The Cactus Rose Quilt Block

The Cactus Rose quilt block is a very old block that has been known by many different names in the past 200 years. I decided to show the Cactus Rose or Cactus Basket in honor of this months desert themed blog hop.

Before starting this project, I recommend that you press your fabric with spray sizing. It will make it easier to cut small pieces. Take the time to clean your machine, put in a new needle, and fill a few bobbins. When pressing, just hold the iron over a spot for a moment or two. This pattern assumes a perfect 1/4” seam.

Fabric Requirements and Cutting Instructions for the Block

Sand Background

• (2) 3-1/2″ squares
• (3) 4″ squares
• (2) 3-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ rectangles

Red Leaves

• (2) 4″ squares
• (1) 7″ square

Green Basket

• (1) 4″ squares
• (1) 7″ square

How to Create and Square Up a Half Square Triangle (HST) Quilt Block

The Traditional Method of making Half Square Triangle Blocks (HSTs) is to place two identical squares right sides together. These squares should be 7/8″ larger than the finished size of the final HST. Draw a diagonal line on the back of one square. Sew 1/4″ on both sides of the line. Cut on the line and press to the dark.

You will have made two identical Half Square Triangle (HST) blocks. My personal preference is to cut squares 1″ larger than the finished size of the final HST and square it up to the correct size after pressing.

There are two ways you can square up your block.

You can place a square ruler so the diagonal line is directly over the seam and just cut two sides. Quilt-in-a-Day has a Square Up Ruler that uses this method.

Or you can press open the block (pressing to the dark) and square it up using a ruler the same size as the block you are making. A fussy-cut ruler with lines on both diagonals will be very helpful with this.

Make these HSTs

Piecing the Block

To piece this part of the block, you will need the (4) 3-1/2″ Red/Sand HSTs, the 6-1/2″ Red/Green HST and a 3-1/2″ Sand square. Press to the center.

Make Two of these units for the block side and bottom border using the (2) Sand 3-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ rectangles and the (2) Green HSTs.

Add the remaining 3-1/2″ Sand square and finish piecing it like this, again pressing to the center:

You are done! Four of these would make a great Mini-Quilt. For example:

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If you would like to make this block in a different size, you need our free technique sheet with a chart.

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