One block, so many possibilities

If you’ve been following along with us for Blockheads 2020, then you know that I love sharing the free block patterns from Moda designers each week for our year-long quilt along. And this week, I’m thrilled that it’s my turn to share my own block design – Compass Point!

And, if you’re brand new to Blockheads, welcome! You can check out this post to get started with what fabrics you’ll need to create your own unique sampler quilt with the free block patterns we share each week. You may also want to check out our last adventure, Blockheads 2 to see what all the excitement is about!

One of the best parts of Blockheads is the community that has formed around it. Not only is it wonderful and so much fun to see everyone’s unique interpretations of the blocks and their sampler quilts coming together, but the new friendships and connections that are made are simply amazing. Be sure to visit our thriving (30,000+ members!) Facebook community where you can connect and share your blocks. You can also share them on Instagram using the hashtags #modablockheads and #modablockheads3.

Now on to my block design, Compass Point! Here is a how-to-tutorial for you

This block is sewn using the paper piecing technique, and I’ve provided it in 4, 6, 8 and 12 inch sizes on the to downloadable PDF pattern. To inspire you regarding how this block can be used aside from in a sampler quilt, I’ve created a few fun projects with it in various sizes for you to check out. For example, with the 4-inch block I created a pin cushion and coasters as you’ll see below.

The pin cushions are made with my SPOTTED collection and are combined with low volumes from the PAPER series…

And these coasters are made with my upcoming line, CHILL…

As you can see, if you compare the look of these examples fabric placement is everything. If you’d rather form a circle, for example, you can use darker fabrics in the middle and use lighter colors for the corners. Or, you can change each segment of the edge with alternating light and dark so that it looks like a windmill or cross. However you choose to work with lights and darks will create the look of Compass Point!

For this pillow, I used the 8-inch template, made four block units and pieced them together to create a cover for a 16-inch pillow form. I used fabric from my upcoming line QUOTATION. This line is a sequel to my COMMA collection and will be in stores this fall – so stay tuned!

And, while I didn’t create an example of one, the 12-inch block would make a fabulous table runner. You can place three of the Compass Point blocks in a row, add a bit of sashing between and around the blocks and you have the classic table runner style.

Don't miss the other blockheads involved in this project:

Betsy Chutchian
Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilt
Janet Clare
Jan Patek
Jen Kingwell
Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree
Jo Morton
Laurie Simpson
Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings
Lissa Alexander of Moda
Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles
Me & My Sister Designs
Robin Pickens
Sherri McConnell of A Quilting Life
Stacy Iest Hsu
Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique
Carrie Nelson

Stay tuned… Each week I’ll reveal more of my layout with the next block!

What would you create with the Compass Point block? Share with us in the comments below!