Connections Quilt Block

What do you think of when you hear the word "Connections"?

My first thought was trains. I don't know if it's the fact I grew up in Switzerland with trains and catching connections as an everyday fact of life, but I read the word and immediately thought about a train map. Or, more accurately, a stylized Underground map, because we were playing Scotland Yard with the kids over the holidays and I had London on my mind.

Connections FPP quilt block pattern by Penny Spool Quilts - stylized subway map quilt block in red, yellow, blue and green on white

FPP and Traditional Piecing

The Connections quilt block will be available as both a foundation paper pieced (FPP) pattern as well as traditionally pieced once it gets moved to the shop (the free version is FPP only). That's something I've had quite a few requests on lately, so I'm going to try out offering both for some of the patterns where it's possible, starting with this subway map. If there is an existing FPP pattern you'd like to see converted to traditional piecing, please send me an email to let me know and I'll put it on the list of patterns to try to puzzle out.

If you are new to foundation paper piecing and want to give it a go, I wrote an FPP tutorial for the Clover blog to help you get started with the technique. It's a full photo tutorial and comes with a free, simple pine tree block to get you started.

If you just need to gain a little more quilty confidence, I have a few patterns in the shop that make perfect starter blocks to warm up with before diving into the more complicated blocks. Check out the Twisted Log Cabin, Popsicle, and Ice Cream Bar blocks to dip your toes in, or the Festive Forest table runner.

Using the Connections quilt block

The Connections quilt block is designed so it will connect to itself when set in a multi-block quilt. So this pattern is great for using on its own if you're looking for an abstract single block design, but it looks even more striking when put together into a larger quilt.

Connections quilt block pattern by Penny Spool Quilts - digital mockup of a 4x4 quilt to show how the blocks connect

Simply set the blocks in groups of four, leaving the top left block as is, and going around clockwise turning each block an extra quarter turn. So the top right block is turned one quarter, the bottom right two quarters, and the bottom left block gets turned three quarters around. Then repeat the sets of four blocks as often as needed to make the size of quilt you like.

Connections quilt block pattern by Penny Spool Quilts - digital mockup of a 2x2 quilt using the Connections quilt block

The Connections FPP quilt block pattern is now available in the pattern shop.

*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available in the pattern shop.

Don't forget to check out all the other Connections themed blocks this month!

 Quilt Block Mania February 2023 - free quilt blocks

 

Heart and Star
Woven Heart by Inquiring Quilter
Puzzle Block by Inflorescnece
Connected Hearts by BoBerry Design Co.
Mardi Gras Geese
Chain Link by Sugar Sand Quilt Co.
Linked by QuiltFabrication
Irish Chain
DNA by Palm Creations
Hello at Patti's Patchwork
Lover's Knot at Lovingly, Lissa
Double Hearts by Appliques Quilts and More
Key to my Heart
Connections by Penny Spool Quilts
WiFi Signal by Crafty Staci
With Love By Sew Cute And Quirky
Text Me!
Braided Love by Kaye Collins
Celtic Tree of Life By Sallys' Sewing Circle
Hearts Together Block by Sew Worthy Mama
Sunshine Village Church by Sarah Marcina
Braille Block
Left and Right Block at The (not so) Dramatic Life
Love Encircled by Jessica of Blue Sky Modern Craft
Celtic Hearts by A Piece of Quiet Quilts
Half Friendship Star with Heart by Blue Bear Quilts

37 comments

  • I like this new block and this month’s QBM theme … Thanks for sharing

    Rosemary
  • Seems a bit strange to comment to get the Connections block for QuiltMania this month.

    Cathy Hepburn
  • I don’t see a place to fill in the information except here in the comments. I am already a subscriber.

    Susan
  • I love this new pattern and would like to download it in either the FPP or pieced instructions. Thank you

    Deborah Grissom
  • Thank you for this new block. I am already on your mailing list but when I click on the link in the email it just takes me to the blog post so hope this works

    Judy

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