The Proposal Quilt Block – Free Jen Kingwell Pattern

The Proposal quilt block is a striking diamond-inspired design by Jen Kingwell, originally released as Block 27 in the Moda Block Heads 3 series.

Made with foundation paper piecing, the block combines sharp angles, contrasting fabrics, and a strong geometric center. The official free pattern includes four finished sizes, so you can use The Proposal in everything from a small sampler to a larger quilt.

The Proposal Quilt Block at a Glance

Pattern	The Proposal
Designer	Jen Kingwell
Series	Moda Block Heads 3 – Block 27
Technique	Foundation Paper Piecing
Finished Sizes	4", 6", 8" and 12"
Fabric Style	Scrappy or coordinated
Pattern Format	Free PDF with foundation templates

About The Proposal Quilt Block

The Proposal immediately stands out because of its diamond-shaped center and repeating angular sections. Although the finished block looks intricate, foundation paper piecing helps create the crisp points and accurate seams that give the design its distinctive appearance.

Jen Kingwell designed the block for Moda Block Heads 3. Its name plays on the diamond motif, making “The Proposal” a particularly fitting title.

The design can look dramatically different depending on your fabric choices. Use just a few coordinated fabrics for a controlled geometric appearance, or combine many small scraps for the colorful look associated with Jen Kingwell’s style.

Four Sizes to Choose From

The official pattern provides foundation templates for four finished block sizes:

• 4" finished – ideal for mini quilts and detailed samplers
• 6" finished – a useful size for smaller patchwork projects
• 8" finished – a versatile choice for sampler quilts
• 12" finished – easier to handle and excellent for larger quilts

If you are fairly new to foundation paper piecing, starting with the larger 12-inch version can make the individual fabric sections easier to position and manage.

What Is Foundation Paper Piecing?

Foundation paper piecing, often shortened to FPP, is a quilting technique in which fabric is sewn directly onto a printed paper foundation.

Instead of relying only on accurately cut fabric shapes, the printed sewing lines guide each seam. This is especially helpful for blocks like The Proposal, where several narrow angles and sharp points need to meet accurately.

After all sections have been pieced and joined, the paper foundation is removed.

Before You Print the Pattern

Correct printing is one of the most important parts of foundation paper piecing. The official pattern includes a test square so you can verify that the templates have printed at the correct scale.

• Print at 100% or Actual Size.
• Do not select “Fit to Page.”
• Measure the printed test square before cutting your templates.
• Check that the entire template and outer seam allowance are visible.

A small printing error can change the finished dimensions of the block, so it is worth checking before you begin sewing.

Choosing Fabrics for The Proposal

The geometric structure of this block makes value and contrast especially important.

For a Scrappy Version

Choose a collection of small and medium-scale prints with a mixture of light, medium, and dark values. Repeating a few colors throughout the block helps keep a highly scrappy version visually balanced.

For a Controlled Version

Use three coordinated fabrics: a light, a medium, and a darker fabric. This makes the diamond structure more obvious and gives the block a clean, contemporary appearance.

For a Low-Volume Background

Instead of plain white, try cream or a subtle low-volume print. The small amount of texture can soften the design while still giving the colored diamond pieces enough contrast.

Helpful Foundation Paper Piecing Tips

1. Start with Fabric Pieces That Are Generous

One of the most common foundation paper piecing problems is using a fabric piece that is just slightly too small.

Give yourself extra fabric around each section. It can always be trimmed later, and the extra margin makes positioning much easier.

2. Shorten Your Stitch Length

A shorter stitch perforates the paper more frequently, which makes the foundation easier to remove after the block is finished.

3. Check Before Sewing

Before stitching each new fabric piece, fold it into its finished position and make sure it will completely cover the required template area plus the seam allowance.

4. Trim Between Sections

Keeping seam allowances tidy as you work reduces bulk and makes the finished paper-pieced units easier to assemble.

5. Keep the Paper in Place Until Assembly

The foundation stabilizes the pieces and helps preserve the precise outer edges. Removing it too early can allow narrow or bias sections to distort.

