This cute ornament #1 quilt block with the diamond center is inspired by the vintage Shiny Brite Christmas tree ornaments that I’ve collected over the years. These ornaments bring back the nostalgia of my childhood and decorating the freshly cut balsam tree on Christmas Eve.
I love the red, aqua blue, teal, pink, gold, purple, and green color combinations of the Shiny Brite ornaments!! And I think they will make a lovely quilt for the holidays!!!
Cutting the Fabric for Ornament #1 Quilt Block
Red Fabric: Cut 2 – 2 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ strips and 12 – 2″ x 5″ strips
Aqua/Pink/Gold Fabric: Cut 1 – 3 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ strip of each
Cream Fabric – Cut 4 – 3″ x 3″ squares
*Update: To make a 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ block… cut 2 – 2″ x 12 1/2″ cream strips
General Sewing Directions for the Ornament #1 Quilt Block
Accurate cutting and sewing enhances your final product. For tips on rotary cutting check out this post!
Pin your pieces together before sewing them to ensure proper seam alignment.
Use a 1/4″ seam allowance. I recommend using a special presser foot with a 1/4″ guide if you have one for your machine. This will help you get uniform seams, and matching corners!
Follow the directions described below as you press open the seams.
Finished block size is 9 1/2″ x 12 1/2″.
*Update: To make a 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ block cut 2 – 2″ x 12 1/2″ cream strips and sew them on each side!
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Sewing the Ornament #1 Quilt Block
Follow each of the steps below to make the Ornament #1 quilt block!
Step 1
Cut all necessary pieces listed above.
Step 2
On the right side of the aqua/pink/gold strips use a washable marking pen to mark a small 1/8″ line at the 2″ and 5″ locations shown on Step 2 diagram.
Step 3
Using a washable marking pen and a straight edge, draw diagonal lines from corner to corner on the wrong side of the 12 – 2″ x 5″ red strips.
Half of the strips should have diagonal lines facing in down to the left in one direction, and the other half of the strips should have diagonal lines facing down to the right in the opposite direction as shown on Step 3 diagram.
Step 4
For each of the 3 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ aqua/pink/gold strips place 2 – 2″ x 5″ red strips at an angle, with right sides together.
Match diagonal line/corners of strip to the markings made on the aqua/pink/gold strip in Step 2.
Refer to Step 4 diagram to see placement. Pin strips in place.
Sew along the diagonal line.
Trim the outside corners 1/4″ from the seam.
Press open with seam pressed toward red corners.
Step 5
On the right side of the fabric of the red and aqua/pink/gold unit, use a washable marking pen to mark a small 1/8″ line at the 2″ and 5″ locations shown on Step 5 diagram.
Step 6
For each of the aqua/pink/gold strips with red corners place 2 – 2″ x 5″ red strips at an angle, with right sides together.
Match diagonal line/corners of strip to the markings made on the aqua/pink/gold strip in Step 5.
Refer to Step 6 diagram to see placement. Pin strips in place.
Sew along the diagonal line.
Trim the outside corners 1/4″ from the seam.
Press open with seam pressed toward red corners.
Trim the dog-ears that extend beyond the edge.
Step 7
Layout the three pieced units and sew them together to form the center. Press seams to the right or left.
Step 8
Right sides together, pin and sew 2 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ red strips to top and bottom of center. Press seams toward red strips.
Step 9
Using a straight edge and a washable marking pen, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on wrong side of cream squares.
Right sides together pin cream squares in each corner.
Sew along diagonal lines.
Trim corners 1/4″ from seam, press toward red. Block should measure 9 1/2″ x 12 1/2″, trim if needed.
*Update: To make a 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ block cut 2 – 2″ x 12 1/2″ cream strips and sew them on each side!
Have fun making this ornament #1 quilt block and check back for more ornament blocks inspired by Shiny Brite ornaments!
Happy quilting!!
Bonnie
