Birds in the Air Quilt Block Pattern (Free Tutorial)

The Birds in the Air quilt block pattern is one of those classic quilt blocks that has stood the test of time. Simple, striking, and full of history, this traditional block combines half square triangles with setting triangles to create a design that looks much more complicated than it really is.

Birds in the Air - Free Quilt Block Pattern by Sew Nikki — Birds in the Air – Free Quilt Block Pattern by Sew Nikki

One of my favorite things about quilting is learning where these old quilt blocks came from and what they meant to the people who made them. Many traditional quilt blocks have stories attached to them, and Birds in the Air is no exception.

I recently finished reading The Runaway Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini, part of the popular Elm Creek Quilts series. In the book, the Birds in the Air quilt block is discussed as one of the quilt patterns used to let runaway slaves know this was a station along the Underground Railroad.

While historians continue to debate the accuracy of the Underground Railroad quilt code theory, the stories surrounding these blocks remain an important part of quilting history and have inspired generations of quilters to learn more about the past.

Birds in the Air quilt block pattern (free tutorial) by Sew Nikki - one finished block sitting with my book inspiration. — Birds in the Air quilt block pattern (free tutorial) by Sew Nikki – one finished block sitting with my book inspiration.

If you enjoy quilting history, you may also enjoy reading about the Underground Railroad Quilt Code by during your own research and seeing what you come up with. Civil War quilts is a good keyword search and you can go down a rabbit hole for loads of info. Some info seems to be accepted broadly while other lore not so much.

While it cannot be proven that the Birds in the Air quilts directed slaves along the path to freedom it seems it was still used to identify stations along the way. Is that true or false, this author needs to do more research but I hope it’s true. How lovely is the idea that quilters helped others in their fight for freedom!

What Is a Birds in the Air Quilt Block?

The Birds in the Air quilt block is made primarily with half square triangles arranged in a way that creates movement across the block. The finished design resembles birds flying through the sky, which is likely how the block earned its name.

This version finishes as an 8.5″ x 8.5″ unfinished quilt block after trimming.

The block requires only two fabrics, but you can use more if you want. It’s a great quilt project. For the best results, choose fabrics with strong contrast such as a light background and a darker print fabric.

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THIS OUT!

After you read this post, make sure you also check out Learn How to Quilt for Absolute Beginners. It’s jam packed with information to make your first quilt. It also has links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. There’s lots of free quilt patterns that are great for beginners and all skill levels too. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!

Grab a copy of my free Quilt Planning Journal. It’s filled with graph paper and note pages to help you design at least 4 quilt or sewing projects! Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process!

Materials Needed

For one quilt block, you will need:

Light background fabric
Dark or printed fabric
Rotary cutter
Quilting ruler
Cutting mat
Sewing machine
Iron and ironing board

Cutting Instructions

Half Square Triangles

2 background squares, 3.75″ x 3.75″
2 print squares, 3.75″ x 3.75″

You will make four half square triangles but only use three in this block.

Small Setting Triangles

2 print squares, 3.5″ x 3.5″
Cut each square once diagonally

You will use three of the resulting triangles and have one extra.

Large Background Triangle

1 background square, 9″ x 9″
Cut once diagonally

You will use one triangle and have one extra.

How to Make the Half Square Triangles

Place one background square and one print square right sides together.

Using a ruler, draw a diagonal line across the wrong side of the background fabric.

Sew a 1/4″ seam on both sides of the drawn line.

Cut directly on the marked line to separate the units.

Press the seams toward the darker fabric.

Repeat with the second pair of squares.

Trim all four half square triangles to 3.25″ x 3.25″.

Making half square triangles and squaring them up to the right size by Sew Nikki

Set one aside for another project since only three are needed for this block.

If you are new to making half square triangles, check out my tutorials on:

Birds in the Air Quilt Block Assembly

Lay all of the pieces on your cutting mat or design wall before sewing.

Follow this quilt block layout for Birds in the Air by Sew Nikki

Step 1

Arrange the pieces according to the Birds in the Air layout shown above.

Place two half square triangles in the top row with a background setting triangle at the end of the row.

Sewing the first row together to make a Birds in the Air quilt block by Sew Nikki

Step 2

For the second row, place one half square triangle next to another background setting triangle.

Sew the pieces together.

Step 3

Join the top row to the second row.

Press the seams flat.

Sewing the last setting triangles to the two rows above it by Sew Nikki

Step 4

The third row consists of a single background triangle.

Sew this piece to the bottom of the block.

Press with an iron.

Step 5

Take the large background triangle and sew it to the angled edge created by the smaller setting triangles.

Press carefully and avoid stretching the bias edges.

Step 6

Trim the completed block to 8.5″ x 8.5″.

Your Birds in the Air quilt block is now complete.

Birds in the Air quilt block - sew the large triangle to the diagonal edge of the other block section to finish by Sew Nikki — Birds in the Air quilt block – sew the large triangle to the diagonal edge of the other block section to finish by Sew Nikki

Now the side with the HSTs are supposed to represent the birds flying while the other side with the large triangle is supposed to represent the air.

Tips for Success

Because this block uses several bias edges, careful pressing can make a big difference. Try lifting and lowering the iron rather than sliding it across the fabric.

Accurate trimming is also important. Taking the time to trim your half square triangles to the correct size will help the block fit together much more easily.

If you are making multiple blocks, consider chain piecing the half square triangles to speed up the process.

One finished Birds in the Air quilt block by Sew Nikki

Ways to Use Birds in the Air Quilt Blocks

This traditional block works beautifully in a variety of projects:

Sampler quilts
Civil War reproduction quilts
Table runners
Wall hangings
Historical quilt projects
Scrap quilts

The strong diagonal design creates movement across a quilt top and pairs well with many other traditional quilt blocks.

Make the quilt block from the book, free Birds in the Air pattern by Sew Nikki

Quilt Block History

The Birds in the Air quilt block pattern is a simple block with a rich history. Whether you are drawn to traditional quilting, Civil War era fabrics, or the stories behind classic quilt blocks, this design is a fun one to add to your quilting toolbox.

I love discovering the history behind old quilt blocks, and this one immediately caught my attention after reading The Runaway Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini. Even if you are not making a full historical quilt, sewing a single Birds in the Air block is a great way to connect with quilting traditions that have been passed down for generations.

If you have never heard of the Underground Railroad, the American Civil War or Abolitionists, this book explains it all in a fictional story featuring a group of quilters and home sewists. The Runaway Quilt was a brilliant read, you must check it out.

Have you made a Birds in the Air quilt block before? Let me know what fabrics you would choose for this classic design.

External Resources

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