This block is a variation on a traditional Log Cabin block. You can make it in one color, or use several colors of green for a scrappy look. It makes a great holiday Christmas Tree quilt! The block looks like this when it's complete :

How large is it?

You can make this quilt block any measurement you'd like. All you need to do is to assign a measurement to each unit of the block. Picture a 6x6 grid over the block. If you assign 2" (finished) to each unit of the grid, the block would be 12x12" finished. If you assign 1-1/2" (finished) to each unit of the grid, the block would be 9x9" finished.

Instructions - How do I create it?

Start with the "trunk" unit. This is a half-square triangle with the "trunk" appliquéd on to one half. I like to use grosgrain ribbon for the trunk; it adds extra texture and the edges are already finished for you.

For each block you make, you will need to cut a square of your background fabric the finished size of the trunk unit plus a 7/8" seam allowance. Let's say you're working on a 2" finished grid (finished block size will be 12x12"). That trunk unit will be 6x6" finished, so you will cut a 6-7/8" x 6-7/8" square of background fabric. Cut the square in half diagonally and lay a piece of brown grosgrain ribbon across one half. Place the other half on top, right sides together and carefully stitch across the diagonal, being careful not to stretch the seam.

Open out the trunk unit and press gently. You can glue the trunk down with fabric glue, or use a narrow zig-zag stitch to secure the edges.

Quilters use a 1/4" seam allowance. For your tree branches, cut 2-1/2" strips of your green fabrics and a 2-1/2" strip of background. For the first round of branches, sub-cut your green strips into one 2-1/2" x 6-1/2" unit and one 2-1/2" x 8-1/2" unit. Stitch to sides of trunk unit as shown, right side first and then the top :

For the next round, cut a 2-1/2" x 6-1/2" of green, a 2-1/2" xx 8-1/2" of green, and two 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" square of background. Stitch a background square onto the end of each of the green units. Add to side and top as shown :

For the final round, again cut a 2-1/2" x 6-1/2" of green, a 2-1/2" xx 8-1/2" of green, and two 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" units of background. Add to side and top as shown :

Great - now that it's done, what do I do with it?

Pine tree blocks need to be set on point so they are upright instead of leaning on their sides.

Appliqué a few cardinals for some color:

Or maybe a bear?

Something to think about ...

Use your imagination! Change your background colors to give you snow covered mountains and a blue sky!

Related : More Free Block Patterns