If you are looking for a new Christmas tree quilt block pattern, this one is for you! It’s simple, easy and modern but packs all the charm that you expect for the holiday season. Join me as I walk you through the blocks construction so you can use your creativity to create table runners, mini quilt, wall hangings, and quilts of all shapes and sizes. You are going to love this easy and modern Christmas tree block.

This adorable Christmas tree motif was so much fun to design. We’ve all seen Amy Smart’s Holiday Patchwork Forest tree block floating around Pinterest and the internet. That pointy tree where everyone is using scrap fabrics to create that simple pattern. Yes it’s adorable, but I wanted more of a traditional tree but with a modern flair. Here’s how I came up with the block, you can do this too.

Block Design

Most quilt blocks are made up of solid squares and half square triangles. If you want to design a quilt block you without having to make HSTs and solid squares, you can use these half square triangle cards. Using the cards to map out your quilt block, then sewing up patchwork units to test it out.

I used my half square triangle cards and just starting playing with creating a tree with HSTs and solid squares. Then I went to my sewing machine and made the body of the tree. Once the body was formed, I had to do quilt math and fill in the sides to make it a block.

The block was missing holiday spirit, it just looked like a tree. Because the top of the tree needed the star of course! So I added a top row with a simple modern star. 

Once I finished the first test block, I looked at it and knew it could be simplified. Removing the half square triangles and replacing with flippy corners. There is still one row that could be simplified but I kind of like the block in the middle. Here’s the quick tutorial to make this block below.

Fabrics

You will need 4 fabrics: Main fabric for the tree, fabric for the trunk and star, then a background fabric. Want to make this a regular tree block, just omit the star for the first row and have a solid background strip.

You can make this a festive quilt block simply by the fabrics that you choose. You can use Christmas colors or Christmas fabrics. For my block, to keep it a modern design, used green fabric in a gingham pattern for the tree’ piece and brown for the trunk’ piece with a blue background fabric or a white with holiday colored lights from my fat quarter stash.

If you prefer a thinner trunk, just trim the brown strip to your preferred width. I used left over fat quarters but this block is jelly roll friendly too!

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THESE 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!

Make sure you grab a copy of my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and note pages to help you design at least 4 quilts or sewing projects! Jot down ideas, fabrics, patterns, inspiration all in one place. Save your own patterns and share with others. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process! Click the bar below.

Christmas Tree Quilt Block Pattern – Instructions

Finished size of block measures 9.5″ x 10.5″. For my next post, I’ll share a Christmas Tree Table Runner Pattern that you can download for free. That pattern will also contain instructions to make this quilt block.

Cutting Measurements

Main fabric refers to the Christmas tree, background refers to the blocks main color, scrap piece for star and trunk.

First Row: 2 – 1.5″ x 1.5″ (1 background fabric, 1 star scrap fabric) and 2 – 2.5″ x 4.5″ (background)

Second Row: 2 – 2.5″ x 2.5″ (main) and 2 – 2.5″ x 5″ (background)

​Third Row: 3 – 2.5″ x 2.5″ (main) and 2 – 2.5″ x 4″ (background)

Fourth Row: 2 – 2.5″ x 2.5″ (background) and 2 – 2.5″ x 5″ (main)

​Fifth Row: 1 – 2.5″ x 2.5″ (trunk) and 2 – 2.5″ x 4″ (background)

Christmas Tree Quilt Block Pattern – Block Assembly

I lay out my fabric pieces by row to help my brain stay organized. Starting from the top row and working my way down. Once all rows are sewn together, you simply sew the rows together to form the block. Also, I draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each square. This saves time and allows me to keep on sewing instead of stopping to draws lines as I go. Even though I have diagonal line tape on my sewing machine, I still draw the line.  

​Here’s a photo of the layout and my process. Three of the five rows will have two strips of fabric and two squares. This is to make flippy corners and it’s really easy.

