The Amish Dahlia Quilt Block, designed by Marcia Hohn of The Quilter’s Cache, is a captivating blend of traditional piecing and appliqué techniques. This 12″ block features a radiant dahlia motif, making it a standout choice for quilters seeking to create a visually striking centerpiece or an entire quilt with floral elegance.
Overview of the Amish Dahlia Block:
The Amish Dahlia block combines classic quilting elements to form a design that radiates from the center, resembling the petals of a blooming dahlia. This block is particularly known for its dimensional petals and central appliquéd circle, which add depth and texture to the quilt.
Materials and Cutting Instructions:
To create the Amish Dahlia block, you’ll need three contrasting fabrics:
- Color 1 (Background)
- Color 2 (Petals)
- Color 3 (Star Points)
Key cutting instructions include:
- Cutting Color 3 into four 3½” squares.
- Creating half-square triangles (HSTs) by pairing Color 1 and Color 3 strips, marking diagonals, sewing, and cutting to yield eight HSTs measuring 3½”.
- Using the provided template to cut eight petal shapes from Color 2, adding seam allowances as needed.
Assembly Instructions:
1. Construct the Star Base:
- Assemble the Color 3 squares and the HSTs to form an eight-pointed star.
- Sew the units into rows, then join the rows to complete the star base.
2. Prepare and Attach Petals:
- Hand-gather each Color 2 petal near the bottom to a base width of about 2″.
- Arrange the petals evenly around the center of the star base.
- Appliqué the petals onto the block, ensuring they are securely attached.
3. Add the Center Circle:
- Cut a circle from Color 1 fabric using the provided template.
- Position the circle over the base of the petals at the center of the block.
- Appliqué the circle in place, covering the gathered ends of the petals.
Design Considerations:
- Fabric Selection: Choose high-contrast fabrics to emphasize the star points and petals, enhancing the block’s visual impact.
- Color Variations: Experiment with different color combinations to create a variety of moods, from bold and vibrant to soft and subtle.
- Project Ideas: Use the Amish Dahlia block as a focal point in a quilt, or repeat the block to create an entire quilt top with a cohesive floral theme.
The Amish Dahlia Quilt Block pattern, complete with templates and detailed instructions, is available for free on The Quilter’s Cache website:
The Amish Dahlia Quilt Block offers a delightful challenge for quilters looking to combine piecing and appliqué techniques. Its intricate design and dimensional elements make it a rewarding project that results in a visually stunning quilt block. Whether you’re creating a single block for a wall hanging or multiple blocks for a full-sized quilt, the Amish Dahlia is sure to impress.