The Winged Square Quilt Block is a captivating and versatile pattern that has stood the test of time. Its intricate design features triangles and squares that, when pieced together, resemble wings spreading out from a central square.
This quilt block not only adds elegance to any quilt but also provides endless opportunities for color play and creativity.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through each step of creating a Winged Square Quilt Block, with fabric cuts and instructions, while using key SEO terms like “quilt” and “quilt patterns” to ensure your project stands out in search engines.
Materials Needed for the Winged Square Quilt Block
Before starting, it’s important to gather all the materials needed for this quilt pattern. The Winged Square Quilt Block may seem complex, but with the right tools and a little patience, it’s a project suitable for both beginners and experienced quilters. This tutorial will focus on creating a block that measures 12” x 12” finished, but you can adjust the fabric measurements for larger or smaller blocks depending on your quilt’s needs.
Materials:
- Fabric: You will need four different fabrics for this block — one for the center square, two contrasting fabrics for the wings, and one background fabric. Fat quarters or fabric scraps work well for this block.
- Cutting tools: Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat for precise fabric cuts.
- Sewing machine and thread: Use a neutral thread to complement your fabric choices.
Fabric Cuts:
- Center square: Cut (1) 4.5” x 4.5” square.
- Wing triangles: Cut (4) 3.5” x 3.5” squares from two contrasting fabrics. Each square will be cut in half diagonally to form triangles.
- Background triangles: Cut (4) 6.5” x 6.5” squares. These will also be cut diagonally to form larger triangles.
Once you have your fabric and tools ready, you can begin constructing the Winged Square Quilt Block.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sewing the Winged Square Block
Now that the fabric has been cut, it’s time to piece the block together. The Winged Square Quilt Block consists of a central square surrounded by winged triangles. As you sew, pay close attention to the alignment of the pieces to create clean lines and sharp angles.
Step 1: Creating the Wings
- Prepare the Triangles: Begin by cutting your 3.5” x 3.5” squares diagonally to form triangles. You should have a total of four triangles from each contrasting fabric.
- Sew the Wing Pieces: Take one triangle from each of the contrasting fabrics and pair them with the background triangles. Sew them together along the diagonal edge using a 1/4” seam allowance. Press the seams open or to the darker fabric to reduce bulk.
- Square Up the Units: After sewing the triangles together, you should have four wing units. Trim these units to measure 6.5” square to ensure accuracy when assembling the block.
The triangles you’ve sewn together form the wings of the block, adding a dynamic and eye-catching element to the finished quilt pattern.
Step 2: Assembling the Center Square
- Cut the Center Square: Take your 4.5” x 4.5” square, which will serve as the center of the block. This square is the focal point of the design, so choose a fabric that stands out against the winged triangles.
- Position the Wings: Lay out your wing units around the center square. The triangles should form a diamond shape around the square, giving the illusion of wings spreading out from the center.
- Sew the Wings to the Center: Begin by sewing two wing units to opposite sides of the center square. Press the seams away from the square. Then, sew the remaining wing units to the other two sides of the square, ensuring the points align perfectly at the corners.
At this point, the Winged Square Quilt Block will start to take shape. The contrasting fabrics in the winged sections add visual interest, making the block appear more complex than it actually is.
Joining the Blocks for a Full Quilt
Now that you’ve completed one Winged Square Quilt Block, you can replicate the process to make more blocks for a full quilt. Depending on the size of your project, you can create anywhere from nine to 16 blocks to assemble a throw-size quilt, or more for larger bed quilts.
Step 1: Layout and Design
- Experiment with Layouts: The Winged Square design lends itself to many layout possibilities. You can alternate the direction of the blocks to create a dynamic zigzag or diamond effect, or align them in a more traditional grid for a uniform look.
- Sashing and Borders: To separate the blocks and emphasize the design, consider adding sashing between the blocks. Sashing strips can be cut to 2” wide and sewn between each block, creating a cleaner and more defined quilt layout. You can also add borders to frame the quilt and make the design pop.
- Color Play: By playing with different fabric combinations, you can give your quilt a completely different look. Use light and dark fabrics to create contrast, or experiment with complementary colors for a harmonious design.
Once you’ve finalized your layout, you can begin assembling the quilt top by sewing the blocks together in rows and columns.
Quilting and Finishing the Winged Square Quilt
With the quilt top assembled, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Quilting not only holds the layers together but also enhances the design of your quilt. For the Winged Square Quilt Block, straight-line quilting or echo quilting around the wings can highlight the pattern beautifully.
Step 1: Preparing the Quilt Sandwich
- Layering the Quilt: To prepare your quilt for quilting, you’ll need to create a quilt sandwich. Layer the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric, ensuring all layers are smooth and wrinkle-free. Pin or baste the layers together to prevent shifting during quilting.
- Choosing a Quilting Design: For the Winged Square Quilt, straight-line quilting along the seams of the wings will emphasize the sharp angles and geometric design. Alternatively, you can use free-motion quilting to add swirls, loops, or feathers that complement the winged shapes.
- Quilting: Use a walking foot for straight-line quilting or a free-motion foot for more intricate designs. Start quilting from the center of the quilt and work your way outward to avoid puckering.
Quilting adds dimension and texture to the finished quilt, making each block stand out while securing all the layers together.
Binding the Quilt
The final step in completing your Winged Square Quilt is binding the edges. Binding not only protects the edges of the quilt from wear and tear but also gives it a polished, professional finish.
Step 1: Preparing the Binding
- Cut the Binding Strips: Cut 2.5” wide strips from your binding fabric. You’ll need enough strips to go around the entire perimeter of the quilt. Join the strips together to form one long continuous binding.
- Attach the Binding: Align the raw edge of the binding with the edge of the quilt top and sew it in place using a 1/4” seam allowance. Fold the binding over to the back of the quilt and hand-stitch it down for a neat finish.
- Final Press: Once the binding is secured, give your quilt a final press to set the seams and smooth out any wrinkles.
Congratulations! You’ve completed your Winged Square Quilt Block and created a stunning quilt that showcases this intricate design.
Conclusion
The Winged Square Quilt Block is a timeless and versatile pattern that can add a touch of elegance to any quilt. Its striking design, featuring sharp angles and contrasting fabrics, makes it a standout block in both modern and traditional quilts. Whether you’re a beginner quilter looking to expand your skills or a seasoned quilter seeking a new challenge, the Winged Square offers endless possibilities for creativity.
By following this tutorial and incorporating essential SEO keywords like “quilt” and “quilt patterns,” you’ll not only create a beautiful project but also enhance your online visibility for fellow quilting enthusiasts. With its classic appeal and modern versatility, the Winged Square Quilt Block is sure to become a favorite in your quilting repertoire. Happy quilting!
