‘Broken Dishes’ Quilt Block

The ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block is a timeless pattern that has been loved by quilters for generations.

With its unique design that looks complex but is surprisingly simple to create, the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block is a great addition to any quilt.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, this block offers a satisfying challenge and a beautiful finished result.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block pattern, offering tips, techniques, and advice on fabric selection, assembly, and finishing touches.

The ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block gets its name from its visually striking design that resembles pieces of broken dishware arranged in a stunning pattern. The block consists of triangles and squares arranged in a way that creates a dynamic, geometric layout. While it may seem complicated at first, the block is made up of simple patchwork techniques that make it easy to achieve once you understand the process.

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In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block and explain how to assemble the blocks into a cohesive quilt. Along the way, we’ll provide tips on fabric choices, block size adjustments, and how to personalize the pattern to fit your style.

1. Materials and Tools for the Broken Dishes Quilt Block

Before you start creating your ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block, it’s essential to gather the necessary materials and tools. Having everything prepared in advance will help the quilting process go smoothly. Here is a list of what you will need:

1. Fabric – The fabric choices for the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block are essential to achieving the right aesthetic. Choose a variety of fabrics that complement each other. A traditional approach is to use two or three colors, such as a contrasting light and dark fabric, but you can experiment with more colors for a modern twist. You’ll need fabric for both the squares and the triangles that make up the block.
2. Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat – A rotary cutter allows for precise cutting of fabric, which is crucial for this quilt block pattern. Make sure you have a self-healing cutting mat to protect your surfaces and keep your cuts clean.
3. Quilt Ruler – A quilt ruler with 45-degree angle markings is essential for cutting the triangles needed for the ‘Broken Dishes’ block. It will help ensure accurate cuts that align perfectly when you piece your blocks together.
4. Sewing Machine – A sewing machine is a must-have for quilting, as it will help you sew your blocks together quickly and efficiently. Make sure it has a quarter-inch foot for accurate seam allowances.
5. Thread – A high-quality quilting thread that matches or complements your fabric will ensure that your seams are strong and secure.
6. Pins or Clip Holders – These will help you hold your fabric pieces in place as you sew, ensuring your seams stay aligned.
7. Iron – Pressing your seams as you go is crucial to ensure a flat, neat quilt. An iron with a steam option is ideal for pressing seams open or to one side.

With these materials, you’re ready to begin your ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block pattern and create a quilt that will be both beautiful and meaningful.

2. How to Cut Fabric for the Broken Dishes Block

Cutting fabric accurately is the first step in making the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block. This block requires both square and triangle pieces, so precision is key. Here’s how to cut the fabric pieces for each block:

1. Cutting the Squares – Start by cutting squares from your chosen fabric. Typically, the square pieces are cut to 3 ½ inches, but this can be adjusted depending on your preferred block size. These squares will form the center and outer parts of the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block.
2. Cutting the Triangles – To create the triangles, you’ll need to cut your fabric on the diagonal. Using your quilt ruler, measure and cut your fabric at a 45-degree angle. Each triangle should be about 3 ½ inches on each side. You will need four triangles for each block. These triangles will be placed at the edges of the square, creating the distinctive “broken” look.
3. Fabric Placement – Before you begin sewing, lay out your squares and triangles to visualize the finished block. Arrange the triangles and squares in a pattern that makes sense to you. A common approach is to place the dark triangles on the corners and the lighter fabric in the center, but you can mix things up for a more dynamic effect.

Once all your fabric pieces are cut, you’re ready to begin assembling the block. Cutting fabric accurately is the first step toward a beautiful quilt that looks professional and polished.

