Stitchtale

Modern Tree quilt block

A simple pieced tree that looks lovely in a row across a holiday quilt.

6 steps, start to finishWatch the Modern Tree sew up, cut to press.
Sew a Modern Tree quilt

Try it in your colours

Try it in your colours

Tap a colourway, or pick each fabric. The film at the top changes too.

Colourways

Or pick each fabric

Love it? Find real fabric in these colours at the fabric shop.

Cut sizes for one Modern Tree block

Pick the finished size. Every cut includes the ¼″ seam allowance.

Cutting for one 6″ finished Modern Tree block
PieceCutQty
Half-square trianglemain fabric3⅞″ × 3⅞″1
Half-square trianglebackground fabric3⅞″ × 3⅞″1
Half-square trianglemain fabric2⅜″ × 2⅜″1
Half-square trianglebackground fabric2⅜″ × 2⅜″1
Point squaremain fabric2″ × 2″2
Background squarebackground fabric2″ × 2″2
Point rectanglemain fabric3½″ × 2″1
Cutting for one 9″ finished Modern Tree block
PieceCutQty
Half-square trianglemain fabric5⅜″ × 5⅜″1
Half-square trianglebackground fabric5⅜″ × 5⅜″1
Half-square trianglemain fabric3⅛″ × 3⅛″1
Half-square trianglebackground fabric3⅛″ × 3⅛″1
Point squaremain fabric2¾″ × 2¾″2
Background squarebackground fabric2¾″ × 2¾″2
Point rectanglemain fabric5″ × 2¾″1
Cutting for one 12″ finished Modern Tree block
PieceCutQty
Half-square trianglemain fabric6⅞″ × 6⅞″1
Half-square trianglebackground fabric6⅞″ × 6⅞″1
Half-square trianglemain fabric3⅞″ × 3⅞″1
Half-square trianglebackground fabric3⅞″ × 3⅞″1
Point squaremain fabric3½″ × 3½″2
Background squarebackground fabric3½″ × 3½″2
Point rectanglemain fabric6½″ × 3½″1

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 Modern Tree 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 4 by 4 grid, so a finished size that divides by 4 gives you friendly cutting numbers. The cut sizes for all three are on this page.

How many Modern Tree 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 Modern Tree 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 Modern Tree?

Cut your trunk from something darker than the branches, so the tree stands up on its own.

Coffee and a few seams?

Start a quilt with the Modern Tree and we’ll walk you through every cut and seam.

Sew a Modern Tree quilt