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 Free Block : A Dutchman's Puzzle Block

This visually striking block is formed entirely by two triangles, a right and larger quarter triangle. Traditionally done using a red and gold print along with muslin, it is easy to see the pioneer-day influence in this block.

While the design may set the eyes searching a starting point, this block is actually a simple four-patch assembly.

Dutchman's Puzzle block

How big is this block?

Dutchman's Puzzle is a 12 inch block.

Construction instructions

Dutchman's Puzzle requires three fabrics, preferably two prints and a solid. Working it up in a single color is also possible as long as there is a difference in tone between the fabrics. As long as one print is a darker shade than the other, the block remains balanced.

Cutting - Use a rotary cutter to quickly work up this block's right and quarter triangles.

  • Cut sixteen right triangles from a 3 7/8-inch strip of fabric A.
  • Cut four quarter triangles from a 7 1/4-inch strip of fabric B.
  • Cut four quarter triangles from a 7 1/4-inch strip of fabric C.
  • Dutchman's Puzzle cutting graphic

Rectangular Strips - Each of this block's four sections combines the right and quarter triangles to form rectangular strips. Use a quarter-inch seam allowance for all stitching.

  • Gather all triangles.
  • Select two fabric A right triangles and one fabric B quarter triangle.
  • Place one fabric A triangle over the fabric B triangle and stitch to one side.
  • Repeat to place a second fabric A triangle on the fabric B triangle's other side to form one rectangular strip.
  • Repeat the above to use all fabric B triangles.
  • Repeat these steps again to use all fabric C triangles, creating a total of eight rectangular strips all together.
  • Gather one fabric B rectangular strip and one fabric C rectangular strip.
  • Place one over the other, right sides together and stitch.
  • Repeat with all strips to form four sections.
  • Press all seams.
  • Dutchman's Puzzle rectangle strips
Four-Patch Assembly - The key to assembling Dutchman's Puzzle correctly rests entirely in positioning each section properly. Although the patches are exactly the same, when placed in this block, each is rotated 90° clock-wise. Before sewing compare your positioning with this pattern for best results.

  • Gather the four sections from the previous step.
  • Position these sections two on top, two on the bottom.
  • Place one section from the top row over the other, right sides together, and stitch.
  • Place one section from the bottom row over the other, right sides together, and stitch.
  • Place the top row over the bottom row, lining up seams and stitch.
  • Press all seams.
  • Dutchman's Puzzle four-patch assembly

Great - now that I've got it, what do I do with it?

Varying the fabrics and layout of Dutchman's Puzzle produces dramatically different effects. In this example, blocks are done up using the traditional color scheme of red, gold and white to create a warm, bright feeling. When blocks of Dutchman's Puzzle are pieced together, triangles merge to form an entirely new pattern. While the bold red produces a pinwheel shape, the gold triangles merge to create a star design.

Dutchman's Puzzle quilt

The more subtle palette of this sample is not the only difference between it and the previous quilt. Although the same fabric is used throughout the project, it is applied in reverse between two types of blocks here. The two blocks used are a negative and positive version of each other. Strips of white sashing separates the blocks so the effect is more pronounced.

Dutchman's Puzzle blocks in alternating colors

More to think about!

In another example that uses the traditional color scheme, complimentary sashing in gold ties the effect together nicely. Worked up in a smaller size, this bright and cheery layout makes an attractive child's quilt.

Dutchman's Puzzle quilt with sashing

The spinning triangles of Dutchman's Puzzle balance against a soft floral motif nicely in this design. Blocks are alternated with solid white fabric to create a lighter and softer effect that is finished by simple multiple borders.

Dutchman's Puzzle and solid blocks quilt

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