How The Proposal Block Is Constructed

The official design is divided into foundation-pieced sections. Each section is built in numerical order according to the markings on the template.

Once the individual paper-pieced units are finished and trimmed along their outer seam allowances, they are joined to form the complete diamond design.

Because the exact fabric positions, numbered template sequence, and foundation pieces are part of the designer’s official pattern, keep the PDF beside you while sewing and follow Jen Kingwell and Moda’s templates for the exact construction.

Common Foundation Paper Piecing Mistakes

Printing at the Wrong Scale

Always check the test square before beginning. Even a small scaling difference can prevent the finished sections from fitting together correctly.

Fabric Does Not Cover the Section

This usually happens when the new piece is positioned too close to the sewing line. Test-fold the fabric before stitching.

Forgetting the Seam Allowance

Do not trim away the outer seam allowance printed around the completed foundation sections. It is needed when the units are joined.

Using Large Directional Prints

Directional fabric can unexpectedly appear upside down after a piece is flipped into position. Small-scale prints and non-directional designs are easier when you are learning FPP.

Removing the Paper Too Soon

Leaving the foundation attached until the main sections are assembled can help protect those sharp points from stretching.

Ideas for Using The Proposal Block

Although The Proposal was created for the Moda Block Heads 3 sampler, you can use the block independently in many projects.

• Sampler quilts
• Mini quilts
• Quilted pillows
• Wall hangings
• Table toppers
• Repeated diamond quilts
• Scrap quilts

Repeating the same block while changing the fabric placement can create interesting secondary patterns across a larger quilt.

Download The Proposal Free Quilt Block Pattern

The complete pattern, foundation templates, exact fabric placement, and assembly instructions are available in the official free PDF from Moda Fabrics.

Download The Proposal Free Pattern

You can also read the story behind the design on Jen Kingwell’s original The Proposal page .

More Quilt Block Tutorials

If you enjoy experimenting with different patchwork techniques, continue with these Quilting Time projects:

• Easy Bow Tie Quilt Block Tutorial
• Autumn Wonders Block 4
• Bride’s Bouquet Quilt Block

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Proposal quilt block pattern free?

Yes. The official pattern for The Proposal is currently available as a free PDF from Moda Fabrics as part of the Moda Block Heads 3 collection.

Who designed The Proposal quilt block?

The block was designed by Jen Kingwell for Moda Block Heads 3.

What technique does The Proposal use?

The official instructions use foundation paper piecing. Jen Kingwell has also shown that the design can be adapted to hand piecing, but the downloadable pattern is written for foundation paper piecing.

What sizes are included?

The official pattern includes 4", 6", 8", and 12" finished block sizes.

Is The Proposal suitable for beginners?

It is a good project for a confident beginner who wants to learn foundation paper piecing. If this is your first FPP block, choosing the largest size and using non-directional fabrics can make the process easier.

Can I make it with fabric scraps?

Yes. The block is particularly well suited to scraps because the diamond can be built from many different prints. You can also limit the palette to just a few fabrics for a more controlled appearance.

Final Thoughts

The Proposal is a memorable quilt block that combines Jen Kingwell’s love of scrappy fabric with the precision of foundation paper piecing. Its four size options make it flexible enough for small projects, sampler quilts, or a larger repeated-block design.

If you have been wanting to try paper piecing, this block is also a useful project for practicing accurate fabric placement, trimming, and sharp geometric points.

Easy Bow Tie Quilt Block Tutorial for Beginners

The Bow Tie quilt block is one of those classic patchwork designs that looks more complicated than it really is. With just a few squares, a simple stitch-and-flip technique, and a consistent quarter-inch seam, you can create a charming block that works beautifully in both traditional and modern quilts.

This easy version avoids complicated templates and set-in seams, making it a great project for beginners while still offering plenty of possibilities for scrappy quilts, baby quilts, table runners, and sampler projects.

