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Block of the Month 2025: Block 11 – Tumbling Blocks
Moderate |
Quick Links: What you'll need Project steps
Let’s make another optical-illusion block in an easier way, using strips of fabric in three different tones to create the effect.
About the quilt block:
The traditional Tumbling Blocks pattern is ever popular but is often avoided except by seasoned quilters because of the dreaded “Y-seam.” However, this version of tumbling blocks is produced in strips and avoids having to sew any Y-seams. Having said that, you’ll be matching up lots of seams sewn on the diagonal so using a spray of starch on your fabric is advisable. The technique is straightforward once you get your head around the process, but you should take your time reading through the instructions before you start.
Note that to get the full 3D effect of the design, you need to use a light-toned fabric, a mid-toned fabric and a darker fabric. If you’re not using the same fabrics as me, make sure that you use fabrics in three distinct tones and that you use your lightest fabric to cut the 3in (7.5cm) strips (Fab G) and your darkest tone in place of Fab A.
By making this block, you'll:
- Discover an easier way of sewing the Tumbling Blocks pattern.
- Get more experience sewing with bias-cut seams.
- Learn how to stagger your strips of fabric when initially joining them in order to avoid wasting fabric.
- Finally use that 60° line on your quilt ruler or have an excuse to buy a 60° triangle from your local quilt shop.
Note: stitch with an accurate ¼in (5mm) seam allowance.
Unfinished block size: 12½ x 24½in (31.75 x 62.25cm).
Need more quilting inspo?
For further ideas, check out the Half Yard™ Sewing Club Facebook page or Pinterest.
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You will need:
Equipment
- Sewing machine
- Rotary cutter
- Quilting ruler
- 60° triangle or ruler with 60° marking
- Quilting mat
- Scissors
- Spray starch (very useful but not essential)
Materials
Fabrics (see my Introduction to the 2025 Block of the Month). From these, you will need to cut the following. (Our apologies if you have already cut out the strips for this block as we made an error in the sizing given in the introduction to the quilt which has now been corrected.)
- Two 2½in (6.5cm) x width of fabric strips in Fab A (you may have cut these out previously – see Welcome to my Block of the Month Quilt 2025)
- Two 2½in (6.5cm) x width of fabric strips in Fab E (you may have cut these out previously – see Welcome to my Block of the Month Quilt 2025)
- Two 3in (7.5cm) x width of fabric strips in Fab G (you may have cut these out previously – see Welcome to my Block of the Month Quilt 2025)
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Project steps:
Step 1
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Step 2
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