Today let’s take a look at the traditional Arrow Crown quilt block. This classic block uses Hourglass, Half-Square Triangles and Flying Geese to make a stunning block. Part weathervane, part star, part square in a square, it really is lovely! Let’s get started!
Fabric Requirements for a 16″ Finished Arrow Crown Quilt Block:
- Light/White: 2 – 5.5″ squares, 4 – 3″ squares, and 20 – 2.5″ squares
- Medium/Green: 1 – 4.5″ square, and 4 – 3″ squares
- Medium/Blue: 4 – 3″ squares, and 4 – 2.5″ squares
- Dark/Red: 4 – 2.5″ x 4.5″ rectangles
- Dark/Black: 2 – 5.5″ squares, 4 – 3″ squares, and 4 – 2.5″ squares
Sewing Directions:
Hourglass Units:
Step 1:
First, using the 2 Light/White 5.5″ squares and the 2 Dark/Black 5.5″ squares, sew together four Hourglass units as shown in the picture below. Trim units to 4.5″ square. You can find my method for making a basic Hourglass block at https://quiltembroiderypdf.com/how-to-sew-a-basic-hourglass-or-quarter-square-triangle-block
Half-Square Triangle Units:
Step 2:
Next you’ll need to make eight Half Square Triangle units using the Light/White and Medium/Green 3″ squares. Press the seam allowance toward the Green fabric. Trim units to 2.5″ square. You’ll find my tutorial for making Half Square Triangles at https://quiltembroiderypdf.com/how-to-sew-a-basic-half-square-triangle-block and also for making eight at a time at https://quiltembroiderypdf.com/two-easy-methods-for-making-half-square-triangle-quilt-blocks
Step 3:
Repeat Step 2 only using the Medium/Blue and Dark/Black 3″ squares. Press the seam allowance toward the Black fabric and trim to 2.5″ square.
Flying Geese Units:
Step 4:
Using the Light/White 2.5″ squares and the Dark/Red 2.5″ x 4.5″ rectangles, make four Flying Geese units. For a detailed step-by-step tutorial for making a basic Flying Geese block, check out my blog post at https://quiltembroiderypdf.com/how-to-sew-a-basic-flying-geese-block. In the picture below you can see the first four steps.
Step 5:
And here is a picture showing the last steps to complete the Flying Geese units.
Step 6:
Make four Flying Geese units.
Corner Unit:
Step 7:
Lay out three Light/White 2.5″ squares, two White/Green Half Square Triangle units, two Blue/Black Half Square Triangle units, one Blue 2.5″ square, and one Black 2.5″ square as shown in the picture below. This unit goes together like a basic Nine Patch block.
Step 8:
Sew the units together into three rows as shown.
Step 9:
Press the seam allowances away from the Half Square Triangle units as shown in the picture below.
Step 10:
Sew the three rows together as shown below.
Step 11:
Press the seam allowances away from the center of the unit as shown in the picture below. Repeat for a total of four Corner units.
Middle Unit:
Step 12:
Match up a Step 1 Hourglass unit and a Step 6 Flying Geese unit and sew together as shown in the picture below. Press the seam allowance toward the Hourglass unit. Repeat for a total of four Middle units.
Putting It All Together:
Step 13:
Lay out the Corner units, the Middle units, and the Medium/Green 4.5″ square as shown below. We’re almost done!
Step 14:
Sew the units together into three rows as shown.
Step 15:
Press the seam allowances away from the Middle units as shown in the picture below.
Step 16:
Sew the three rows together, and
Step 17:
Press the seam allowances. I found it easier to press toward the center of the block. However, you can press which ever direction you wish. You’re done!
Layout Options:
Here’s the basic 4 x 4 layout. It’s a little busy but I do like how a green star appears at the junctions of the blocks.
And here it is with sashing and cornerstones added:
In this example I used a chain block (which uses the center of the Arrow Crown block) as an alternating block.
I switched up the color palette with this one and used a different alternating chain block.
Here’s the basic 3 x 3 on-point layout with setting triangles. Amazing what a difference the on-point layouts make.
And finally, here’s an example using partial blocks for the setting triangles and an alternating chain block. Cute!
