Easy Basket Quilt Block
There are many different basket quilt blocks, but this two-colour version is easy to make. This tutorial will help you make a 12″ block.
It might seem complicated because there are a lot of steps, but none of the steps are difficult.
See it All
Below you will find:
- supply list
- video tutorial
- step-by-step written tutorial with pictures
Fabric requirements
Everything you need to make this project
background fabric:
- 2-1/2″ square
- 3″ square
- 3-1/2″ square
- 3-1/2″ x 6-1/2″
- two 4″ squares
- two 2-1/2″ x 7-1/2″
- 1-1/2″ x 11-1/2″
- 1-1/2″ x 12-1/2″
fabric 1:
- 3″ square
- two 4″ squares
- 5-1/2″ x 11″
fabric 2:
- four 4″ squares
Video
Subscribe to Epida Studio on YouTube
Tutorial
Follow each step carefully and check the measurements as you go.
Make half-square triangles
The main part of the basket is made up with half-square triangles.
Use the 4″ squares to make four that are background and fabric 2 and four that are fabric 2 and fabric 1. Make these using the Most Popular Method for making half-square triangles.
Trim the pieces down so that they are exactly 3-1/2″ square.
For the block, you only need three of each type, so you will have bonus HSTs that you can use in another project.
Make the inner basket
Lay out the half-square triangles with the background 3-1/2″ square and 3-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ piece as shown in the diagram.
Sew together into rows using a 1/4″ seam. Then sew the rows together.
This section should be 9-1/2″ square.
Make the base of the basket
Use the fabric 1 and background 3″ squares to make another set of half-square triangle pieces. Trim these to 2-1/2″ square.
Layout the pieces with the main basket section and the 2-1/2″ wide background pieces.
Add the half-square triangles to the 2-1/2″ x 7-1/2″ pieces, being careful of the orientation. These pieces are not identical, they are mirror image of each other.
Then join the four pieces together to add the base to the basket.
Add the final border
Add the 1-1/2″ x 11-1/2″ to the side of the basket piece and the 1-1/2″ x 12-1/2″ piece to the top.
The block should now be 12-1/2″ square, so it will finish at 12″ in your final project.
Make the handle
Take a piece of paper and fold it in half so that you have at least a 5-1/2″ square along the fold.
Draw a curve from one corner to the other, then another curve about 1″ inside of that one.
Cut the piece out and lay it on the block to see how it looks for the handle. You may have to adjust the length and width, but trim it until you have a handle shape that you like.
Trace this shape onto paper-backed fusible web and then fuse a handle of fabric 1 onto the basket using the instructions for the fusible web brand that you have.
This block can be used as is, or you can embellish it with embroidery or applique. Add flowers, fruit or whatever you want to fill your basket.