Piano Keys quilt block
Eight narrow upright strips in repeating fabrics. Most often sewn end to end as a border.
Cutting chart by block size
8" Piano Keys (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 rectangles | 8 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 8 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
| Accent | 2 rectangles | 8 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
| Fabric 4 | 2 rectangles | 8 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
12" Piano Keys (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 rectangles | 12 1/2" × 2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 12 1/2" × 2" | – |
| Accent | 2 rectangles | 12 1/2" × 2" | – |
| Fabric 4 | 2 rectangles | 12 1/2" × 2" | – |
16" Piano Keys (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 rectangles | 16 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 rectangles | 16 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Accent | 2 rectangles | 16 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Fabric 4 | 2 rectangles | 16 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
How to make a 16" Piano Keys 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 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 Piano Keys quilt (16" blocks)
| Quilt size | Blocks | Finished size | Main | Background | Accent | Fabric 4 | Border & binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 2 × 3 (6) | 38" × 54" | 1/2 yd | 1/2 yd | 1/2 yd | 1/2 yd | 1 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Lap | 3 × 3 (9) | 54" × 54" | 3/4 yd | 3/4 yd | 3/4 yd | 3/4 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Throw | 3 × 4 (12) | 54" × 70" | 1 yd | 1 yd | 1 yd | 1 yd | 1 1/4 yd | 4 1/2 yd |
| Twin | 4 × 6 (24) | 70" × 102" | 1 7/8 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 6 1/4 yd |
| Queen | 6 × 6 (36) | 102" × 102" | 2 3/4 yd | 2 3/4 yd | 2 3/4 yd | 2 3/4 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 9 1/4 yd |
| King | 6 × 6 (36) | 102" × 102" | 2 3/4 yd | 2 3/4 yd | 2 3/4 yd | 2 3/4 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" Piano Keys 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 Piano Keys 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 Piano Keys 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 16 inch Piano Keys?
2 main rectangles at 16 1/2" × 2 1/2"; 2 background rectangles at 16 1/2" × 2 1/2"; 2 accent rectangles at 16 1/2" × 2 1/2"; 2 fabric 4 rectangles at 16 1/2" × 2 1/2".
How many Piano Keys blocks for a lap quilt?
9 blocks at 16", set 3 by 3 with a 3" border, make a 54" × 54" quilt.
More strips & logs blocks

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