3. Sewing the Broken Dishes Quilt Block Together

The next step in the process of creating your ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block is sewing the pieces together. This part is fairly straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure the block turns out well. Follow these steps:

1. Sew the Triangles to the Squares – Begin by taking a triangle piece and aligning it with one of the edges of the square. Pin it in place and sew along the edge using a ¼-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open after sewing. Repeat this process for all four sides of the square with the remaining triangles.
2. Sew the Block Sections – Once the triangles are attached to the squares, you’ll have a smaller four-patch block. Arrange the four sections together to complete the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block. Pin the sections in place and sew them together, again using a ¼-inch seam allowance.
3. Press the Seams – After sewing the sections together, press the seams open or to one side, depending on your preference. Pressing your seams as you go will help the block stay flat and ensure that the final result is smooth and neat.
4. Square the Block – Once your block is fully sewn, it’s important to square it up. Use your quilting ruler to check the block’s size and make any necessary adjustments by trimming the edges. This ensures that all the blocks in your quilt will have the same dimensions and fit together properly.
5. Repeat the Process – Continue sewing and pressing until you have enough ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt blocks to complete your quilt top. Depending on the size of your quilt, you may need anywhere from 20 to 50 blocks or more.
6. Arrange the Blocks – Once you have all your blocks finished, arrange them in a layout that suits your style. You can place the blocks in rows or create a more intricate pattern by rotating the blocks.

With your blocks sewn together and pressed, the foundation of your quilt is now complete.

4. Assembling the Quilt and Final Touches

Once all your ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt blocks are made, it’s time to assemble them into the quilt top. Follow these steps for assembling the quilt and adding the finishing touches:

1. Layout the Blocks – Lay out all your quilt blocks in the desired pattern. This is the fun part, where you can get creative with the layout. You can place the blocks in a straight grid pattern or alternate their positions for a more dynamic look.
2. Sew the Blocks Together – Start sewing the blocks together in rows, using a ¼-inch seam allowance. Once you’ve completed the rows, sew them together to form the quilt top.
3. Add the Batting and Backing – After the quilt top is sewn, it’s time to add the quilt batting and backing fabric. Lay the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric on a flat surface, and pin them together to hold them in place.
4. Quilt the Layers – You can quilt the layers by machine or by hand. Machine quilting is faster, but hand quilting adds a personal touch and texture to the quilt.
5. Attach the Binding – To finish the quilt, add the quilt binding around the edges. This will give the quilt a clean, polished look. You can either create your own binding from fabric strips or buy pre-made binding.
6. Final Press – After the quilt is finished, give it a final press with your iron to remove any wrinkles and ensure that the quilt lies flat.

Your ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt is now complete! The finished quilt will be a beautiful work of art that showcases your quilting skills and creativity.

FAQ: Common Questions About the ‘Broken Dishes’ Quilt Block Pattern

1. What size is the finished ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block?

The finished ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block is typically 9 ½ inches square, but this can vary depending on the size of the fabric pieces you cut. Adjust the size to suit your quilt’s design.

2. Can I use different fabric patterns for the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt?

Yes! The ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block is very versatile, and you can use any combination of fabric patterns or solid colors to create the desired effect.

3. What is the best fabric to use for this quilt block?

Quilting cotton is the most popular choice for the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block due to its durability, ease of use, and wide selection of colors and patterns. However, you can also use other fabrics like flannel or linen for a different texture.

4. How many ‘Broken Dishes’ blocks do I need for a full-size quilt?

For a full-size quilt, you’ll typically need around 30 to 50 ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt blocks, depending on the layout and the size of the blocks.

5. How can I make my ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt unique?

You can personalize your quilt by using a variety of fabric patterns, adjusting the layout of the blocks, or adding embroidery or applique to the finished quilt.

6. Can I hand quilt the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt?

Yes, hand quilting is a wonderful option for adding texture and personal touch to the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block. Hand quilting can give the quilt a more traditional, cozy feel.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block pattern is a beautiful and versatile design that offers endless opportunities for creativity. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a stunning quilt that showcases your quilting skills and adds a personal touch to your home decor. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, the ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt block is a fun and rewarding project.

We hope this guide has helped you feel confident in creating your own ‘Broken Dishes’ quilt. If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or questions, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear your feedback and any tips you have for fellow quilters. Happy quilting!