How to Make a Checklist Quilt Block

A link in the Sew Much Fun Blog Hop tour!

One of the first things I like to do at the start of a new year is to make a list of all my quilt projects. Which ones I didn’t finish from the year before and which ones I want to tackle in the coming year. So, when I sat down to create a “New Year” themed quilt block, my checklist was the first thing that popped in my mind!

Sew Much Fun Quilt Tour

Last year a group of designers all participated in a super fun Quilt Around the Block tour where they all picked a state in the US and created a quilt block based on their state. Well, as you can imagine, I was super bummed that I didn’t find out about it in time to sign up for my state. After all, that kind of quilt block hop is right up my alley!

So, when the creators decided to do another quilt block hop, I jumped in! The Sew Much Fun Quilt Tour kicked off in 2021 and each Sunday a new block is added to the list. But I get to ring in 2022 with my own ‘New Year’ themed quilt block!!

You can check out more info on the blog hop at the end of this post.

While this particular block was required to finish at 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 for the Sew Much Fun Quilt Tour, you can easily make it bigger by adding more squares and stitch lines. Ooh…. maybe I’ll make one for next year’s quilt Christmas projects list….

Materials Needed

I do love a great scrap buster. And this little block is just the thing! Here’s what all you’ll need:

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Making Your Checklist Quilt Block

The first thing you’ll need to do to make your Checklist Quilt Block is to cut out your scrap pieces. For the Background you’ll need the following:

1 1/2 x 1 1/2 – two pieces
1 1/2 x 6 1/2 – one piece
4 1/2 x 6 1/2 – one piece

Then you’ll need a total of FOUR 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 squares from your scrap pieces.

Let’s get stitching!

Place your squares in the order you’d like your checklist. Make sure there is one background square on the top and one on the bottom.

Then, using a SCANT 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch the squares together and press all seams OPEN.

Next, using the same SCANT 1/4 in seam allowance, stitch the 1 1/2 x 6 1/2 background strip to the LEFT side of your squares strip.

Then stitch your 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 background piece to the RIGHT side of your square strip. Press all seams toward the background strips.

Now, you could just stop here. But where’s the fun in that!?

Adding the ‘Bling’

To get the ‘lines’ on your block you can either wait until you’ve placed the Checklist Quilt Block into the full quilt top and add them in during the full quilting process.

Or… you can add them now!

To do this, cut a piece of the fusible fleece to 6 x 6 square. Then, center the glue side facing the WRONG side of your Checklist Quilt Block and press to fuse.

PRO TIP: To apply the fusible fleece, make sure the glue is facing the WRONG or back side of your fabric and your fabric is facing up on the pressing mat. Then, gently and in a constant motion, run your iron over the fabric. DO NOT fuse with the fleece side up as the iron will burn / melt it.

Next, using a WATER SOLUBLE fabric pen and your square ruler, draw in your lines.

Begin at the bottom right corner of each 1 x 1 square going right. Stop approximately 1 1/4 inch from the right edge of your block.

PRO TIP: When drawing with a fabric pen, DO NOT draw too heavily. You just want it enough so that you can see the line. If you draw to heavily, the ink can get down into and below the fabric and may not wash out.

For this step I like to use a darker thread. One that will match but definitely be seen. For this block I chose my purple Aurifil 50 wt. piecing thread.

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Quilted Keychain Pattern (PDF)

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Winter 3-in-1 Table Quilts Pattern

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Stonehenge Quilt Kit

Original price was: $149.00.Current price is: $120.00.
Stargazer Quilt Pattern

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To add the lines you are also basically quilting the Checklist Quilt Block as you go. Therefore, start at the bottom of your block and work your way up “stitching in the ditch”. When you reach the first drawn line, stop. Pivot your needle. Then stitch ON your line to the end then back up to your blocks.

Continue up the row of squares and stitching up and down each drawn line along the way.

Once you’ve finished all your stitching, you’ll want to erase the drawn lines. To do this, use a damp towel or cloth and gently rub the cloth over your lines. As long as the lines were not drawn too heavily, they should disappear easily.

And voila! You’ve just completed your Checklist Quilt Block!

Now, to ‘bling’ it up even more, you can use a permanent marker to write on your checklist items. You can even stitch some check marks or ‘x’s on those little squares!

Or, if you use a water soluble marker to write on the lines, you can use your Checklist Quilt Block over and over again!

What to do with your Checklist quilt block

Be sure to check out the rest of quilt blocks on the Sew Much Fun Quilt tour to catch up on all the fun blocks! Then, be sure to share them in the Sew Much Fun Block Tour Facebook group and tag me @RonatheRibbiter on both Facebook and Instagram!

Coming up this month are… Quilt Fabrication, Faith and Fabric and Slice of Pi Quilts!

Whether you’re participating in the Sew Much Fun Quilt Tour or not, this little checklist quilt block can also make a great gift project or a fun addition to a themed quilt! How will you use your Checklist Quilt Block?

Turn this block into the Little Zipper Bag!!
More Project Posts
Take the big Quilter’s Bucket List Challenge!
Want to visit a Quilt Show? Check out the entire list HERE!
Complete lists of Quilt Shops in the US
How to Get that Travel Budget under control

Do you know someone who would love to make this Checklist Quilt Block? Click the buttons below to share the list with your friends! Then be sure to share your blocks with us in the Traveling Quilters group on Facebook!