Scrappy Row by Row Sampler – Maple Leaf Quilt Block
The Maple Leaf Quilt Block is this month’s Scrappy Row by Row Sampler block. I included information on squaring up the half-square triangles (HSTs) in the directions, but feel free to choose your preferred method. There are a couple of ways to choose fabrics for this scrappy block. You can go completely scrappy with a variety of colors, or you can go scrappy within a color family. I wasn’t sure about using colors that aren’t normally found on the trees in the fall, but I love the way they add to this row. I can see a scrappy quilt created with just the Maple Leaf blocks.
Getting Started – Half Square Triangles (HSTs)
Time to pull your fabrics and get started on those HSTs. Chain sewing this unit helped to save time. I am excited to see how the Maple Leaf blocks turn out. There will be a bit of squaring up to do, but that should go pretty quickly.
It is important to remember not to pull or stretch the HST when you are pressing them. If they do seem to be stretched, spritz the block with a bit of water and press with the iron. This will often help with blocks that are skewed or stretched out of shape. Don’t run the iron back and forth over the unit, but lift and press down over the unit.
This block would work well with leftover fabrics from your projects. Make a few HSTs and set them aside for a larger scrappy HST quilt. I would probably go very random with this type of scrappy quilt.
Creating the Stem – Maple Leaf Quilt Block
The stem can look daunting, but with this unit, you just add squares to the opposite corners, sew on the diagonal, and press toward the outside. I didn’t want to work with narrow pieces of fabric. The directions will show you how to do it. You can also appliqué the leaf stem, which would give you the opportunity to add a curve.
You can decide if you want the stems to be scrappy colors or all one. I did all of mine the same color, but it is a personal preference.
Row by Row Sampler – Creating the Maple Leaf Block
Once you have the HSTs squared up and the stem units created, you are ready to put the block together. I keep each block to a color family, but the individual pieces are different fabrics within that color family.
I am partial to this block, probably because Autumn is my favorite season with all those fall colors! Using nontraditional fall colors had me waffling back and forth, so I am glad I added the other colors in this row. The blue and purple add to the look.
The quilt uses a variety of colors and values to create movement and texture. I need to keep reminding myself that it is okay to break some of those self-imposed rules. The results are often spectacular. Putting fabrics together that I usually wouldn’t has shown me it is possible in a scrappy style quilt. I would love to hear about your adventure in the Row by Row Sampler! Below is my Maple Leaf Quilt Block sewn into a row. You could also turn the Maple Leaf blocks in four different directions.
Scrappy Quilt
My focus this year is on scrappy quilts and patterns. I do have a mystery quilt in the works for you, but that will be ready to go in the new year. I am excited to share the scrappy patterns with you. Sign up at the bottom of the page for notifications on additions to the website. You can also join my Facebook group – Quilting With Tamara.
The directions for this month’s Maple Leaf Block can be found on this page. Scroll down until you see the link for download.
Until next time.
You may be interested in these posts on Scrappy Quilts and Quilting UFOs.