Fabric Bird - Quilt Pattern
The Crimson Christmas Quilt Block is a stunning design that brings together the warmth of the holidays and the charm of traditional quilting. This festive block is perfect for incorporating into holiday-themed quilt patterns or for creating a one-of-a-kind Christmas wall hanging. Whether you’re an experienced quilter or just beginning, this tutorial will walk you through the steps to create this seasonal beauty.
In this post, we’ll guide you through fabric selection, precise measurements, and step-by-step piecing instructions. With helpful tips and a holiday spirit in mind, you’ll complete your Crimson Christmas block with confidence and creativity. Let’s dive into the magic of red and white patchwork and make your holiday quilts sparkle!
This guide includes all the information you need to cut, assemble, and finish a quilt block that measures 12½” x 12½” (unfinished), which becomes 12″ square once sewn into your quilt top. Read on to discover how this elegant block can become the centerpiece of your Christmas quilt.
To begin, choose fabrics in traditional Christmas colors. The Crimson Christmas Quilt Block typically uses a deep red (crimson), a soft white or cream background, and an optional green or gold accent. These hues give the block a warm and classic holiday feel, perfect for winter quilting projects.
For the best visual impact, select fabrics that have a mix of solids and subtle prints. Tone-on-tone prints in the crimson red add texture without overwhelming the design. Make sure your background fabric contrasts well to help the star-like elements in this quilt pattern pop.
Pre-wash your fabrics if you are mixing pre-cuts or different fabric brands. This prevents shrinkage or bleeding, especially with rich colors like red. Iron all fabrics before cutting to ensure accuracy and clean lines in your block construction.
To create one Crimson Christmas Quilt Block, gather the following fabrics and cut them according to these measurements. The pattern features half-square triangles (HSTs), flying geese, and corner squares.
Fabric Cuts:
Cut carefully using a rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and self-healing mat. Accuracy in cutting is crucial to achieve a well-aligned and flat quilt block. Label your pieces to keep track of each section.
The HSTs in this quilt pattern add sharp, clean angles and movement to the design. Start with the four 3″ x 3″ crimson red squares and four 3″ x 3″ white background squares. These will yield four 2½” HSTs.
Place one red square and one white square right sides together. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the white square. Sew ¼” on both sides of the line, then cut along the drawn line to yield two triangles. Press seams open or toward the darker fabric.
Trim each HST to exactly 2½” x 2½”. Use a square ruler with a diagonal guide to ensure perfect trimming. Repeat for all sets to make a total of eight HST units, which will form part of the outer and inner star shapes in your quilt block.
Flying geese are a classic element in many quilt patterns and help form the star points in this block. For each unit, you’ll need one 2½” x 4½” crimson rectangle and two 2½” white squares. You will make two flying geese for the block.
Place one white square on the left end of a crimson rectangle, right sides together. Draw a diagonal line on the white square from top-left to bottom-right. Stitch on the line, trim ¼” away from the seam, and press.
Repeat the process on the other side of the rectangle with the second white square, sewing from top-right to bottom-left. This forms one flying geese unit measuring 2½” x 4½”. Make two of these and set them aside.
At the heart of the Crimson Christmas Quilt Block is a simple four-patch layout with a crimson center square. This feature adds depth and symmetry to the design, making it feel like a wrapped gift or a glowing ornament.
Use the 2½” crimson square for the center. Surround it with four HST units placed so the red triangles point toward the center, forming a diamond. This center unit brings dynamic energy to the overall layout.
Sew the top and bottom rows (HST + center + HST) first, then join them to the sides. Press carefully to keep your block flat. This unit will measure 6½” x 6½” once assembled.
The outer corners are created using 2½” squares of white and optional accent fabric. Place the four white squares in each outer corner of the block layout. This lightens the overall design and adds a clean edge.
If using accent fabric, position those four 2½” squares to the sides of the center unit. These form a plus-sign or cross shape around the star, reminiscent of gift wrapping ribbon.
Double-check placement before sewing. Lay out all units before stitching to ensure the design forms the correct star shape. This step also allows you to adjust orientation or swap fabrics for better balance.
To assemble the Crimson Christmas quilt block, lay out all nine units: one center unit, four flying geese units, and four corner squares. Arrange them in a 3×3 grid following the proper star alignment.
Sew the top, middle, and bottom rows together using a ¼” seam allowance. Then, join the rows to complete the block. Press seams in alternating directions or open to reduce bulk and help with alignment.
Once sewn, the block should measure 12½” x 12½” unfinished. Square it up if needed, trimming any excess with a ruler to keep clean edges. Now your block is ready to be added to your holiday quilt or quilt pattern!
This quilt block looks beautiful on its own or repeated in a larger quilt design. Use it to make a festive table runner, holiday throw quilt, or wall hanging. Combine it with other Christmas-themed blocks like pine trees or stars for a sampler quilt.
Another idea is to set the blocks on point and alternate them with plain white or green squares. This layout allows the red star shape to shine and makes a striking finished quilt. Sashing and cornerstones can be added for extra flair.
Consider adding borders using holiday-themed fabric like holly, snowflakes, or plaids. The Crimson Christmas Quilt Block lends itself well to creative layouts and is sure to bring warmth to your seasonal home décor.
The Crimson Christmas Quilt Block is a beautiful blend of tradition and festive spirit. Its crisp lines and vibrant red tones make it a perfect project for winter quilting and Christmas decorating. Whether you make one block or an entire quilt, it’s sure to be a favorite.
This block teaches essential skills such as HST construction, flying geese piecing, and accurate block assembly. These techniques are building blocks for many other quilt patterns, so you’re gaining both a seasonal project and valuable experience.
We hope this free tutorial has inspired you to add a little red and white cheer to your quilting adventures. Tag your projects online and share your quilt creations with others—because nothing says Christmas like a handmade gift stitched with love!
