Learn how to sew up an I spy quilt block with this tutorial and video. You’ll need only 2 pieces of fabric per block. No waste method!
The I spy quilt block (also referred to as the eye spy quilt block) is really a quick and simple quilt block. It’s one that I’ve used a few times.
It’s a very forgiving quilt block as the points are lost in the process….not because you sewed them wrong!
The fun thing about the quilt block is that your conversation or spy fabric is going to be in the center of the block and will be surrounded by your background. When you sew your blocks together, the centers will be on point- giving your quilt even more interest and fun!
This past year I worked on a few quilts for the kids.
They were made using a layer cake (which is 10″ X 10″ squares of fabric). I’ll show later on how to make the quilt, but for today, I thought I’d show you a quick tutorial on how to sew up the I spy quilt block.
Materials Needed:
2 pieces of fabric the SAME SIZE!!! You will need one background fabric and one of the conversation or I spy fabric
I spy Quilt Block Tutorial:
1) Per block you’ll need one background and one conversation fabric
2) Draw a line from corner to corner on the WRONG side of the background fabric- repeat with other side
3) Lay the background and fabric RIGHT sides facing
4) Stitch all the way around the square- all 4 sides
5) Pinch apart the fabrics at the center
6) Snip in the center and then cut along the drawn lines
7) Square up your quilt block- snip off those points to reduce bulk. Be careful with the fabric as it’s the bias edge!
Here’s a video if you’d like to see it in action:
This is the quilt that was made using these quilt blocks– tutorial for it here!
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Have you made this block before? How did it go?
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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I love this. But, I think I would rotary cut that backing piece first, then lay all the pieces together as though it hadn’t been cut, & then sew. Easier than hand cutting it after stitching. But then I’m lazy that way!
Sewing it this way, it seems one loses the points of the spy fabric. Yes?
Dottie- it does. But because they are all the same it works out all right. Plus, this is just a quick and fun way to stitch it up…..mainly for crazy fabric and quilts that are going to be used. Not necessarily one that goes to a quilt show.
Love this…Made a small quilt….love this….Thank you for this easy fun pattern.
Is there another way of achieving this block without losing the points?
Just wondering if there is another method which does not cut off the points? I would like to make this with the addition of larger half square triangles to make a bigger block, any ideas?
There isn’t any way to get the points to stay. Because of the method, they will always be cut off. But, because they are all the same it is ok.
Love this block for the children’s quilts. So fast and easy to whip up.