how to make quilt block pattern tiles with a cricut Machine
I’ve been having so much fun playing with my quilt block pattern tiles from my book, Quilting Adventures, that I wanted to share how to make your own simplified set to play with!
If you would like make a set of blocks similar to the ones I made, I’ve added the SVG files to the Digital Downloads section of my book, Quilting Adventures, as a bonus! If you’ve already got a copy of the book, you can access that here:
I know not everyone has a copy of the book, so I’ve also created an SVG file for simple Half Square Triangles and Squares to go with this how-to guide. With these two simple quilting elements you can still have a lot of fun playing with different layouts and creating new block ideas!
Or if you’d like access to all the digital resources as well as everything else that comes with the book, you can pick up your copy here:
This guide will walk you through the process of creating a set of simple half square triangle and square quilt block tiles using vinyl decals using a Cricut machine.
I made my set of pattern tiles using a Cricut machine, but if you don’t have access to one, then I’ve got a blog post about how you can make a similar set of HST and Squares tiles using stamps, paint, or by simply coloring in with a sharpie! You can read that over here:
Materials
Materials Needed
Wooden tiles (I used these 1½″ x 1½″ wooden ones)
Cricut Machine
Cricut Blade (my machine came with it, but you’ll need this one to cut the vinyl)
Vinyl Sheets: I would suggest working with one color to focus in on the patterns that emerge first and then add in color once you have a block layout you like and want to explore further!
Cricut Cutting Mat: StandardGrip is recommended (not required if you’re using Cricut’s Smart Vinyl)
Computer or Mobile Device (to use Cricut Design Space).
Design Files: SVG files of your quilting blocks. If you’d like to skip making your own, you can download those here:
Optional Materials
Weeding Tools: since these are simple and relatively large cuts, I don’t think you’ll need these, but if you like to use them, make sure to have them on hand too!
Transfer Tape: Because of the size and cuts of these HSTs and Squares, I do not use transfer tape for my design and I will skip this step below. If you want to use transfer tape, feel free, though it may be tricky as there is no free “space” in between the shapes to optimize the vinyl yardage.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 0: Decide How Many Tiles to make
Think about the quilt block “grid” you’ll be working within
Many classic quilt blocks exist on a grid, from 2 x 2 up to 12 x 12 (and beyond!). Common grids are 4 x 4, 6 x 6, and 8 x 8. So before starting, think about what kind of grid you want to play within as this will help determine how many tiles to make.
Decide how many tiles to make and whether you’re making just HSTs, Squares, or a combination of the two
Once you’ve decided what kind of grid (or grids!) you want to work with, determine how many blocks you’ll need to have on hand to play with. Do you want to be able to have enough HSTs for each square of the grid? Do you want to just have a couple? I personally like to be able to have enough HSTs to cover my grid, while also having a rough ratio of two-thirds HSTs to one thirds Squares on hand (remembering that the blank backs of either can also be used when playing with your pattern).
Remember that there is no wrong answer and the SVG files provide more than enough designs for you to play with across the three files:
HST + Squares: 42 HSTs and 28 Squares
HSTs only: 98 HSTs
Squares only: 49 Squares
Step 1: Prepare Your Designs
Download the SVG files
Sign up via the email signup above for your FREE set of SVG files. There are three files included in the download, but you don’t have to use all three:
HST + Squares: 42 HSTs and 28 Squares
HSTs only: 98 HSTs
Squares only: 49 Squares
Step 2: Set Up Your Project
Create a new project
Open Cricut Design Space on your computer or mobile device.
Click on "New Project" in Cricut Design Space.
Upload the SVG design files to cricut design space
Click on "Upload" and then "Upload Image".
Browse your computer folders for the HSTs and Squares SVG files and upload them one by one.
Add the design file to the canvas
Select your recently uploaded file
Click “Add to Canvas”
Size your designs (if needed)
These designs are sized for 1½″ x 1½″ tiles. If you are working with a different size tile then you will need to resize them to your desired dimensions (and perhaps delete a couple of the designs to make them all fit your canvas).
Arrange the designs
The designs are sized and laid out for a Cricut Maker 3, for 1½″ x 1½″ tiles. There are three different layouts included:
HST + Squares: 42 HSTs and 28 Squares
HSTs only: 98 HSTs
Squares only: 49 Squares
If needed, arrange the designs on the canvas, deleting any of the HSTs or Squares as needed to fit on your vinyl sheet.
Click “Attach” to lock the design into place.
Step 3: Cut the Vinyl
Prepare the cutting mat:
If you’re using a cutting mat: place your vinyl sheet on the Cricut cutting mat, aligning it properly before loading the mat
If you’re using Cricut’s Smart Vinyl, you’ll load directly in the next step
Choose and set the material and load mat:
Click “Make” and follow the prompts to load the mat or smart vinyl into the Cricut machine.
Cut the designs:
Continue to follow the machine’s prompts to start cutting!
Step 4: Weed the Vinyl (optional)
Remove excess vinyl (Optional)
If it makes it easier for you to work, use the weeding tools to remove the excess vinyl around your HSTs and/or Squares (I just leave the border on). Be gentle to avoid tearing the vinyl!
Step 5: Transfer the Vinyl to the Tiles
Peel off one HST or Square
Carefully peel off one HST or Square at a time, being careful not to tear the vinyl
Position the Vinyl
Using the corners as a guide to position the vinyl, align one corner of the HST or Square with a corner of the tile
Press down firmly to affix the vinyl to the tile
Using your fingers, press down the vinyl to the tile, making sure there are no wrinkles or bubbles
If the edge of the HST or Square isn’t lining up to your satisfaction, reposition and reaffix (I have found that the vinyl can be gently removed and affixed to get a nice clean edge).
Repeat with all your blocks
Next Steps
Now that you’ve made a set of HSTs and Squares, start playing with different block layouts! As a warm-up, try recreating some of your favorite classic quilt block layouts. Then try changing one block at a time by rotating them or swapping a triangle for a square. And don’t forget that the blank side of the tile can be used too in your design!