Make an acorn quilt block with scrappy fabrics.

This block features a nine patch unit for the body of the acorn.

SCRAPPY ACORN QUILT BLOCK TUTORIAL

This is the next block in my fall quilt blocks series. Last week I shared a patchwork pumpkin and a striped pumpkin.

Later this week, I'll share a maple leaf quilt block.

This block is a little more complex than the others. But I think a confident beginner could tackle it. Just follow the step-by-step instructions.

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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING

Listed below are my recommended quilting supplies. For this block a HST Ruler is particularly helpful.

fabric
thread
rotary cutter / cutting mat / straight edge
sewing machine (This is my new machine that I absolutely love!)
sewing scissors
pencil
iron and wool ironing mat
HST Ruler

To see the quilting supplies I regularly use, check out my Amazon storefront.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A 9" ACORN BLOCK

Here is what you need to make a nine inch acorn quilt block. I used a variety of different brown fabrics for a scrappy look.

2) 1 1/2" X 4 1/2" white
1) 1 1/2" X 1 1/2" brown
1) 2 1/2" X 9 1/2" brown
2) 2 1/2" X 2 1/2" white
7) 2 1/2" X 2 1/2" brown
2) 2" X 6 1/2" white
1) 3" X 3" white
1) 3" X 3" brown

fabric cut and ready to sew into an acorn quilt block

HOW TO MAKE AN ACORN QUILT BLOCK

Let's get started with the acorn quilt block pattern.

Be sure to check out the video tutorial as well!

Note: Sew all seams with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

MAKING THE HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES

First, make a set of half square triangles.

collage depicting how to make a half square triangle

Select the 3 two three inch squares. On the white square, draw a diagonal line 1/4 inch from the center. To do this, I place a quilting ruler with the 1/4 inch mark lined up from corner to corner. Then draw a line at the edge of the ruler. Repeat on the other side.

Place the white square on top of the brown square. (The brown square should be facing up.) Sew the pieces together along the two drawn lines.

Cut the square in half diagonally from corner to corner, between the two seams just sewn.

Trim the HST's to 2 1/2"

MAKING THE NINE PATCH

Next let's make the nine patch body of the acorn.

arranging fabric in a nine patch formation

Arrange the strips in three rows of three. The half square triangles go on the bottom corners with the brown facing inward.

sewing rows together on a nine patch block

Sew together each row.

Press the top and bottom rows with the seams towards the middle.
Press the middle row with the seams away from the middle.

nine patch quilt block with half square triangles in bottom corners

Sew together all the rows and press flat.

MAKING THE ACORN CAP

Next, let's make the acorn cap. Select the 2 1/2" X 9 1/2" brown strip and the two 2 1/2" white squares.

collage depicting how to sew the acorn cap

First draw the lines on the white squares. Measure 1 1/2" from the top right corner. Draw a line from this point to the bottom corner of the side you measured from.

Repeat with the other square, but this time measure from the left side.

Place the squares of fabric on both ends of the brown strip. Sew along the lines.

Trim the excess fabric.

Press the fabric open. The white squares will be pointed upward and look wonky.

With a ruler, line up one edge along the top of the fabric. Line up the other edge to line up with the bottom point of the fabric, and trim the excess white fabric.

Repeat with the other side.

ASSEMBLING THE ACORN BLOCK

Now it's time to put the whole thing together.

Layout the block with the two 1 1/2" X 4 1/2" strips on both sides of the stem piece.

Place the cap below that.

Place the nine patch beneath the cap with the two 2" X 6 1/2" strips on either side.