Easy Bow Tie Quilt Block at a Glance

Block	Bow Tie Quilt Block
Skill Level	Beginner
Technique	Traditional piecing with stitch-and-flip corners
Example Finished Size	8" × 8"
Best For	Scraps, charm packs, baby quilts and sampler quilts

Why the Bow Tie Block Is Great for Beginners

A Bow Tie block is built from a simple four-patch arrangement. Two of the large squares become the main bow-tie fabric, while two background squares receive small diagonal corner pieces that create the center “knot.”

Because everything starts with squares, there are no curved seams or difficult templates to manage. The main skill to practice is sewing accurately along a diagonal line.

• Uses simple squares
• Requires only basic rotary cutting
• Teaches stitch-and-flip corners
• Works well with scraps
• Can be chain-pieced when making many blocks
• Creates many different secondary designs when rotated

Fabric Cutting for an 8-Inch Finished Bow Tie Block

For one block measuring approximately 8" × 8" finished, prepare the following pieces.

Bow Tie Fabric

• Two 4½" × 4½" squares
• Two 2" × 2" squares

Background Fabric

• Two 4½" × 4½" squares

The small 2-inch squares create the two diagonal pieces that meet in the center and give the block its recognizable bow-tie shape.

Bow Tie Quilt Block Size Chart

Once you understand the construction, the same method can be adapted to several useful block sizes.

Finished Block	Large Squares	Small Bow Tie Squares
6"	Four 3½" squares	Two 1½" squares
8"	Four 4½" squares	Two 2" squares
12"	Four 6½" squares	Two 3" squares

For every block, two large squares are cut from the Bow Tie fabric and two from the background fabric.

How to Make an Easy Bow Tie Quilt Block

Step 1: Mark the Small Squares

Take the two small Bow Tie squares and draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the wrong side of each piece.

A removable fabric marker or fine pencil works well for this step.

Step 2: Position the Corner Squares

Place one small Bow Tie square right sides together on the corner of a large background square.

Make sure the diagonal line runs across the corner in the direction that will create the center of the Bow Tie.

Repeat with the second background square.

Step 3: Sew the Diagonal Lines

Sew directly along each marked diagonal line.

Before trimming anything away, fold the small square toward the corner and check that it completely covers the background fabric beneath it. This quick check can save you from having to remake the unit.

Step 4: Trim and Press

Trim away the excess fabric approximately ¼" beyond the stitched line.

Press the newly created triangle open. You should now have two background squares with small Bow Tie triangles in their corners.

Step 5: Arrange the Four Units

Lay out your four large squares in a 2 × 2 arrangement:

• Two full Bow Tie fabric squares
• Two background squares with diagonal Bow Tie corners

Rotate the pieces until the two small triangles meet in the center and the larger colored squares sit diagonally opposite one another.

At this stage the Bow Tie shape should already be clearly visible.

Step 6: Sew the Rows

Sew the two squares in the top row together using a consistent ¼" seam allowance.

Repeat for the bottom row.

Press the row seams in opposite directions so they can nest neatly when the rows are joined.

Step 7: Join the Rows

Place the two rows right sides together and carefully match the center seam. Pin or clip if necessary.

Sew across using a ¼" seam allowance, then press the final seam.

Your Bow Tie quilt block is complete.

Tips for Neater Bow Tie Blocks

Use a Consistent Quarter-Inch Seam

Even though the block is simple, small seam differences can affect the final size when several blocks are sewn together.

Check Before You Trim

After sewing each diagonal corner, fold the fabric outward before cutting away the excess layers. Confirming the alignment first prevents undersized corners.

Do Not Stretch Diagonal Edges

Diagonal seams can stretch more easily than straight-grain seams. Press with an up-and-down motion instead of aggressively pushing the iron across the block.

Square Up Finished Blocks

If you are making many Bow Tie blocks for one quilt, check each block against a square ruler before joining them together.

Best Fabrics for a Bow Tie Quilt

The Bow Tie pattern is especially attractive in fabrics with strong contrast. A light neutral background helps colorful prints stand out, while a dark background can create a completely different modern look.

