Anvil Quilt Block Pattern

Anvil Quilt Block Pattern

Anvil is an easy “four patch” quilt block for beginner quilters. It is called a four patch quilt block because it contains four distinct patches that make up the quilt block. Smaller quilt patch units are used to create the larger four patches. This free quilt block pattern is an easy one for beginner quilters because it contains only squares and half square triangle patches.

Note - There are many different ways to construct half square triangles. These fabric measurements below are given with the assumption that you will use the method described in the tutorial on How To Make Half Square Triangles , which is my preferred method.

Fabric Requirements

For the block shown -

You will need 2 plain or print fabrics, plus a background fabric for this block. You may wish to vary the number of fabrics used to create your own version of this block. That’s the beauty of quilting. Placement of color and fabric choices can totally alter the completed project!

Background fabric (tan colored fabric)
Cut one 7 ¼” square (for large half square triangles)
Cut 1 rectangle 3 ¼” x 8 ½” (for the small half square triangles)

Black print
Cut one 7 ¼” square (for large half square triangles)
Cut 1 rectangle 3 ¼” x 8 ½”

Red print
Cut 2 squares, each 3 ½”

Block Construction
Construct the block as shown in the illustration below, using a scant quarter inch seam allowance. Press the individual units of the quilt patches prior to stitching a new seam.

1. When constructing the patch shown on the top right, which contains 2 squares and 2 half square triangle units, press the seams of each square/half square triangle set in opposing directions. Then when you sew the two sets together, the seams will be in opposite directions, making for less bulk.

2. Sew the top half together and press towards the larger half square triangle unit. Do the same for the bottom half. Whenever possible it is wise to press towards the “path of least resistance” or the direction with the least amount of seams.

3. Finally, sew the two halves together, matching seams.

The completed block should measure 12 ½” (raw measurement). When the block is later sewn into the quilt top, the block will measure 12″ square (finished measurement).

Anvil Quilt Block Pattern