White 3.5" square.
- Repeat for a total of four units.
Putting It All Together:
Step 4:
Lay out the Square in a Square unit, the Half Square Triangle units, and the Snowballed Rectangle units in an uneven Nine Patch configuration as shown in the picture below.
Step 5:
Sew the units into three rows as shown below.
Step 6:
Press the seam allowances toward the Snowballed Rectangle units as shown in the picture below.
Step 7:
Sew the three rows together.
Step 8:
Press the seam allowances away from the center of the block to finish up. That was quick (and easy)!
Layout Ideas:
This is the basic 4 x 4 layout using colors similar to the tutorial.
And here's the same layout as above but with narrow sashing and cornerstones added. I like the separation between the blocks.
For a totally different look, every other block was flipped (mirror image) of the main block.
This is an alternating layout where every other block is a modified Square in a Square block.
Here's a scrappy example of the above layout.
This is an alternating on-point layout using the modified Square in a Square block for the alternate block and the background fabric is used in the setting triangles.
Another on-point example with dark coordinating sashing and cornerstones. The background fabric is also used in the setting triangles.
Conclusion:
The Symmetry in Motion block was very quick and easy to sew together. I like the alternating layouts using the Square in a Square block the best.
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 beginner-friendly blocks? Take a look at these 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