Good fabric combinations include:

• Scrappy prints with a white background
• Vintage florals with cream
• Bright solids with low-volume prints
• Blue and white for a classic look
• Black and white for a modern quilt
• Rainbow scraps with one consistent background

Bow Tie Quilt Layout Ideas

One of the most interesting things about this block is how dramatically the quilt changes when the blocks are rotated.

Classic Rows

Keep every Bow Tie facing in the same direction for a simple repeating layout. This is a good option for beginners because the arrangement is easy to plan.

Alternating Bow Ties

Rotate every other block to create more movement across the quilt surface. Secondary geometric shapes begin to appear where neighboring blocks meet.

Scrappy Bow Tie Quilt

Use one consistent background fabric and a different print for almost every Bow Tie. This is one of the easiest ways to turn small leftovers into a cohesive scrap quilt.

Four-Block Groups

Arrange four blocks so their Bow Tie shapes rotate around a central point. Repeating these larger units can create an entirely different secondary pattern.

What Can You Make with Bow Tie Blocks?

You do not need to commit to a large quilt. Bow Tie blocks work well for many small projects too.

• Baby quilts
• Scrap quilts
• Table runners
• Throw pillows
• Mini quilts
• Wall hangings
• Quilted tote bags
• Sampler quilts

Free Bow Tie Quilt Block Tutorial

For additional photographs, construction guidance, alternate sizes, and more Bow Tie quilt layout inspiration, visit the free tutorial from Create Whimsy.

View the Free Bow Tie Quilt Block Tutorial

Common Bow Tie Block Mistakes

• Rotating one unit incorrectly: lay out all four pieces before sewing the rows.
• Trimming before checking: test-fold each diagonal corner before removing fabric.
• Losing the center match: nest the row seams carefully before sewing.
• Using low-contrast fabrics: choose fabrics with enough value difference for the Bow Tie to stand out.
• Inconsistent block sizes: square every block before assembling a larger quilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bow Tie quilt block beginner friendly?

Yes. The simplified machine-pieced version uses basic squares and stitch-and-flip corners, making it suitable for quilters who are comfortable with rotary cutting and a quarter-inch seam allowance.

What size is a Bow Tie quilt block?

Bow Tie blocks can be made in many sizes. Common finished sizes include 6", 8", and 12". The same basic construction method can be scaled for different projects.

Can I use scraps for Bow Tie blocks?

Yes. This is an excellent scrap-friendly design because each Bow Tie uses only a small amount of feature fabric. Keeping one background fabric consistent can help a very scrappy quilt look unified.

Can I use charm squares?

Yes. Five-inch precut squares can be useful for Bow Tie projects, especially when you want a coordinated scrappy look. Depending on your chosen block size, the squares may need to be trimmed into smaller pieces before sewing.

Do I need a template?

Not for this simplified version. Traditional Bow Tie blocks can be constructed in other ways, but the stitch-and-flip method shown here uses ordinary squares and straightforward machine piecing.

More Quilt Block Inspiration

Continue building your quilt block collection with these Quilting Time guides:

• Autumn Wonders Block 4
• Bride’s Bouquet Quilt Block
• 7 Free Heart Quilt Patterns and Blocks

Final Thoughts

The Bow Tie quilt block proves that a simple pattern can produce a surprising amount of variety. Start with one block to practice the technique, then experiment with colors, scraps, and block rotations to create your own layout.

Once you become comfortable with the stitch-and-flip corners, these blocks are quick to batch-piece and can easily grow into anything from a small table runner to a colorful full-size scrap quilt.

7 Free Heart Quilt Patterns and Blocks to Sew with Love

Heart quilt patterns are a beautiful way to turn fabric into something warm, personal, and handmade. Whether you are sewing for Valentine’s Day, a wedding, an anniversary, a baby gift, or simply because you love heart-shaped patchwork, these free designs offer plenty of inspiration.

This updated collection brings together seven free heart quilt patterns and quilt block tutorials from their original designers or established pattern publishers. You’ll find quick scrap-friendly blocks, a mini quilt, modern heart designs, and larger quilts that can become meaningful gifts.

