Easy Night Vision Quilt Block

If you’re looking for a quilt block that is easy and yet sophisticated, Elaine Huff of Fabric406’s Easy Night Vision Quilt Block is perfect. The 9″ finished block employs Flying Geese units and a center square, and a partial seam construction adds a twist to the assembly.

To construct the Easy Night Vision Quilt Block, you’ll require:

• Light/Gray Fabric: 4 squares, each 3.5″ x 3.5″

• Medium/Purple Fabric: 4 rectangles, each 3.5″ x 6.5″

• Dark/Purple Fabric: 5 squares, each 3.5″ x 3.5″

These fabric choices create a harmonious blend of shades, but feel free to experiment with colors that suit your personal style.

1. Create Flying Geese Units

• Mark a diagonal line on the back of a Dark/Purple 3.5″ square.

• Place it on one end of a Medium/Purple 3.5″ x 6.5″ rectangle.

• Stitch on the drawn line, then trim and press to make one side of the Flying Geese unit. 

• Repeat on the other end with a Light/Gray 3.5″ square. 

• Make a total of four Flying Geese units.

Tip: By adding a second seam ½” from the first and trimming between the seams, you can create bonus Half Square Triangles to use in future projects.

2. Assemble the Block:

• Place the four Flying Geese units around the remaining Dark/Purple 3.5″ square.

• Stitch the top Flying Geese unit to the center square with a partial seam, leaving about 1″ open.

• Continue adding the right, bottom, and left Flying Geese units clockwise.

• Finish the last partial seam to shut the block.

This method enables an easy and precise assembly and a lovely-looking block.

Easy Night Vision Quilt Block offers design versatility:

• Traditional Setting: The quilt is cohesive, classic in appearance with consistent fabrics.

• Scrappy Version: Employ various medium-toned fabrics to create an energetic, eclectic quilt.

• Sashing and Cornerstones: Add sashing and cornerstones between blocks to highlight individual blocks and add structure.

• Alternate Blocks: Alternate with other blocks or plain squares to create intriguing patterns and texture.

Experimenting with layouts can lead to stunning quilt designs that reflect your own personality. 

For step-by-step directions and diagrams, visit the full tutorial by Elaine Huff: 

Elaine also offers a downloadable PDF version of this tutorial in her Etsy shop for those who prefer to have a printable copy.

The Easy Night Vision Quilt Block is a great project that uses basic techniques with design possibilities. It is simple enough for a novice, but the design possibilities will keep an advanced quilter engaged. If you are creating a quilt or including it in a sampler, this block will be an excellent addition to your project, bringing charm and grace.