Broken Dishes Block Totally Scrappy – Made Easy

Hello Dear Friends and Readers, I just have to share this idea with you.  For ages now I have been thinking about making a Broken Dishes quilt. I just love those blocks, and although the concept is pretty simple, I believe they always make delightful quilts.  The antique and vintage images of quilts I have seen. never fade in desirability in my mind.

Well, wouldn’t you know it, recently  Bonnie Hunter posted one of her quilt images with lovely inspiring words on a vintage Broken Dishes which was all scrappy.  My goodness – I was inspired!! Immediately , I thought of my Scrappy Pinwheel in a Square and some other blocks I have made easy (which I will link below).  I couldnt help thinking this could also be made super easy, so I set to work!

I have a small set of plaid fabrics which I thought would be perfect to incorporate, and as I always say, “Everything is Good with Gingham” (and other checks and plaids too),

Scrappy broken dishes style blocks have been popular in antique Dutch quilts and give a particularly appealing look which really has lasted the test of time.  This would have taken some considerable time to do when trying to achieve lots of different fabrics for each block.

These Broken Dishes blocks can be achieved with a moderated colour scheme, or fabric style, or, just go for it, and use random scraps.  It think the only caveat would be to have some light and dark contrast or colour contrast.

Today I am going to show you how you can make this great block very scrappy with minimal effort – and sorry, I‘m not followIng all “rules“ with this one….😂

This pattern is suitable for precut charm squares, or you can cut your own, which is generally my preference.

These blocks can also be achieved by the conventional method using 16 of 3 ½” x 3 ½” squares in 8 different  fabrics.

Signature Pre-Cuts from Your Stash

Please read all instructions before beginning.

Unit size 3″ x 3″.

Block size 5 ½” x 5 ½”

Requirements for Totally Scrappy Broken Dishes Block

8 of 5” x 5” squares.  They should all be different.

Method for Broken Dishes Block Totally Scrappy – Made Easy

Set the eight 5” x 5” squares right sides together into four pairs.

Sew a 1/4” seam around the outside of each set.

Now there should be four sets like this.

Using a rotary cutter and ruler, carefully cut once on each diagonal to reveal 16 sets of 2 half square triangles.  Please be aware that all the edges are on the bias, so handle with care, do not stretch.

Finger press each seam to the dark side.  Trim each unit to 3″ x 3″.

Trim each unit to 3″ x 3″.

Now you can mix them up into sets of four as you like.

Carefully stitch them together like a Four patch.  For more ideas on four patches click this link Four Patch Favourite because they are a great “building block“ For quilts.

Give a gentle press to the blocks.

Not a bad result!

Then make some more.  😀

There are the blocks!

TIP – I usually press seams to one side, however, I did learn with this block it can be very useful to open the seams.  This will help the blocks lay much flatter where several seams converge. it will make it much easier to quilt too.  ( I learned the hard way)

Here is the next instalment on Broken Dishes Block Totally Scrappy – Made Easy!

Scrappy Broken Dishes Quilt – Antique Inspired

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like,

Hourglass Super Fast Blocks Tutorial

The Arrowhead Quilt Block Made Easy

Antique Tile Block Made Easy Tutorial

The Spinner Blocks Made Easy Part 1

Hope you can get some sewing done today!

All the best,

Susie

© Susan Stuklis 2020