Butterflies are a favorite quilt theme, and a butterfly block is a fun way to add them to your next project.
Here is how to make a simple butterfly quilt block.
How to Make a Butterfly Quilt Block
I have designed a butterfly quilt block, especially for this blog post I want to share with you. You can use this quilt block to create an entire quilt top or include it with other blocks to make a fun mix-n-match design.
The finished size of the block is 9” and is pieced using traditional piecing methods. Here is the list of pieces you will need for one block:
Background fabric
- 4- 5”x2 ¾” rectangles
- 4- 2 ¾”x4 ¾” rectangles
- 1- 2 ¾”x1” rectangle
- 1- 1 ¼”x1” rectangle
Body fabric
- 1- 6 ½”x1” rectangle
Large wing fabric
- 2- 5”x4 ¾” rectangles
- 2- 2 ¾”x4 ¾” rectangles
Small wing fabric
- 2- 2 ¾”x3 ¼” rectangles
After you cut the pieces necessary for your blocks, follow these steps to piece your beautiful butterfly blocks together.
Step 1: Sew Block A
- You will need 2- Block A pieces
- For each Block A, you will need:
- 1- 5”x4 ¾” from the large wing fabric
- 2- 5”x2 ¾” from the background fabric
- Block A is pieced just like a flying geese block. Lay one background piece right sides together with the wing fabric. Sew from the top left corner of the background piece to the bottom right corner.
- Trim the excess fabric to the right of the seam. Leave ¼” seam allowance. Press the seam open.
- Repeat this step on the other side.
- Create two Block A pieces.
Step 2: Sew Block B
- You will need 2 Block B pieces
- For each Block B, you will need:
- 1- 2 ¾”x4 ¾” from large wing fabric
- 1- 2 ¾”x4 ¾” from the background fabric
- Place the rectangles right sides together and sew from the top left corner to the bottom right corner.
- Trim the excess fabric and press the seam open.
- Create two Block B pieces
Step 3: Sew Block C
- You will need 2 Block C pieces
- For each Block C, you will need:
- 1- 2 ¾”x3 ¼” from small wing fabric
- 1- 2 ¾”x4 ¾” from the background fabric
- Place the rectangles right sides together and sew from the top right corner to the bottom left corner of the small wing fabric.
- Trim the excess fabric and press the seam open.
- Create two Block C Pieces
Step 4: Sew Block D
- You will need 1 Block D piece
- For each Block D, you will need:
- 1- 6 ½”x1” from the body fabric
- 1- 1- 2 ¾”x1” from the background fabric
- 1- 1 ¼”x1” from the background fabric
- Sew the three pieces together with the body fabric in the middle.
Step 5: Sew all the pieces together to create the block
Here is what a quilt top could look like if you used our free butterfly quilt block.
Looking for more ideas? See Your Heart Will Flutter With These 12 Sweet And Sassy Butterfly Quilt Patterns.