Nordic November Block of the Month - Danish Heart

It's BOM time and because it is Nordic November, it is also fitting that we use a block which has been inspired from that part of the world.

Enter the famous Danish Heart!

I am sure that you have seen these around but they don't occur too often as a quilt block. I have 'translated' this one and what I have come up with is very simple to make and super impactful (that is a thing I promise).....

So, what do we need?

-fat 8th of red fabric

-fat 8th of a second red/white fabric

-fat qu. of something for the background which will set the red and white off nicely. Grey is good as is white or linen. Have a look at the Essex yarn dyed linens around. A low volume white and grey or a text print would look fab too.

There is no template for this pattern, I will give you the measurements as we go along. There is an added dimension of applique this time too.

Begin by taking your two lots of red and red/white fabrics and cutting nine squares from them each square measuring 4.5cm x 4.5cm. You need five of one and four of the other. Sew them together to make a nine patch block....

Now make a circle template from thin card (like a cereal packet). the circle is 10cm diameter. Cut this template in half exactly. This shape forms the top sections of the heart. Cut one from each fabric...

You can see where this is going now!

Fold the half circle in half and crease it to get the centre mark and do the same on your nine patch. Line up the two creases and sew a semi circle to the top of two sides of your nine patch....

You will notice that you have a small gap each side of the heart top. This has to be there, it is the seam allowance for turning under....

This seam allowance is especially important where the two semi circles meet. The really important side for this is the left (it will become the middle); you can trim it off the outsides. My heart is now ready to applique...

The rest of this block is done with needle turn applique. Of course, you can use any sort of applique method you like - it might be quicker by machine if you are making a large quilt! Either way, mount it onto your grey or linen fabric. You will need about a 25cm piece.

Here it is again, all finished...

Just a heads up for next week's post, we are going to turn this into something round but you could also make a few of these blocks and use them in a larger project. They look cute as cushions too. Cannot wait to show you what I have dreamed up to make with this. I think that you will really love it. 'til next time then!

Oh, by the way....don't forget to check out my other blocks of the month in the drop down section (across the top of this page).

Love and hugs

Debbie xxx