Flippy Corner Tips

When working on the flippy corners, lay both strips side by side with the squares on top with the diagonal line drawn on. You want your lines to go the opposite way for each strip. When they are next to each other, the lines should form an upside down V.

The Crafty Quilter has a blog post on using leaders and enders which I loved and used for sewing the flippy corners together. I have a tiny scrap fabric that I use whenever I change my thread and do a test stitch. I use it over and over again but not as a leader when sewing fabric pieces together. This article was informative if you want to check it out.

When it’s time to trim the flippy corners, line both strips up again with the diagonal lines forming the upside down V. Then take trim the left strip first, then trim the right strip remembering to turn it upside down. See picture below.

First Row

Take the 1.5″ x 1.5″ squares, place right side together and sew 1/4″ seam allowance down one side. Press open with iron or finger. When quilt piecing and sewing quilt squares together, always use 1/4″ seam allowance unless otherwise noted. Sew one 2.5″ x 4.5″ strip onto each side of these squares. This is the top row of the quilt block. Press with iron when done. Set aside.

Second Row

Take both strips, right side facing you and lay side by side. Place one 2.5″ x 2.5″ square on top of each strip, wrong side facing down with the diagonal line facing you. Sew directly on the diagonal line, then trim to 1/4″ seam. Line your quilting rulers 1/4″ line on top of your stitch line and trim. Press open with iron when done. Then join the two strips together, nesting the seams, using 1/4″ seam allowance. Press with iron when done. Set aside under the first row.

​Third Row

Take both strips, right side facing you and lay side by side. Place one 2.5″ x 2.5″ square on top of each strip, wrong side facing down with the diagonal line facing you. Sew directly on the diagonal line, then trim to 1/4″ seam. Line your quilting rulers 1/4″ line on top of your stitch line and trim. Press open with iron when done. Sew one strip to each side of the main 2.5″ x 2.5″ square. Press with iron when done. Set aside under the second row.

Fourth Row

Take both strips, right side facing you and lay side by side. Place one 2.5″ x 2.5″ square on top of each strip, wrong side facing down with the diagonal line facing you. Sew directly on the diagonal line, then trim to 1/4″ seam. Line your quilting rulers 1/4″ line on top of your stitch line and trim. Then sew the strips together, flippy corners will be on the outside with main on bottom and background on top. Press with iron when done. Set aside under third row.

Fifth Row

Sew one strip 2.5″ x 4″ of background onto each side of the 2.5″ x 2.5″  trunk square. Press with iron when done. Set aside under fourth row.

Sew Rows Together

When sewing the rows together, pin with straight pins or clips at both ends first, then pin the rest of the row. Sew together using 1/4″ seam allowance. Sew first and second rows together, press with iron when done.

Then sew the third and fourth rows together, press with iron when done.

Next, sew the fifth row onto the fourth row. Finally, sew the second row to the third row, pressing with iron when done.

​This block size has a finished size of 9.5″ x 10.5″. Not your typical quilt block size. You can add a border to the block to make it 12″ or 15″. Just add the difference in inches and don’t forget to add 1/4″ for your seam allowance.

Christmas tree quilt blocks are so popular, I hope you enjoy making this one. Skill level is beginner and up. Please check out my blog for more free quilt patterns and tutorials.

If you liked this post, here are more you like:

Little Stars Sawtooth Mini Table Runner

Jolly Pinwheel Table Topper

Jingle Geese Mini Table Runner

Candy Cane Crochet Pillow

Ugly Christmas Sweater (Crochet)

Christmas Tree Quilt Block Pattern – BEGINNER SUPPLIES

Here are some quilting tools and supplies I recommend. I make a small commission if you purchase through the links, this helps to support this free content. For more info, check out Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools To Start).

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ABOUT SEW NIKKI

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! Just print this post for the free pattern. My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.

I hope you enjoy making this free Christmas tree quilt pattern, it was fun to make and really satisfying. Share your creations using this block and make sure you tag #SewNikkiChristmas.

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Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!