Maryland Beauty Quilt Block

The traditional Maryland Beauty quilt block pattern has half-square triangles along the straight edges of the dark pieces that are illustrated above. It's a lovely block, but this simplified version can be just as effective if you choose fabrics with lots of visual texture.

My Maryland Beauty quilt block is a perfect swap block. It's not too difficult for beginners, it doesn't have a ton of patches, and a scrappy mixture of Maryland Beauty quilt blocks makes a fantastic quilt.

Finished Block Size: Your choice, 6", 9", or 12" block

Cutting Chart for Two 12" Finished Quilt Blocks

Dark Fabric

• Three 6-7/8" x 6-7/8" squares; leave one intact and cut the other two diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner to create four right triangles

Coordinating Solid or Tone-on-Tone

• One 6-7/8" x 6-7/8" square
• One 12-7/8" x 12-7/8" square, cut diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner to create two right triangles

Cutting Chart for Two 9" Finished Quilt Blocks

Dark Fabric

• Three 5-3/8" x 5-3/8" squares; leave one intact and cut the other two diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner to create four right triangles

Coordinating Solid or Tone-on-Tone

• One 5-3/8" x 5-3/8" square
• One 9-7/8" x 9-7/8" square, cut diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner to create two right triangles

Cutting Chart for Two 6" Finished Quilt Blocks

Dark Fabric

• Three 3-7/8" x 3-7/8" squares; leave one intact and cut the other two diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner to create four right triangles

Coordinating Solid or Tone-on-Tone

• One 3-7/8" x 3-7/8" square
• One 6-7/8" x 6-7/8" square, cut diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner to create two right triangles[/ul