How to Make A Simple Celtic Knot Quilt Block

Learning to make quilt blocks is exciting. This simple Celtic knot quilt block design is a very fun block pattern to put together. It is very easy to do. I think any quilter who can make quilt blocks like the nine patch or Log Cabin blocks can easily put this one together. It only uses two fabrics.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Rotary Cutter
• Cutting Board
• Sewing Machine

Instructions

1. Choose two highly contrasting 100% cotton fabrics. I usually like to use a black on black background fabric with a bright colored fabric for the knot work. Prepare your fabric as you would for any other quilt: pre-wash with mild detergent, dry, and press.

2. 

   Cut your pieces. This block is actually 4 separate blocks put together to form one block. For each full quilt block you will need: (12) 1 1/2" squares of the background color, (24) 1 1/2" squares of bright color, (8) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" strips of background color, (8) 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" strips of background color, (8) 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" strips of bright fabric. Get out your rotary cutter and get the pieces cut for a complete block!

3. 

   First Section. With your sewing machine, piece together (1) 1 1/2" square of bright color to (1) 1 1/2" square of background. Add (1) 1/2" bright color so that you have a row that is bright, background, bright, as shown in the image.

4. 

   Sew (1) 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" strip of bright color to the top and bottom of the last step, as shown in the image.

5. 

   Sew (1) 1 1/2" bright square to the end of (1) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" background strip. Make 2 of these. Sew these to the top and bottom of the block so far, as shown in the image.

6. 

   Sew (1) 1 1/2" square background to (1) 1 1/2" square bright. Add (1) 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" strip of the background fabric to these. Add it to the bright color. Make two of these strips. Sew these new strip to each side of the block so far, as show in image.

7. 

   Repeat steps 3, 4, 5, 6 to make 3 more of these blocks. It takes 4 of these blocks to make a complete "knot" block. Before proceeding, you should have 4 of the blocks shown in the image.

8. 

   Sew together your 4 "knot" blocks. It is best to lay the blocks out as shown so you don't accidentally sew one out of place. They will need to be turned so that the knots make a continuous strip. Turn blocks and lay them out as shown. Sew together.

9. That's it! The simple Celtic knot quilt block is complete. Continue making as many blocks as you need for your quilt. The completed blocks follow the same 4's theory. Four of these final quilting blocks will make one complete knot. Border your finished quilt with a 1 1/2" strip of the same bright color to give it a more finished look.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time and trim off any excess fabric after each step.

• This quilt is best quilted with a Stitch-In-A-Ditch method.

• Sometimes to make quilt blocks is trial and error, don't be afraid to rip out a seam and redo it.

• Pay close attention to the way the blocks should be turned and the way the pieces go together.

Resources

• Celtic Pieced Illusions
• Celtic Geometric Quilts
• An Elm Creek Quilts Sampler: The First Three Novels in the Popular Series