Ship Quilt Block Tutorial
See how to make a traditional ship quilt block in this tutorial.
This ship is a fun quilt block that can be made in any colours. It is made with easy construction techniques so it’s a great beginner block that looks more complicated than it is.
You can make a fun quilt with ship blocks made in all different fabrics and colours.
This tutorial is for a 12″ block.
Fabric Requirements
Everything you need to make this project.
Background Fabric
- 2″ x 12-1/2″
- 3-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ (cut 2)
- 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ (cut 2)
- 4″ x 4″ (cut 2)
Fabric 1 (sails)
- 4″ x 4″ (cut 2)
Fabric 2 (base of ship)
- 3-1/2″ x 12-1/2″
Fabric 3 (water)
- 2″ x 12-1/2″
OPTION: you can make the block without water and just cut the Fabric 3 piece out of background fabric.
Video
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Tutorial
Follow these steps to make your own Ship quilt block.
Half-square Triangle units
The sails of the boat are made with half-square triangle units. This tutorial uses the Most Popular Method for making half-square triangles, but if you prefer, you can make these units another way. If you choose an alternate method, you will need different sizes of fabric.
See more options for making half-square triangles HERE.
Mark the Fabric
Use the 4″ squares of fabric – both the background and Fabric 1.
On the back of the background fabric squares, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.
Stitch
Place a background and Fabric 1 square right sides together and stitch 1/4″ away from the marked line on both sides.
Cut the pieces
Cut on the diagonal line that you marked so that you have two pieces.
Open and press
Open each piece and gently press it. You have a half-square triangle unit!
Trim
If necessary, trim each unit down so that it is exactly 3-1/2″ square. This will help your block go together with more accuracy.
You will have a total of four half-square triangle pieces.
Ship base
Mark the fabric
On the back of the 3-1/2″ squares, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.
Stitch
Lay a square on either end of the 3-1/2″ x 12-1/2″ piece of Fabric 2.
Ensure that the diagonal lines are going in opposite directions (NOT parallel!)
Stitch directly on the lines that you marked.
Trim & press
Trim 1/4″ away from the stitching line, then open the fabric and press.
Sail Unit Assembly
Join the half-square triangle units with 1/4″ seams according to the layout diagram.
Then add a 3-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ piece of background fabric onto either side.
Block Assembly
You should have four units for the block, and they should each be 12-1/2″ wide.
Layout the units according to the diagram.
Join these units using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
The block will be 12-1/2″.
Optional embellishment
This block is fun to embellish with applique or embroidery.
Imagine fish, mermaids or other sea creatures as well as birds, clouds or things on the ship. Have fun being creative!
Want more quilt block tutorials?
I have a whole collection of quilt block tutorials.