7 Free Heart Quilt Patterns at a Glance

Pattern	Designer / Source	Size	Best For
Four-Patch Heart Mini Quilt	Amanda / Jedi Craft Girl	26" square	Mini quilts and jelly roll scraps
Moda Blockheads 4 Heart	Vanessa Goertzen / Lella Boutique	9" or 4.5" finished	Sampler quilts and precision piecing
Scrappy Heart Block	Heather Givans	14" square	Using small fabric scraps
Simple Hearts Quilt	Cluck Cluck Sew	42" × 44"	Beginner-friendly heart quilt
Love Lodge Log Cabin Heart	Sydney Nordgren / Diary of a Quilter	8" finished block	Scraps and log cabin fans
Woven Hearts Quilt	SewCanShe	Approx. 57" × 74"	Beginner-friendly throw quilt
Heartfelt Quilt	Maureen Cracknell / AGF Studio	63" × 63"	A polished full-size heart quilt

1. Four-Patch Heart Mini Quilt

The Four-Patch Heart Mini Quilt from Amanda of Jedi Craft Girl combines patchwork, appliqué, and half-square triangles in a cheerful 26-inch-square project. The design uses four heart-centered blocks surrounded by colorful patchwork, making it especially useful for jelly roll leftovers and coordinated scraps.

Each heart begins with a small four-patch unit, which gives the appliqué extra color and movement. The surrounding half-square triangles help frame the hearts and give the finished mini quilt a traditional patchwork feel.

Why try it: it is small enough to finish quickly and works well as a wall hanging, table topper, or handmade gift.

View the Free Four-Patch Heart Mini Quilt Tutorial →

2. Moda Blockheads 4 Heart Block by Vanessa Goertzen

Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique designed this charming Heart block for Moda Blockheads 4. It combines a pieced heart with a sawtooth-star-inspired setting and is available in two finished sizes: 9 inches and 4.5 inches.

The block uses approachable techniques such as easy-corner triangles and flying geese. The smaller version requires more precision, while the larger version is a comfortable choice for quilters who want to practice accurate piecing without working with extremely tiny pieces.

Why try it: the block works beautifully in sampler quilts, pillows, mini quilts, and Valentine projects.

View the Free Heart Block Pattern at Lella Boutique →

3. Scrappy Heart Quilt Block by Heather Givans

If your scrap bin is overflowing, the Scrappy Heart Block by Heather Givans is an excellent project. The finished block measures 14 inches square and uses a grid of red and light fabrics together with half-square triangles to form a bold heart.

One of the most interesting features is the use of lightweight fusible interfacing to keep the many small squares organized while the grid is pieced. That makes it a useful project for learning how to control a large number of small patchwork pieces.

We have also prepared a more detailed guide with fabric-planning tips and troubleshooting: Scrappy Heart Quilt Block Tutorial .

View Heather Givans’ Original Free Scrappy Heart Tutorial →

4. Simple Hearts Quilt by Cluck Cluck Sew

The Simple Hearts Quilt is a clean, modern design that repeats easy pieced heart blocks across a generous background. The free version finishes at approximately 42" × 44", with individual heart blocks finishing at 6 inches.

The hearts are arranged in offset columns, leaving plenty of negative space around them. That layout makes the quilt feel modern while also giving you room to show off straight-line, wavy, or free-motion quilting.

Why try it: the construction is straightforward, the heart blocks are easy to repeat, and the design is simple to enlarge by adding more blocks and adjusting the sashing.

View the Free Simple Hearts Quilt Pattern →

5. Love Lodge Log Cabin Heart Block

For a heart design with a different look, try the Love Lodge Log Cabin Heart Block by Sydney Nordgren, shared through Diary of a Quilter. This free design finishes at 8 inches and gives the familiar log cabin idea a playful heart-shaped twist.

The block is particularly good for scraps because it uses narrow fabric strips in several lengths. It can be sewn in one color family for a coordinated look or made completely scrappy for a more playful result.

Why try it: one block can become framed textile art, a mini quilt, a pillow panel, or even an embellishment for another sewing project.

View the Free Love Lodge Heart Block Pattern →

6. Woven Hearts Quilt

The Woven Hearts Quilt from SewCanShe is inspired by classic Scandinavian woven hearts. The free online pattern makes a throw quilt measuring approximately 57" × 74".

