Simple Patchwork Christmas Tree Quilt Block - Sewing for Christmas

Kimberley Hind
Dec 16, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Jul 6

How to sew a Christmas Tree Quilt Block

- with bonus upcycling project!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And this quilting block is prefect for some festive sewing to get into the swing of things.

Quilt square with a Christmas tree pattern in red, green, and white on wooden table. Scissors and thread spools nearby. Festive mood.

This tutorial is how to make a tree quilting block using 2” squares and half square triangles. I’ve put mine on a second-hand sweater I found on Vinted to create my own upcycled Christmas jumper. You could make the blocks into a placemats for the Christmas dining table setting, sew a line together to make a fun table runner, or why not piece loads together to make a quilt!

This is a great way to use any scrap fabrics because the biggest square needed is only 2.5” and it doesn’t necessarily have to be Christmas prints! As long as there is a contrast between the tree and the background.

For one block you’ll need –

24 x white 2” squares

5 x white 2.5” squares

10 x contrasting 2” squares, I’ve used 5 different fabrics in green, red, and cream.

5 x contrasting 2.5” squares

1 x brown 2” square for the tree trunk

Tools needed –

Erasable pen or chalk

Rotary cutter and cutting mat

Iron

Quilters ruler

Sewing instructions -

1. Starting with the 2.5” squares, place a plain and a print right sides together.

2. Using an erasable pen, draw a diagonal line from one corner to another. Sew approx. ¼” from either side of the line.

White fabric square with a red diagonal stitch on a wooden surface. The fabric has subtle circular patterns, creating a simple, rustic scene.

3. Cut along the line drawn.

4. Open and press. Trim down to 2” square.

Red and white origami paper on a wooden surface, with red featuring gold snowflakes. Cozy, festive mood.

5. Repeat with the remaining 2.5” squares so that you’ll end up with 10 half square tringles.

6. Arrange the printed 2” squares in a tree shape. Use the half square triangle pieces on the outside and printed squares in the centre. Stagger each row off centre to the one above by half a block.

Use the white 2” squares to fill the sides of the block and the brown square in the centre at the bottom as the trunk.

Patchwork quilt pieces arranged in a Christmas tree shape with red, green, and white patterns on a wooden background.

7. Sew the squares together in rows using ¼” seam allowance.

Fabric pieces arranged in a Christmas tree pattern with red, green, gold designs on a wooden surface, evoking a festive mood.

8. Sew the rows together to form the block.

Patchwork quilt block of a Christmas tree with red, green, and white squares. Wooden background, festive and handcrafted appearance.

9. Trim the sides to make the block square.

Make this a patch for clothing -

10. If you’re going to use this block on a Christmas jumper, cut a scrap piece of plain fabric to the same size as the Christmas tree block.

11. Sew the scrap fabric right sides together to the quilt block around all 4 sides. Cut a small hole in the scrap fabric. This will be a turning hole. Snip the corners carefully without cutting through any stitches.