Jack in the Box is an interesting block that give the impression of movement. This angular pattern is reminiscent of a spinning pinwheel, making it a perfect choice for fun, cheery quilts. Each block is comprised of right triangles, a square, a rectangle and a diamond shape. Although complex in appearance, Jack in the Box is relatively easy to piece and offers a number of design options.

How big is it?

Jack in the Box is a 10 inch block.

Instructions - How do I make it?

Each Jack in the Box block contains one square, four rectangles, four large right triangles, sixteen smaller right triangles and four diamonds. As this block includes a prominent design, work with either white and a single fabric color, or a contrasting light and dark fabric for best results. The pieces are very easy to work with, but the greatest challenge in this block is to make sure they are positioned properly.

While templates certainly will work, rotary cutting is a faster method to use for this block. Instructions for rotary cutting are included below, but template fans can find the necessary dimensions for each shape for their purposes as well. Just keep in mind that rotary cutting directions take seam allowances into account.

To create the pieces needed for this block, use the following steps :

• From a 2 1/2-inch strip of fabric A, cut four 4 1/2-inch long rectangles.
  
• From a 3 1/8-inch strip of fabric B, cut sixteen right triangles.
  
• From a 3 5/8-inch strip of fabric A, cut four right triangles.
  
• From a 2 1/2-inch strip of fabric B, cut one square.
  
• From a 2-inch strip of fabric A, cut four 2 x 4 1/4-inch rectangles. Make diagonal cuts on either end to form a diamond. Note : Measure a 130° angle on either side before making your diagonal cuts.
  

Piecing this block can be broken down into three parts. The first involves creating the four corner squares. Three rows can then be constructed, followed by assemly of the finished block.

To assemble a corner square, four fabric B right triangles, one fabric A right triangle, and one diamond are needed. This block involves several different positioning of triangles, so compare your layout to the graphics before stitching. For all pieces, use a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

• Place a fabric B right triangle over the fabric A diamond, right sides facing. Stitch in place. Repeat using a second fabric B right triangle on the other side. Press seams.
  
• Place a fabric B right triangle over the fabric A right triangle, right sides together, and stitch. Repeat with another fabric B right triangle on the other side. Press seams.
  
• Place the diamond strip over the triangle strip, right sides together, and stitch.
  
• Repeat these steps to construct a total of four corner blocks.

With the corners prepared, the next step is to assemble the rows. The Jack in the Box block includes two mirrored rows and one sashing-like row. Because two rows are the same, but positioned in reverse, be sure to check your layout for accuracy before stitching.

• Place one corner block over a fabric A rectangle, right sides together. Make certain the fabric B right triangles touch the fabric A rectangle, and stitch in place. Press all seams.
• Position another corner block so that the diamond strip lies against the fabric A rectangle. Place this block over the rectangle, right sides together, and stitch. Press all seams.
• Repeat these steps to create a duplicate row.
  
• Place one fabric A rectangle over the fabric B square, right sides together, and stitch. Repeat on the other side and press all seams.
  

These rows may now be assembled into a finished block. Before sewing, lay out your three rows to compare positioning against this pattern's graphics. Rows one and three should be mirrored opposites.

• Place row one over row two with right sides together. Line up all seams and stitch in place.
• Place row three over row two, right sides together. Line up seams and stitch.
• Press all seams of your completed block.
  

There are a number of design possibilities with a Jack in the Box block. Used alone with just a plain border, the blocks create an intricate lattice-like pattern across the quilt face. A single, simple print works best for this layout, as the block already produces a great amount of visual activity.

For a bit more variety, sashing may be used between blocks to set off the use of different colors or different fabrics in each block. The sashing also provides an airer feel than the above layout.

More to think about!

Used alongside solid blocks, Jack in the Box provides a nice backdrop for rounded quilting motifs. The block's varied angles contrasts motifs with simple curves in a very appealing manner.

Altering the position of the blocks themselves also produces a different effect. In this layout, a border is created by blocks with mirrored postions. A motif of these blocks also appears in the center, surrounded by a frame of quilted solid blocks.

Related : More Free Block Patterns