This is a tutorial on how to make a Maple Bar quilt block. The Maple Bar quilt is designed by Jessica PoeÌmape. Jessica is the featured designer of color in the Mary Go Round Membership beginning March 1, 2022. You can download the free quilt pattern until June 1. 2022.

The block for the Maple Bar quilt is a simple block that is ideal for beginner quilters. I chose the name Maple Bar to name the pattern after the maple bar donut. Sorry if you’re craving donuts now!

Maple Bar Block Supplies

Materials List

This block was designed to use fat quarters. You can get one block from one fat quarter plus some yardage. Try to pick two fabrics that have some contrast so the design can stand out.

• Main fabric (coral) – 1 fat quarter
• Background fabric (Kona snow) – 1 fat quarter or ¼ yard

Basic sewing supplies needed

• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Sewing pins
• Rotary cutter
• Acrylic ruler
• Rotary cutting mat
• Iron and ironing board

Cutting Instructions

• (2) – 18.5″ x 2.5″ coral
• (5) – 14.5″ x 2.5″ coral
• (4) – 14.5″ x 2.5″ white

When cutting the fat quarter, I found it easiest to first cut (7) – 2.5″ x 21″ strips and then trim them down to size.

Maple Bar Block Tutorial

Step 1: Cutting the fabric

1. Iron your fabrics to remove any wrinkles.
2. Cut out the pieces listed in the cutting instructions above.

Step 2: Make the center strip unit

1. Gather all (4) – 14.5″ x 2.5″ white pieces and (3) – 14.5″ x 2.5″ coral pieces. Lay out the white and coral strips in an alternating pattern (i.e., white, coral, white, coral…).
2. Sew the strips together with a ¼” seam and press seams open. This strip unit should measure 14.5″ square.

Step 3: Assemble the block

1. Sew the remaining 14.5″ x 2.5″ strips to the both sides of the center strip unit using a ¼” seam allowance. Press seams away from the center.

1. Sew the 18.5″ x 2.5″ strips to the top and bottom of the block using a ¼” seam allowance. Press seams away from the center.
2. Press your completed block and trim to 18.5″ square (if necessary).

And that’s it! I hope you enjoyed making the Maple Bar quilt block. You can use a single block to make a pillow, add it to the back of a denim jacket, or make a mini quilt. You could also piece three or four blocks together to make a table runner.

Check out the full Maple Bar pattern for detailed instructions and fabric requirements for making enough blocks for an entire quilt in three sizes.

Happy Quilting!
Guest Blog by Jessica PoeÌmape