Brandywine Valley Quilters Block of the Month

Block of the Month -- February, 2009
“Chinese Lantern”

Block Size -- 6" x 6" finished (6½" x 6½" with seam allowance)

This year, in keeping with our 2008 Quilt Show Theme, we’re going “Around the World with Many Quilts!” Most of the upcoming blocks will be based on a 4-patch grid and will finish to either 8½" or 12½" (including seam allowances).

There are many variations of the Chinese Lantern block - this one is adapted from a pattern on quilting.about.com. Use Asian-inspired prints or prints with gold outlines for the lantern and a coordinating solid for the narrow bands. Enjoy a Valentine dinner with someone special, in the soft glow of a lantern or candlelight!

If you're looking for a more challenging block to distract you from winter cabin fever, scroll down or click here for a bonus block to make for yourself! Happy Valentine's Day!

February 2009 Block of the Month -- Chinese Lantern

Diagram: Fabric: Cutting Directions:

Tan (background) Light gold, yellow or tan
tone-on-tone or subtle print (4) 2" squares
(2) 2" x 2½" rectangles

Print (lantern) Asian-inspired prints or prints with gold outlines (2) 2" x 6½" rectangles
(1) 1½" x 6½" rectangle

Narrow Strips Solid or tone-on-tone to coordinate with lantern print (2) 3/4" x 6½" rectangles

Black Black solid or tone-on-tone (1) 2½" x 3½" rectangle

Assembly Instructions:

Mark a diagonal line between opposite corners on the four background squares. With right sides together, place one square at each end of a 2" wide lantern strip, making sure that the diagonal marked lines are oriented in the opposite direction. Sew along the line; press the square in half along the seam line, toward the outer corner. (Optional: trim away the excess fabric triangles ¼" away from the seam line.) Repeat with the remaining squares and 2" lantern strip.
Join a background rectangle to each end of the black rectangle. Press seams toward the black fabric. Cut this unit in half lengthwise to make two 1¼" x 6½" strips.
Following the diagram, assemble the strips to form the block. Press seams as desired.

Tips to consider:

Use 100% cotton fabrics for the block. Wash fabrics before cutting. Do not use fabrics that bleed or run!
It helps to arrange the patches on a piece of felt, flannel or batting before sewing to aid in assembly.
Stitch all seams a scant ¼". Please try to be accurate!
Unless otherwise specified, press seams toward the dark fabric if possible, taking care not to stretch any bias edges.

Bonus Block of the Month for February, 2009 - “Chinese Puzzle”

Here's a more challenging Chinese-themed block for you to try. This Chinese Puzzle Block is one of many block patterns on a really cool website, www.quilterscache.com, which was BVQ's featured link for January, 2009. Click on the block picture to access the pattern on the Quilter's Cache website.

Quilter's Cache is a great resource for free block patterns. The instructions are detailed and include easy to follow diagrams, plus ideas for block settings! Scroll down the home page and click the down arrow next to the “Where do you want to go today” box for a list of options, including quilting tips, how-to's, lessons, and Quilt Blocks Galore - Free Quilt Block Patterns, where you can browse block patterns by name or size or just scroll through the many pages of patterns. Have fun!

Block of the Month -- February, 2009 “Chinese Lantern”

Bonus Block of the Month for February, 2009 - “Chinese Puzzle”

Block of the Month -- February, 2009
“Chinese Lantern”