7 Classic Quilt Blocks with a Modern Twist

Quilting has a rich history to draw on.  Enabling quilters today the ability to take traditional quilt blocks and make them their own.  Today I would like to focus on 7 classic quilt blocks with a modern twist.  My hope is it will give you the courage to go beyond what has been done in the past and make a scrap quilt that is true to you and your personality.

The Blocks

First, the log cabin, I start with this one because it was the first quilt I ever made.  There are a lot of ways to give this classic block a modern touch.  Today I’ll share how playing with color and value placement give a totally different look. What do you think of this twist?  I share this pattern inside my Aunt Em’s Sew Along Adventure.  Join me in a FREE workshop to learn more.

Next, the rail fence block historically takes two or more fabrics of equal length and stacks them to make a striped block.  The block is then twisted & turned to make various patterns.  Piecing one or more rails gives a fresh new look.  I’ve done this with Gradation as well as with the twisted rail fence.

Another oldie but goodie is the churn dash block.  Quilters can give it a little whimsy with a little free form piecing and look what you can create.

Half square triangles are a go to for many quilters.  This quilt block is versatile by nature and extremely fun to play with.  I like to add impact by playing with scale and using crumb fabric. 

While the four patch is basic by slicing and resewing you will get a whole other look.  Rainbow quilt in winter.

In addition to slicing try framing or floating a block like has been done with a nine patch block here.

Last but not least I love to add new life to the popular sawtooth star by making it wonky.

 

A challenge

What other time honored blocks will you give a modern twist to?  I’d love to see.  I hope you’ll share them in my Facebook Group.

 

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