SeeMyQuiltBow Tie quilt block
Two dark squares and two light squares. A small dark triangle on the inner corner of each light square forms the knot. Also called Necktie.
Cutting chart by block size
6" Bow Tie (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" | – |
| Main | 1 square | 2 3/8" × 2 3/8" | 2 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 3 1/2" × 2" | – |
| Background | 1 square | 2 3/8" × 2 3/8" | 2 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 squares | 2" × 2" | – |
8" Bow Tie (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 4 1/2" × 4 1/2" | – |
| Main | 1 square | 2 7/8" × 2 7/8" | 2 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 4 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Background | 1 square | 2 7/8" × 2 7/8" | 2 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 squares | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
10" Bow Tie (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 5 1/2" × 5 1/2" | – |
| Main | 1 square | 3 3/8" × 3 3/8" | 2 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 5 1/2" × 3" | – |
| Background | 1 square | 3 3/8" × 3 3/8" | 2 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 squares | 3" × 3" | – |
12" Bow Tie (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 6 1/2" × 6 1/2" | – |
| Main | 1 square | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" | 2 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 6 1/2" × 3 1/2" | – |
| Background | 1 square | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" | 2 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 2 squares | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" | – |
How to make a 12" Bow Tie block
- Cut the pieces in the chart above. All measurements include a 1/4" seam allowance.
- 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 4 × 4 grid, and each cell finishes at 3". 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 12 1/2" now and 12" once it is sewn into the quilt.
Yardage for a Bow Tie quilt (12" blocks)
| Quilt size | Blocks | Finished size | Main | Background | Border & binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 3 × 4 (12) | 42" × 54" | 1 1/8 yd | 1 yd | 1 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Lap | 4 × 5 (20) | 54" × 66" | 1 3/4 yd | 1 1/2 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 4 1/4 yd |
| Throw | 5 × 6 (30) | 66" × 78" | 2 3/8 yd | 2 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 5 yd |
| Twin | 6 × 8 (48) | 78" × 102" | 3 7/8 yd | 3 1/4 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 9 1/4 yd |
| Queen | 8 × 8 (64) | 102" × 102" | 5 1/4 yd | 4 3/8 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 9 1/4 yd |
| King | 9 × 9 (81) | 114" × 114" | 6 1/2 yd | 5 1/2 yd | 2 1/8 yd | 10 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 12" Bow Tie blocks in each setting.
| Setting | Blocks | Finished size | Extra fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side by side | 30 | 66" × 78" | – |
| With sashing | 20 | 60" × 74" | Sashing 7/8 yd, Cornerstones 1/8 yd |
| Alternating plain blocks | 15 pieced + 15 plain | 66" × 78" | Plain blocks 2 yd |
| On point | 18 | 57" × 74" | Setting triangles 1 1/2 yd |
See Bow Tie 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 Bow Tie 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 12 inch Bow Tie?
2 main squares at 6 1/2" × 6 1/2"; 1 main square at 3 7/8" × 3 7/8"; 2 background rectangles at 6 1/2" × 3 1/2"; 1 background square at 3 7/8" × 3 7/8"; 2 background squares at 3 1/2" × 3 1/2".
How many Bow Tie blocks for a lap quilt?
20 blocks at 12", set 4 by 5 with a 3" border, make a 54" × 66" quilt.
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