Umbrella Quilt Block

When life's raining scraps, stitch them into an umbrella!

Posted by Kelli Fannin Quilt Designs

About

Let's make an umbrella. Whether making multiples for a quilt, or a colorful cushion, this is an easy project! I originally designed this block for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol. 13 magazine and used red and white scraps but I think it would look really cute with a white background and colorful scraps!

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You Will Need (7 things)

  • Ironing Board
  • Iron
  • Cutting Mat
  • Rotary Cutter
  • Thread
  • Fabric Scraps
  • Sewing Machine

Steps (5 steps, 60 minutes)

  1. 1

    To get started, cut the pieces listed.

    If you wish for your umbrella handle to be a separate color, these are the pieces (listed under Red) that are used in the handle only:
    (1) 1 1/2 x 6 1/2"
    (1) 1 1/2 x 3 1/2"
    (1) 1 1/2 x 2 1/2".

  2. 2

    Stitch your 1 1/2 x 12 1/2" strips of red and white fabric together as shown. ( or colors of your choice)

  3. 3

    Trace a line from corner to corner on the back side of your (2) 2 1/2" squares of background fabric.

    Place them in the upper corners of your strip set, right sides together. Stitch on traced line.

    Clip off excess, flip and press.

  4. 4

    Using the same clip and flip method as above make these units.

    a) using a 1 1/2 x 6 1/2" strip of red and (2) 1 1/2" sq. of background. (this will be the umbrella top)

    b) using a 1 1/2 x 3 1/2" rectangle of red and (2) 1 1/2" sq. of background. (umbrella handle)

    c) using a 1 1/2 x 2 1/2" rectangle of red and a 1 1/2" sq. of background. (umbrella handle)

  5. 5

    Once all your pieces are prepped, stitch your block together, using scant quarter inch seam, according to the diagram.

    Stitch the pieces indicated by the small gray arrows first, then stitch according to the numbered arrows.

    You will have a 12 1/2" umbrella block!