Seriously..I think it needs stitches.: Umbrella Quilt Block Tutorial

A few years ago, I did an umbrella quilt block for Quiltmaker mag's 100 blocks issue. So when I saw that it was National Umbrella Day today, I wanted to add that to my scrap quilt. I just used the same basic block but shrunk it from 12" to 8". Because my National Days quilt needs an umbrella! I love colorful umbrellas! This block makes great use of 1 1/2 x 8 1/2" strips. And goes together pretty quick.

Here's how to stitch a stripey umbrella.. (using scant quarter inch seams)

Fabric A (background):
(1) 1" sq. (~)
(1) 1 1/2 x 3 1/2" (***)
(2) 2 1/2" sq.
(1) 3 1/2 x 4 1/2"
(1) 4 x 4 1/2"

Fabric B (umbrella stripe):
(2) 1 1/2 x 8 1/2"

Fabric C (umbrella stripe):
(2) 1 1/2 x 8 1/2"

Fabric D (umbrella handle):
(1) 1" sq. (~)
(1) 1 x 1 1/2" (>)
(1) 1 x 4 1/2" (>>>>)

Double Upper Corners

1. Place a square at the left end or left upper corner of a rectangle or larger square, right sides together.
2. Stitch from right upper to left lower corner.
3. Clip, flip & press.
4. Place a square at the right end or right upper corner of a rectangle or larger square, right sides together.
5. Stitch from left upper corner to right lower corner.
6. Clip, flip & press.

~Stitch four 1 1/2 x 8 1/2" strips together as shown below.

~Using the above strip unit, and (2) 2 1/2" sq. of Fabric A, make one double upper corners clip & flip unit.

~Assemble block as shown below.

There you have it! A simple little scrappy umbrella block! I love this one! I hope you like it too, if you make it. I think a whole scrappy umbrella quilt would be really cute! Maybe that should be my next scrappy project after this National Days quilt. I really want to make more of these.

Here's how my block turned out.. I should say, I couldn't find a scrap of white the right size, so I ended up using a bright floral print for one of the pieces and flipping it to the wrong side, because I'm committed to making do with what I can find in my scrap bin! I don't hate it, and kinda wish I'd done all of the background pieces like that. Gives a "spring showers" feel to the block. 😃🎕

If you're just finding these blocks and would like to see the rest of them, this is #27 of 144, they are all linked on the National Days page, *HERE*. If you make any and post them on social media, come find me on IG @kellifanninquilts so I can see. I love to see everyone's blocks. If you'd like to see lots of other blocks and quilts, come join the sew along group on my FB page, *HERE*.

Happy Monday and Happy Stitching! I hope you're off to a great week!

xoxo