Make a scrappy pumpkin quilt block with this EASY tutorial!

This simple block is uses a variety of orange squares and half square triangles in a basic 9-patch layout.

SCRAPPY PUMPKIN BLOCK (A SIMPLE FREE PATTERN)

This month, I am making several fall themed quilt blocks.

The first block was the striped pumpkin block. I am also planning to share an acorn quilt block as well as a maple leaf quilt block.

You could use these blocks to create a table runner (Use my Halloween table runner tutorial as a guide and swap out the quilt blocks.)

Or make a wall hanging, mini quilt, or even a fall bed runner. It would also make a darling throw pillow.

I am planning a fun fall quilt using these blocks.

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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING

If you are new to quilting, the list of supplies can be overwhelming. Below are the basic supplies I recommend. For this project a half square triangle (HST) ruler can be 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

CUTTING REQUIREMENTS FOR A 9" PUMPKIN BLOCK

I used a variety of orange fabrics for a scrappy look. You could use different fabrics for a completely different look.

Feel free to use fabric scraps, charm packs, or layer cakes.

5) 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" (orange)
2) 4" X 4" (orange)
2) 4" X 4" (white)

fabric cut and ready to sew into a pumpkin quilt block

HOW TO MAKE 9 PATCH PUMPKIN BLOCK

Let's get started with this pumpkin quilt block tutorial. Using a 9 patch layout is an easy way to make a pumpkin block.

Note: All seams are sewn using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Here is a video tutorial as well.

MAKING THE HALF SQUARE TRIANGLES

Let's begin by making the HST's. These are the corner squares of our pumpkin.

collage depicting how to make half square triangles

Select the white four inch squares.

Using a quilting ruler, line up the 1/4 inch mark on the diagonal of the square. Draw a line along the edge of the ruler. This line is 1/4 inch from the center.

Repeat on the other side of the diagonal.

Draw these same lines on the other white square.

Place an orange fabric right side up. Place a white square on top with the lines facing up.

Sew along the drawn lines.

Using a ruler and rotary cutter, cut from corner to corner, between the seams.

With a HST ruler, trim to 3 1/2".

Press open the half square triangles. Clip tails.

Note: If you want the pumpkin extra scrappy with less repeated fabric choices, you can opt to make more half square triangles using different fabrics.

This is what I chose to do, and why the following pictures use additional fabric patterns than the HST tutorial above.

ASSEMBLING THE PUMPKIN QUILT BLOCK

Now that we have the half-square triangles made, it's time to lay it out in a pumpkin pattern and assemble our block.

squares and half square triangles laid out to make a pumpkin block

Arrange the squares in a nine patch formation with the HST's at the corners with the orange corners facing inward.

sewing together rows to create a pumpkin quilt block

Now sew together the pieces to create three rows.

Press the top and bottom rows with the seams toward the center.

Press the middle row with the seams away from the center.