How to Make a Christmas Tree Quilt Block – Easy Patchwork Tutorial

This patchwork Christmas tree quilt block is a fun way to use up smaller pieces of fabric from your stash!

Made using simple squares and half-square triangles, it's a great project for beginners and can be sewn in all sorts of colours and prints.

I've used a mixture of festive fabrics for my tree, but you don't necessarily need Christmas prints. Just choose fabrics that contrast with your background so the tree shape stands out.

You could turn your finished block into a Christmas cushion, placemat, table runner or even make several for a festive quilt. I've also included a little upcycling idea at the end, showing how I used mine to make a Christmas jumper from a second-hand sweater!

• Unfinished size: 9½″ × 11″ (after trimming)

• Finished size: 9″ × 10½″ (once sewn into a project)

What you'll need

Fabric requirements for one Christmas tree block:

• 24 background squares measuring 2" × 2"

• 5 background squares measuring 2.5" × 2.5"

• 10 contrasting fabric squares measuring 2" × 2"

• 5 contrasting fabric squares measuring 2.5" × 2.5"

• 1 brown fabric square measuring 2" × 2" for the tree trunk

  
  

I've used five different contrasting fabrics in red, green and cream to give my tree a scrappy patchwork look.

Tools:

• Sewing machine

• Rotary cutter and cutting mat

• Quilting ruler

• Erasable fabric pen or chalk

• Iron

  
  

Seam allowance: Use a ¼" seam allowance throughout unless otherwise stated.

Sewing instructions -

Step 1: Make the half-square triangles

We'll start by making the half-square triangles (HSTs), which create the angled edges of the Christmas tree.

1. Take one 2.5" background square and one 2.5" contrasting square. Place them right sides together, making sure all the edges are aligned.

2. Using an erasable fabric pen or chalk, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the wrong side of the background square.

3. Sew a straight line ¼" away from both sides of the marked line. You should now have two parallel lines of stitching.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Cut along the original drawn line to separate the fabric into two triangles.

5. Open out each piece and press the seam. Trim each half-square triangle to measure 2" × 2", making sure the diagonal seam runs into the corners.

6. Repeat with the remaining four pairs of 2.5" squares.

   You'll now have 10 half-square triangle units, ready to make your tree.

   
   

Step 2: Arrange the Christmas tree

7. Lay out your 10 contrasting 2" squares to form the centre of the Christmas tree. Start with the narrowest section at the top, gradually making the tree wider towards the bottom. Stagger the rows by half a square.

8. Position the half-square triangle units along the outside edges of the tree. Make sure the contrasting fabric of the HST forms the tree shape, with the background fabric facing outwards.

9. Arrange the background squares around the tree, following the layout shown in the photograph. Position the brown square centrally beneath the tree to make the trunk.

   
   

Tip: The rows are staggered by half a square to create the tree shape, so the outside edges won't be straight at this stage. We'll tidy these up once everything is sewn together.

Step 3: Sew the Christmas tree block together

10. Starting with the top row, sew the squares together using a ¼" seam allowance.

11. Repeat for each remaining row, keeping the pieces in the same order as your layout. Press the seams as you go.

    
    

    

    
    

12. Once all the rows are complete, arrange them back into the tree shape. Pin and sew the rows together, making sure the tree stays centred.

    
    

    

    
    

13. Press the completed block, then use your quilting ruler and rotary cutter to trim the uneven edges and square up the block.

Your Christmas tree quilt block is complete!

You can now use it as part of a larger quilt or turn it into a smaller Christmas sewing project.

Bonus project: Make an upcycled Christmas jumper

I decided to use my finished block to give a second-hand jumper a festive makeover. It's a lovely way to make something new from clothing you already own.

1. Cut a piece of plain cotton fabric to match the size of your finished Christmas tree block. This will form the backing of your patch.

2. Place the backing and quilt block right sides together. Sew around all four sides using a ¼" seam allowance.

3. Carefully cut a small slit in the centre of the backing fabric only. This will be the opening for turning the patch right side out. Be careful not to cut through the front of the block.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Trim the seam allowance at the corners, taking care not to cut through your stitches.

5. Turn the patch right side out through the opening and gently push out the corners. Give everything a good press.

6. Position the patch on the front of your jumper and pin it in place. Sew around the outside edges to attach it securely.

   
   

Optional: Add a little extra detail with lace, ribbon, bows or decorative stitching. I used a wide lace trim around the outside of mine to frame the Christmas tree.

What else could you make?

Once you've made one Christmas tree block, you could experiment with different colours and layouts. Try traditional Christmas reds and greens, a more neutral colour palette or a completely scrappy version using leftover quilting cottons.

A row of Christmas trees would make a lovely festive table runner, or you could combine several blocks and sashing to create your own Christmas quilt.

If you're looking for another project, you can find more quilt patterns and sewing tutorials in my shop.

Happy sewing!

Kym x

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