SeeMyQuiltBars quilt block
Upright bars in two alternating fabrics, framed by a border with a square in each corner. Also called Amish Bars.
Cutting chart by block size
7" Bars (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 4 rectangles | 5 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 5 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
| Accent | 4 squares | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
| Fabric 4 | 3 rectangles | 5 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
10 1/2" Bars (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 4 rectangles | 8" × 2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 8" × 2" | – |
| Accent | 4 squares | 2" × 2" | – |
| Fabric 4 | 3 rectangles | 8" × 2" | – |
14" Bars (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 4 rectangles | 10 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 10 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Accent | 4 squares | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Fabric 4 | 3 rectangles | 10 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
How to make a 14" Bars block
- Cut the pieces in the chart above. All measurements include a 1/4" seam allowance.
- Lay all the pieces out as in the diagram. The block is a 7 × 7 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 14 1/2" now and 14" once it is sewn into the quilt.
Yardage for a Bars quilt (14" blocks)
| Quilt size | Blocks | Finished size | Main | Background | Accent | Fabric 4 | Border & binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 2 × 3 (6) | 34" × 48" | 1/2 yd | 1/4 yd | 1/4 yd | 1/2 yd | 7/8 yd | 1 3/4 yd |
| Lap | 3 × 4 (12) | 48" × 62" | 1 yd | 1/2 yd | 1/4 yd | 3/4 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 4 yd |
| Throw | 4 × 5 (20) | 62" × 76" | 1 5/8 yd | 7/8 yd | 1/2 yd | 1 1/4 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 4 3/4 yd |
| Twin | 5 × 6 (30) | 76" × 90" | 2 3/8 yd | 1 1/4 yd | 5/8 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 1 5/8 yd | 5 1/2 yd |
| Queen | 6 × 6 (36) | 90" × 90" | 2 3/4 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 3/4 yd | 2 1/8 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 8 1/4 yd |
| King | 7 × 7 (49) | 104" × 104" | 3 3/4 yd | 2 yd | 1 yd | 2 7/8 yd | 2 yd | 9 1/2 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 14" Bars blocks in each setting.
| Setting | Blocks | Finished size | Extra fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side by side | 20 | 62" × 76" | – |
| With sashing | 16 | 68" × 68" | Sashing 1 yd, Cornerstones 1/8 yd |
| Alternating plain blocks | 10 pieced + 10 plain | 62" × 76" | Plain blocks 2 1/4 yd |
| On point | 13 | 65 1/2" × 65 1/2" | Setting triangles 1 5/8 yd |
See Bars 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 Bars block need?
Four: main, background, accent and fabric 4. 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 14 inch Bars?
4 main rectangles at 10 1/2" × 2 1/2"; 2 background rectangles at 10 1/2" × 2 1/2"; 4 accent squares at 2 1/2" × 2 1/2"; 3 fabric 4 rectangles at 10 1/2" × 2 1/2".
How many Bars blocks for a lap quilt?
12 blocks at 14", set 3 by 4 with a 3" border, make a 48" × 62" quilt.
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