Square Dance Quilt Block Tutorial

by | Apr 30, 2014 | Tutorials

If you are interested in learning and practicing paper piecing, the Square Dance Quilt Block is a great place to begin.  This tutorial demonstrates basic paper piecing to create a block that by itself is not that special, but when combined to create a quilt, makes dynamic secondary designs.  This is very doable for a beginner, or relaxing for someone with a little more experience.   History:  When I was researching the history of this block, it was a little bit harder than I anticipated.  It is so similar to the Kaleidoscope block that is very common, or even the tippecanoe block that is less common so I assumed it was a derivative of one of those.  In fact, I considered calling it the Kaleidoscope remix for quite awhile.  Then, I checked in the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns, and got schooled a little bit. This block appears to have first appeared in print between 1825-1850 in a book of crib quilts.  It goes by various names, including Square Dance, Starry Night, All around the star, Hummingbird, Dramatic Patch, and Rock Garden.  Four of these blocks combined together is known as the Sacramento.  I chose to use the Square Dance name because I think as you look at the completed quilt, it is the name that makes the most sense. Supplies:  Sewing Machine, Rotary Mat, Rotary Cutter, Quilting Ruler, Pins, Pattern, Washable Glue stick, Thread, Fabric Pattern: The pattern is available for download from Craftsy for free during May 2014. Cutting Instructions: These instructions are to make the paper piecing go faster, and make cutting the fabric from yardage easier....