Try it in your colours
Tap a colourway, or pick each fabric. The film at the top changes too.
Cut sizes for one Big Dipper block
Pick the finished size. Every cut includes the ¼″ seam allowance.
| Piece | Cut | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Half-square trianglemain fabric | 3⅞″ × 3⅞″ | 2 |
| Half-square trianglebackground fabric | 3⅞″ × 3⅞″ | 2 |
| Piece | Cut | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Half-square trianglemain fabric | 5⅜″ × 5⅜″ | 2 |
| Half-square trianglebackground fabric | 5⅜″ × 5⅜″ | 2 |
| Piece | Cut | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Half-square trianglemain fabric | 6⅞″ × 6⅞″ | 2 |
| Half-square trianglebackground fabric | 6⅞″ × 6⅞″ | 2 |
In the film the triangle squares start a little big and get trimmed to size, which is the easy way to sharp points. The chart gives the exact cut if you’d rather skip the trim.
Good to know
What size should I make a Big Dipper block?
Any size that suits your quilt. 12″ is the easiest to sew, and 9″ or 6″ look lovely in a busy, scrappy quilt. It sits on a 2 by 2 grid, so a finished size that divides by 2 gives you friendly cutting numbers. The cut sizes for all three are on this page.
How many Big Dipper blocks do I need for a quilt?
At 12″ you need 9 blocks for a wall quilt, 12 for a baby quilt, 30 for a throw, 48 for a twin quilt and 72 for a queen quilt. Sashing or a border between them means fewer blocks for the same size.
Is the Big Dipper good for a beginner?
Yes, if you take it slowly. The one new skill is the half-square triangles, and the film at the top shows every cut, seam and press.
What's the trick to a neat Big Dipper?
Use a light and a dark with real contrast. Squint at them together before you cut.
Coffee and a few seams?
Start a quilt with the Big Dipper and we’ll walk you through every cut and seam.
Sew a Big Dipper quilt