How to Make the Shadow Box Quilt Block

Join me again this year as I provide instructions for how to make a different quilt block each month. Eventually, all these blocks will turn into a great quilt! For the month of April, we are making the Shadow Box Quilt Block. This block can take on lots of different looks depending on your fabric choices!

The Shadow Box Quilt Block made in a variety of blues  

For a 12 inch finished block (12.5 inch unfinished), you will need to cut the following: 

Background Color (Light Blue)

- 4 of 4 x 4 inch squares 

- 4 of 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch squares

Medium Blue

- 4 of 4 x 4 inch squares 

Dark Blue 

- 2 of 4 x 4 inch squares

White 

- 2 of 4 x 4 inch squares

 Squares of fabric cut out to make the block

Sew 

Make the half square triangles.

On the back of the white 4 inch squares, draw a diagonal line, corner to corner.

White squares with line drawn on them

Pin a dark blue 4 inch square to the white square, right sides together. 

Stitch on both sides of the drawn line, a scant 1/4 inch away.

Half Square Triangle Diagram

Cut on the drawn line, and press to the dark side.

Trim to be 3 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches square each.

Repeat with the other white and dark blue square to make 4 total half square triangles. 

Repeat with the light blue and medium blue squares to make 8 total half square triangles. 

Fabric squares ready to be sewn

Layout the half square triangles and the remaining squares to match the picture. Stitch together each row. Then stitch the rows together. Press. 

 Shadow Box Quilt Block made with a variety of blues and white

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.

Check back each month for a new How-To of quilt blocks! To see the other blocks, just search my blog for Quilt Guild Block of the Month.

If you would like a PDF digital download of these instructions, check out Group #7 of the How-To Quilt Block of the Month.  Also, please check out the other blocks that are available for download here.

(This is classic block that has been designed by many people but these instructions are written by me.)  

Have fun quilting!


2 comments

  • This is wonderfully clear instruction on making a great design quilt.
    I started quilting last Sept (2021) in a block of the month club.
    I wish I’d had this tutorial when I started.
    I’ll keep this for reference for this shadow box design. Thank-you!

    Irene Hynes
  • I love these patterns and can’t wait to try them out

    Susan Young

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