The woven look gives this project a distinctive appearance without requiring complicated curves. It is also presented as a beginner-friendly quilt, making it a good next step for someone who has already sewn simple patchwork blocks and wants to make a complete themed quilt.

Why try it: the woven-heart motif looks striking in traditional red and white, but it can also be adapted to modern solids, pastels, or a scrappy palette.

View the Free Woven Hearts Quilt Pattern →

7. Heartfelt Quilt by Maureen Cracknell

The Heartfelt Quilt by Maureen Cracknell for AGF Studio is a larger heart-themed project that finishes at 63" × 63". The free PDF is a good choice when you want a complete quilt rather than a single block or mini project.

Its polished layout makes it suitable for a bed topper, generous lap quilt, wedding gift, anniversary gift, or special keepsake. The pattern is currently offered as a free PDF through Fat Quarter Shop.

Why try it: this is the most substantial project in the collection and gives you a finished quilt with a strong heart theme.

Download the Free Heartfelt Quilt Pattern →

How to Choose the Right Heart Quilt Pattern

The best project depends on how much time you have, what fabric you want to use, and whether you want a single block or a complete quilt.

• For a quick project: choose the Lella Boutique Heart block or Love Lodge block.
• For fabric scraps: try Heather Givans’ Scrappy Heart or Love Lodge.
• For a mini quilt: make the Four-Patch Heart Mini Quilt.
• For beginners making a full quilt: consider Simple Hearts or Woven Hearts.
• For a larger finished quilt: choose Heartfelt.

Tips for Better Heart Quilt Blocks

Use Strong Contrast

A heart motif is easiest to see when the heart fabrics clearly contrast with the background. If both areas have similar values, the shape can disappear even when the colors are different.

Trim Half-Square Triangles

Many heart designs rely on half-square triangles to form the upper curves and lower point. Trimming those units before final assembly can make a major difference in how cleanly the seams line up.

Press Without Stretching

Diagonal seams contain bias edges that can distort easily. Lift and press with the iron instead of pushing it aggressively across the fabric.

Use Scraps Intentionally

Scrappy does not have to mean random. Spread dark and light prints across the heart, avoid clustering identical fabrics together, and step back occasionally to check the overall balance.

Heart Quilt Pattern FAQ

Are these heart quilt patterns really free?

Yes. At the time this collection was updated, all seven featured projects had a free pattern, free online tutorial, or free PDF available from the listed designer or pattern source. Availability can change over time, so always check the source page before starting.

Which heart quilt pattern is easiest for beginners?

The Simple Hearts Quilt and Woven Hearts Quilt are good options for quilters who want a complete beginner-friendly project. For a smaller project, the larger 9-inch version of the Moda Blockheads Heart block is also approachable if you are comfortable with accurate quarter-inch seams.

Can I make heart quilt blocks from scraps?

Absolutely. The Scrappy Heart Block and Love Lodge are especially well suited to leftover fabric. Small-scale prints, solids, low-volume backgrounds, and coordinated scraps all work well.

Do heart quilts have to be red and pink?

No. Heart blocks work beautifully in rainbow colors, blues, greens, neutrals, florals, or even holiday fabrics. Good value contrast is more important than using traditional Valentine colors.

What can I make with one heart quilt block?

A single block can become a pillow front, mini quilt, wall hanging, tote bag panel, placemat, mug rug, or the center of a larger sampler project.

More Quilt Block Inspiration

If you enjoy building your own collection of interesting quilt blocks, take a look at our Bride’s Bouquet Quilt Block and our Autumn Wonders Block 4 guides for more piecing inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Heart quilts can be playful, modern, traditional, scrappy, or elegant, and that flexibility is what makes the motif so enjoyable to sew. Start with one block if you want a quick project, or choose one of the larger free patterns when you are ready to make a complete quilt.

Whichever design you choose, follow the original designer’s pattern for exact cutting and construction instructions, then make the project your own through fabric, color, and quilting choices.