There are three size options in the cutting chart below, from a 12-inch square block down to a miniature that finishes at 3-inch square.

Cutting Chart

Choose two contrasting fabrics, one for the bow tie and another for the background. If you prefer, cut two smaller squares from the same fabric as the darkest larger square and two more (not listed) from either a darker or lighter version of the same color. 12-inch Finished Blocks

Background: cut two 6 1/2 inch x 6 1/2 inch squaresBow Tie Fabric: cut two 6 1/2 inch x 6 1/2 inch squares; cut two 3 inch x 3 inch squares.

6-inch Finished Blocks

Background: cut two 3 1/2 inch x 3 1/2 inch squaresBow Tie Fabric: cut two 3 1/2 inch x 3 1/2 inch squares; cut two 1 1/2 inch x 1 1/2 inch squares.

3-inch Finished Blocks

Background: cut two 2 inch x 2 inch squaresBow Tie Fabric: cut two 2 inch x 2 inch squares; cut two 1 inch x 1 inch squares.

Making a Block

Sew with an accurate quarter inch seam allowance unless you are sewing on a marked line.

Using Small Squares

Use the same method to sew one of the two remaining squares to one corner of the bow tie fabric. Press the seam allowances of each towards the triangle after trimming the excess. Sew the patchwork together as before, but with like corner triangles pointing towards each other.

Layout Options

Bow tie quilt blocks can be arranged in many ways. The groups of four blocks above illustrate some of the choices, but you’ll discover many more when you make a batch of bow tie blocks.