Making Negative Quilt Blocks

If you want to have fun with traditional quilt blocks, turning them into negative quilt blocks is an interesting exercise. A negative block is a block in which the two sides are negative images of each other.

Blocks can have either a vertical or diagonal negative line and both have great possibilites.

See it all

Below you will find:

• video
• how to design a negative block
• step-by-step instructions for a negative churn dash block
• inspiration for using these blocks in quilts

How to design a negative block

If you want to make a negative version of a traditional quilt block, the easiest way to do that is to use graph paper.

Draw the block

Draw the block on the paper to scale, then draw a line where you want the split to be. It can be horizontal or diagonal – be creative!

Shade in the drawing

Then shade in the two sides of the block in light and dark, reflecting the two sides. This will also help you see if this technique is effective with the block you choose. Some blocks work better with this technique.

Calculate the size of pieces

To calculate the size of the pieces, you can use the graph paper squares to see the finished size you need. Just remember to add 1/2″ to each piece for seam allowances.

Making a negative churn dash block

The churn dash block (aka monkey wrench) is a good choice for negative blocks.

Here’s how to make a 12″ block with vertical split.

Fabric requirements

This block uses two fabrics. Be sure your fabrics have good light and dark contrast. If they don’t have enough contrast, the effect will be lost.

You will need:

• Four 2-1/2″ squares of each fabric

• Three 2-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ pieces of each fabric

• Four 4-1/2″ half-square triangle units*

* Use the most popular method to make the half-square triangles or whatever technique you prefer

Make the units

Rectangle units

Join light and dark rectangles together to make squares using a 1/4″ seam allowance.

These should be 4-1/2″ square. Double check that they are the right size. If not, you can adjust your seam allowance now. This will help you later.

You need three of these units.

Four patch units

Join the squares into light and dark four patch units.

These units should also be 4-1/2″ square. You need two of these.

Assemble the block

Layout the units carefully following the picture. If you have a hard time seeing if the layout is correct, cover half and it will be more clear.

Now the piece can be assembled just like a traditional churn dash block.

Join the pieces into rows, then join the rows together.

The block should be 12-1/2″ when it is finished.

Quilts with negative blocks

These quilt diagrams will get your creative juices flowing for using negative blocks in quilts.

Half and half

You can make a quilt where the two sides are mirror images of each other.

Negative section

Join could include just a negative section in the quilt.

Many negative sections

You can switch back and forth across the quilt.

More complex

You can make designs increasingly complex if you add components like sashing, cornerstones, etc.

Once you start playing, you will think of many great variations!

Have fun playing with negative blocks in your next quilt project.

Be sure to #epidastudio when you share your projects on social media!