by Linda Theil
I am completely obsessed by this Christmas tree block I saw on the Shabby Fabrics YouTube channel. Using the info from the video, I made the block with basic colors from the "Grunge Seeing Stars" collection by BasicGrey for Moda. I added a very wonky star derived from the free "Easy Star" at Scissortail Quilting. My finished block with sashing measures 13 x 29-inches.
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| Wonky tree block and wonky star sewn by L. Theil |
Since I got some holiday themed, five-inch charm squares in my Christmas stocking, I wondered if I could use a five-inch square to make the wonky tree. I came up with a mini version using five-inch squares, although you will need larger cuts for making the background pieces. This mini version -- shown below -- is seven-inches square. I used the grunge fabric to make this sample.
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| Seven-inch square mini-wonky tree adapted by L Theil |
How to make a mini-wonky tree:
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| Using a 60-degree triangle ruler, cut two triangles with a five-inch base, and four inches high, from two contrasting fabrics. |
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| Cut the same sized triangle from larger cuts of background fabric, at least 8x6-inches; you can't use precut charm squares for your background. This can be one background fabric, or several backgrounds of similar color. Discard the tree shapes from the background fabric, and save the backgrounds to attach to trees. |
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| Sew a set of backgrounds to each triangle tree piece. |
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| You need the extra background fabric so you won't loose your points when you sew your blocks together. |
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| Complete two triangles with background. |
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| I stacked my two triangles for slicing, but now I think it might be interesting to try two different slicing options. |
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| Cut across triangles twice at different angles, making sure to leave enough space for seams. With five-inch trees, this does not leave a lot of room for variation. |
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| Alternate sliced triangle pieces to build tree. |
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| Beginning at bottom of tree, stitch each slice together. |
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| The finished tree is about six-inches high. |
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| Cut a piece of background about 7x2-inches. |
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| Cut the background piece in half. |
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| Insert a tree-trunk piece about 2x2-inches, or any width trunk you prefer. |
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| Sew the background pieces to the sides of the trunk. |
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| Sew trunk strip to bottom of tree. Square up your tree to a size you choose. This one will square up at about 7x7-inches. Add sashing if you wish. |
I like the little wonky tree!
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