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| The photo above © First Light Designs |
Quilting is a beloved craft that blends tradition with creativity, offering endless ways to express artistry through fabric. Among the many classic quilt blocks, the Bowtie block stands out with its playful design and nostalgic appeal. This versatile pattern effortlessly bridges vintage charm and modern aesthetics, making it a favorite for quilters of all skill levels.
Perfect for scrappy quilts, the Bowtie block allows you to showcase a mix of fabrics, each telling its own story. Inspired by quilting experts like Jenny Doan of the Missouri Star Quilt Company, this guide will walk you through crafting your own Bowtie blocks, transforming simple squares into a stunning quilt.
Why the Bowtie Block?
There's something magical about a quilt bursting with scrappy charm—a mix of colors, patterns, and textures that create visual depth. The Bowtie block is ideal for this style because:
- ✓ Uses small fabric pieces – Great for scrap-busting!
- ✓ Works with pre-cuts – Charm packs (5" squares) provide instant coordination.
- ✓ Simple yet striking – Easy to sew but looks intricate.
Whether you're using leftover fabric scraps or a curated charm pack, the Bowtie block delivers a rewarding and eye-catching result.
Materials You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these essentials:
Fabric Requirements (Per Pair of Blocks)
- Feature Fabric (Bowtie): One 5" square (charm square or scrap).
- Background Fabric: One 5" square (solid or subtle print for contrast).
Tools & Supplies
- ✔ Rotary cutter & mat
- ✔ Acrylic quilting ruler
- ✔ Sewing machine with a ¼" seam foot
- ✔ Neutral thread
- ✔ Iron & pressing board
- ✔ Pins, scissors, and a seam ripper
Pro Tip: If using scraps, aim for a mix of light, medium, and dark fabrics for contrast. For a coordinated look, try a charm pack like Moda's "Collections for a Cause: Comfort."
Step 1: Precision Cutting for Perfect Blocks
Accuracy is key! Each 5" square will yield pieces for two Bowtie blocks.
Cutting the Feature Fabric (Bowtie)
From one 5" feature fabric square, cut:
- Two (2) 2.5" x 2.5" squares
- Two (2) 1.5" x 1.5" squares
How to Cut:
- Slice the 5" square in half at 2.5", creating two 2.5" x 5" rectangles.
- Cut one rectangle into two 2.5" squares.
- From the remaining rectangle, trim two 1.5" strips, then cut into 1.5" squares.
Cutting the Background Fabric
From one 5" background square, cut:
- Four (4) 2.5" x 2.5" squares
How to Cut:
- Slice the 5" square into four equal 2.5" squares.
Step 2: Sewing the Signature "Knot" (Corner Triangle Technique)
The Bowtie's center knot is made using the "snowballing" method, sewing small squares onto background squares.
Instructions:
- Place a 1.5" feature fabric square right-sides-together on the corner of a 2.5" background square.
- Sew diagonally from corner to corner.
- Trim excess fabric, leaving a ¼" seam allowance.
- Press the triangle open.
Repeat for a second background square.
Step 3: Assembling the Bowtie Block
Now, arrange your pieces into a four-patch layout:
Block Layout:
- Top Row: Plain background square (left) + Corner unit (right).
- Bottom Row: Corner unit (left) + Plain feature fabric square (right).
Sewing Steps:
- Stitch the top row and bottom row separately.
- Press seams in opposite directions for nesting.
- Join the rows, aligning seams carefully.
- Press the final seam open or to one side.
Voilà! Your Bowtie block is complete.
Pro Tips for Flawless Bowties
- ✨ Maintain a consistent ¼" seam allowance.
- ✨ Press seams carefully—avoid stretching fabric.
- ✨ Chain-piece multiple blocks for efficiency.
- ✨ Experiment with layouts (rows, on-point, circular designs).
Creative Layout Ideas
The Bowtie block shines in various arrangements:
- 🔹 Classic Rows – Simple and timeless.
- 🔹 Alternating Orientation – Creates movement.
- 🔹 Circular Illusion – Four blocks form a "hair bow."
- 🔹 On-Point Setting – Adds dynamic energy.
- 🔹 Scrappy Chaos – A vibrant, eclectic look.
Why Use Charm Packs?
Charm packs (5" squares) offer:
- ✓ Instant coordination – No guesswork in fabric selection.
- ✓ Efficient cutting – Less waste, faster piecing.
- ✓ Scrappy appeal – Even beginners can achieve a polished look.
Final Thoughts: Stitch with Confidence!
The Bowtie quilt block is a timeless, versatile, and beginner-friendly design that never goes out of style. Whether you're making a scrappy masterpiece or a coordinated charm pack quilt, this block offers endless possibilities.
Ready to start? Gather your fabrics, follow these steps, and enjoy the process of creating a quilt filled with charm and character. Happy quilting! 🧵✨
