SeeMyQuiltBarrister's Block quilt block
Four units, each a large half-square triangle with three small sawtooth triangles along two sides and a plain corner square. Also called Lawyer's Puzzle.
Cutting chart by block size
8" Barrister's Block (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Main | 12 squares | 1 7/8" × 1 7/8" | 24 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 squares | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 1 square | 3 1/4" × 3 1/4" | 4 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Background | 8 squares | 1 7/8" × 1 7/8" | 16 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 4 squares | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
12" Barrister's Block (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 5 3/8" × 5 3/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Main | 12 squares | 2 3/8" × 2 3/8" | 24 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 squares | 5 3/8" × 5 3/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 1 square | 4 1/4" × 4 1/4" | 4 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Background | 8 squares | 2 3/8" × 2 3/8" | 16 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 4 squares | 2" × 2" | – |
16" Barrister's Block (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 6 7/8" × 6 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Main | 12 squares | 2 7/8" × 2 7/8" | 24 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 squares | 6 7/8" × 6 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 1 square | 5 1/4" × 5 1/4" | 4 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Background | 8 squares | 2 7/8" × 2 7/8" | 16 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 4 squares | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
How to make a 16" Barrister's Block block
- Cut the pieces in the chart above. All measurements include a 1/4" seam allowance.
- Cut the squares marked "cut twice" on both diagonals. Each gives four triangles with the long edge on the straight grain: these are the large triangles in flying geese and hourglass units.
- Cut the squares marked "cut once" in half on the diagonal. Each gives two triangles. Sew them to their neighbours along the long edge first and press toward the darker fabric.
- Lay all the pieces out as in the diagram. The block is a 8 × 8 grid, and each cell finishes at 2". Sew neighbouring pieces into sections, then the sections into rows, pressing seams in opposite directions from row to row.
- Join the rows. The block should measure 16 1/2" now and 16" once it is sewn into the quilt.
Yardage for a Barrister's Block quilt (16" blocks)
| Quilt size | Blocks | Finished size | Main | Background | Border & binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 2 × 3 (6) | 38" × 54" | 1 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 1 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Lap | 3 × 3 (9) | 54" × 54" | 1 3/8 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Throw | 3 × 4 (12) | 54" × 70" | 1 7/8 yd | 2 1/8 yd | 1 1/4 yd | 4 1/2 yd |
| Twin | 4 × 6 (24) | 70" × 102" | 3 5/8 yd | 3 7/8 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 6 1/4 yd |
| Queen | 6 × 6 (36) | 102" × 102" | 5 1/4 yd | 5 7/8 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 9 1/4 yd |
| King | 6 × 6 (36) | 102" × 102" | 5 1/4 yd | 5 7/8 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 9 1/4 yd |
Blocks side by side with a 3" border, 2 1/2" binding, 42" usable width and 10% extra.
Four ways to set it
A throw quilt of 16" Barrister's Block blocks in each setting.
| Setting | Blocks | Finished size | Extra fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side by side | 12 | 54" × 70" | – |
| With sashing | 12 | 58" × 76" | Sashing 3/4 yd, Cornerstones 1/8 yd |
| Alternating plain blocks | 6 pieced + 6 plain | 54" × 70" | Plain blocks 1 5/8 yd |
| On point | 8 | 51 3/8" × 74" | Setting triangles 1 7/8 yd |
See Barrister's Block in your own fabrics
What to buy
| Fabric | Yardage | Cut |
|---|
Based on 42" usable fabric width, 1/4" seams and 10% extra. Your photos stay on your device.
Questions
How many fabrics does a Barrister's Block block need?
Two: main and background. Choose a main fabric that contrasts clearly with the background so the design reads from a distance.
What size pieces do I cut for a 16 inch Barrister's Block?
2 main squares at 6 7/8" × 6 7/8"; 12 main squares at 2 7/8" × 2 7/8"; 2 background squares at 6 7/8" × 6 7/8"; 1 background square at 5 1/4" × 5 1/4"; 8 background squares at 2 7/8" × 2 7/8"; 4 background squares at 2 1/2" × 2 1/2".
How many Barrister's Block blocks for a lap quilt?
9 blocks at 16", set 3 by 3 with a 3" border, make a 54" × 54" quilt.
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