Philadelphia Pavement quilt block
A nine patch with half-square triangles in its corners, framed by strips with a small square at each corner.
Cutting chart by block size
8" Philadelphia Pavement (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 2 7/8" × 2 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Main | 1 square | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Main | 4 squares | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
| Background | 4 rectangles | 6 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 squares | 2 7/8" × 2 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 4 squares | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
12" Philadelphia Pavement (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 | 1 square | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" | – |
| Main | 4 squares | 2" × 2" | – |
| Background | 4 rectangles | 9 1/2" × 2" | – |
| Background | 2 squares | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 4 squares | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" | – |
16" Philadelphia Pavement (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 4 7/8" × 4 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Main | 1 square | 4 1/2" × 4 1/2" | – |
| Main | 4 squares | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Background | 4 rectangles | 12 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 squares | 4 7/8" × 4 7/8" | 4 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Accent | 4 squares | 4 1/2" × 4 1/2" | – |
How to make a 16" Philadelphia Pavement 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 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 Philadelphia Pavement quilt (16" blocks)
| Quilt size | Blocks | Finished size | Main | Background | Accent | Border & binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 2 × 3 (6) | 38" × 54" | 5/8 yd | 1 yd | 1/2 yd | 1 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Lap | 3 × 3 (9) | 54" × 54" | 7/8 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 5/8 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Throw | 3 × 4 (12) | 54" × 70" | 1 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 7/8 yd | 1 1/4 yd | 4 1/2 yd |
| Twin | 4 × 6 (24) | 70" × 102" | 1 7/8 yd | 3 3/8 yd | 1 5/8 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 6 1/4 yd |
| Queen | 6 × 6 (36) | 102" × 102" | 2 5/8 yd | 5 1/8 yd | 2 1/4 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 9 1/4 yd |
| King | 6 × 6 (36) | 102" × 102" | 2 5/8 yd | 5 1/8 yd | 2 1/4 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" Philadelphia Pavement 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 Philadelphia Pavement 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 Philadelphia Pavement block need?
Three: main, background and accent. 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 Philadelphia Pavement?
2 main squares at 4 7/8" × 4 7/8"; 1 main square at 4 1/2" × 4 1/2"; 4 main squares at 2 1/2" × 2 1/2"; 4 background rectangles at 12 1/2" × 2 1/2"; 2 background squares at 4 7/8" × 4 7/8"; 4 accent squares at 4 1/2" × 4 1/2".
How many Philadelphia Pavement 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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