The Around the Corner Quilt Block – Pattern has become a beloved design in the quilting community for its visual appeal and creative potential. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a manageable project or an experienced quilter searching for a dynamic new addition to your collection, this pattern offers a fresh and modern twist on traditional quilt blocks. Its structure provides room for both artistic expression and technical precision, making it a favorite among fabric enthusiasts.
What sets the Around the Corner Quilt Block – Pattern apart is its unique layout. Unlike simpler square or strip designs, this pattern often includes right angles and directional seams that create a sense of movement. The block is versatile enough to work well in a full quilt layout or as a striking centerpiece in a smaller project like a cushion, tote bag, or wall hanging.
Crafters love the flexibility of this design. Depending on your fabric choice and color palette, the Around the Corner Quilt Block – Pattern can look playful, elegant, bold, or subtle. With the rising popularity of handmade goods and home décor, many people are turning to quilting not just as a hobby, but as a creative outlet with personal meaning. Let’s explore what makes this block pattern such a valuable addition to any quilting project.
1. Understanding the Around the Corner Quilt Block – Pattern
The Around the Corner Quilt Block – Pattern is not just another geometric layout—it introduces movement and dimension to a quilt. At its core, this block design plays with angles and direction, giving the illusion of turning a corner or wrapping around a focal point.
One reason this block is so appealing is its compatibility with both traditional and modern quilting styles. Whether you’re using vintage floral prints or bold, contemporary solids, the layout adapts beautifully to your aesthetic vision.
This block also challenges quilters to improve their piecing techniques. With careful planning, you can align seams precisely to achieve crisp corners and a clean overall design. It’s a fantastic pattern for anyone looking to refine their skills.
The Around the Corner design is usually constructed using a combination of half-square triangles, rectangles, and sometimes flying geese units. This allows you to play with directionality and contrast within the block.
Quilters often use this pattern as a teaching block because it demonstrates how changing the orientation or placement of fabric pieces can dramatically affect the final look. This element of experimentation makes it both fun and educational.
Finally, it’s a fantastic way to use up scrap fabric. Because of the block’s modular nature, you can create stunning visual effects just by mixing and matching leftover materials, making it an eco-friendly crafting choice.
2. Choosing the Right Fabrics and Colors
Fabric selection is key when working with the Around the Corner Quilt Block – Pattern. The placement of each color or print within the block will influence how the eye travels across the quilt.
Start by identifying a dominant color scheme. Whether you’re going for bold contrast or soft gradients, having a unified palette will help your blocks look cohesive when assembled together.
Solid fabrics work especially well in this design because they highlight the angles and structure of the block. However, using prints can add personality and charm—just be sure to balance busy prints with simpler companions.
If you’re working with a scrappy look, consider using one consistent background fabric throughout all blocks. This ties the project together visually, even when the corner patterns vary from block to block.
Another helpful tip is to lay out your fabric selections before cutting. Many quilters find that previewing the block in a digital quilt design app or simply sketching it on paper helps in choosing the most effective placements.
Don’t forget about fabric texture. Mixing cottons with linen or flannel adds dimension to the block, especially in tactile pieces like quilts for babies or throw blankets for living rooms.
Lastly, when experimenting with color values—light, medium, and dark tones—keep contrast in mind. The right contrast will ensure the “corner” effect of the pattern stands out clearly and makes the design pop.
3. How to Construct the Around the Corner Quilt Block
Constructing the Around the Corner Quilt Block – Pattern may seem complicated at first glance, but it’s surprisingly manageable once you understand the basics. Patience and precision are key.
Begin by cutting all your pieces according to the pattern instructions. Common units include half-square triangles (HSTs), rectangles, and squares. Using a rotary cutter and clear ruler ensures accuracy from the start.
Next, assemble the units in sections. It’s a good idea to press seams as you go, using either open or to-the-side pressing depending on the bulk of the fabric layers and your personal preference.
When joining the units, check for alignment. One of the highlights of this pattern is the crisp “turning corner” effect, which relies on sharp points and even spacing. Use pins to keep everything in place.
For added stability, use starch or a pressing spray. This helps prevent distortion as you sew pieces together, especially when working with bias edges that can stretch easily.
It’s always a good idea to make a test block first. This gives you a chance to check your seam allowance (ideally a consistent 1/4 inch) and make sure your block finishes at the correct size.
Finally, trim your completed block if necessary. Even a small discrepancy can throw off the final quilt layout. Squaring up each block helps ensure a polished and professional-looking quilt top.
4. Creative Ways to Use the Around the Corner Quilt Block
One of the best things about the Around the Corner Quilt Block – Pattern is how adaptable it is. Beyond full-sized quilts, there are countless creative projects where this block can shine.
Table runners are a popular choice. Using just a few blocks in a row can create a striking and modern centerpiece for your dining room or holiday display.
Cushion covers are another great use. A single block, framed with a border and backed with complementary fabric, makes a stylish and functional home décor item.
Quilted tote bags can also feature this block beautifully. Use a heavyweight interfacing or batting to give your bag structure, and let the dynamic design of the block serve as the front panel.
Wall hangings allow for artistic freedom. You can play with negative space, color blocking, and even embellishments like embroidery or appliqué to enhance the block’s shape.
If you’re sewing for kids or babies, this pattern works wonderfully in small quilts or play mats. Use soft fabrics and cheerful colors to create a cozy and visually stimulating piece.
Finally, this block can be part of a sampler quilt, where each block is different. The unique structure of the Around the Corner design brings variety and visual interest to the overall composition.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Around the Corner Quilt Block – Pattern?
The Around the Corner Quilt Block – Pattern is a quilting design that features directional angles and shapes to create the illusion of turning or wrapping around a point. It’s both visually striking and versatile.
Q2: Is this block suitable for beginners?
Yes, beginners can successfully make this block, especially if they have some basic knowledge of quilting units like half-square triangles. Starting with a test block is recommended.
Q3: What size is the standard Around the Corner block?
Sizes vary, but most patterns range from 8 to 12 inches square. You can easily scale the pattern up or down depending on your project needs.
Q4: Can I use scraps for this block?
Absolutely. The modular nature of this block makes it perfect for using leftover fabrics. Just ensure you balance your colors and values for the best visual effect.
Q5: What kind of projects can I make with this block?
You can use it in quilts, pillow covers, table runners, tote bags, wall hangings, and more. It’s a very flexible pattern that suits many applications.
Q6: Do I need special tools to make this pattern?
Not really. Standard quilting tools like a rotary cutter, ruler, cutting mat, and sewing machine are enough. Optional tools like a quilting square ruler can help with accuracy.
Conclusion
The Around the Corner Quilt Block – Pattern is a delightful combination of style, structure, and creativity. It offers endless possibilities for design and expression, whether you’re making a full-size quilt or a small décor item. With its unique angles and versatile construction, it’s a fantastic addition to any quilter’s pattern library.
If you’ve tried this pattern before or plan to start a project soon, we’d love to hear about it. Leave your honest opinion and share suggestions or tips to help other quilters enjoy this rewarding design just as much as you did.
