I started with a fussy cut square and then added the logs to two sides until each block measured at least 8″ square. Initially I wasn’t sure how I’d want to lay them out – I considered making these blocks in a variety of sizes and laying them out so they all faced in one direction. After deciding to make them all 8″ blocks, I decided I like them best in this bento box type of layout.

My original goal was to make twice as many of these blocks which would make for a generously sized lap quilt, but now that I have them up on my design wall, I’m once again thinking that it would make for fun art instead…. maybe framed? (perhaps time to switch these out?). Ah, I can’t decide, but for now I’m enjoying them on the design wall!

(Please keep in mind that this is just a quick little tutorial to show you how I constructed the blocks for my modified bento box quilt. There are tutorials you can purchase for the standard bento box quilt – I’ve never seen the pattern, and I really have no idea how the blocks are constructed in the pattern. I’m led to believe that this is not the same method, so I feel ok posting it here…)

The measurements provided are what I used for my quilt, but the technique would be the same if you decided to change the size of your strips, or the final size of your blocks. Using this method you’ll construct large blocks which you’ll then cut into quarters. These measurements produce a block that is 16″ square (or 15.5″ square, if you’re like me and aren’t as precise!) which is then cut into four blocks that are 8″ square (or 7.75″ in my case!) Please note that 1/4″ seam allowances are used.

All that being said, let’s get started! First off, select a bunch of fabrics you’d like to use. I probably used around 10-15 prints and about 5 solids for my version, but this is totally up to you!

Select a fabric for the center of your block and cut this to 6″ square. Then select the fabric for the second ring of the square. This fabric will be cut to 1 1/2″ wide. You need 2 pieces 1.5″ x 6″ and 2 pieces 1.5″ x 8″.

Sew the shorter strips to the opposite sides of the square. Press. (I press mine to one side, but you could certainly press your seams open if you’d rather). Repeat this process for the second set of opposing strips. Press again.

The next ring is 2″ wide, and for this ring you’ll need 2 strips that are 2″ x 8″ and 2 strips that are 2″ x 11″. Repeat the process to sew the shorter strips to opposing sides, and press. Repeat with the next set of opposing strips.

The third ring is 1.25″ wide, and for this ring you’ll need 2 strips that are 1.25″ x 11″ and 2 that are 1.25″ x 12.5″. Repeat steps from above.

The last ring is 2.25″ wide. For this one you’ll need 2 strips 2.25″ x 12.5″ and 2 that are 2.25 x 16″.

In theory, this should result in a block that is 16″ square. (this assumes that you have perfect 1/4″ seams and that your ironing skills are spot on!). In reality, my blocks always ended up just shy of 16″ square, so instead of worrying about it, I opted to trim them down to 15.5″ square. I just eyeballed it and trimmed a bit from each side, but in order to make sure everything lines up correctly, you’ll should mark the center of the block and measure out 7.75″ from the center on each side and use this as a trim line.

Once your block is square, you can simply cut it into four equal pieces. In my example, with a 15.5″ block, I measured in 7.75″ and cut the block in half and then repeated for the other side.

You’ll now have four equal blocks that are 7.75″ square. (or 8″ square if your sewing and ironing skills are better than mine!)

Repeat the process for constructing these blocks, changing up your fabrics and the placements of those fabrics and then rearrange the quarter squares into full blocks.

Sew your blocks back together, and then sew all the large blocks together into a quilt top! For the quilt I made, I made a total of 12 full blocks, which resulted in a smallish quilt, measuring about 40″ x 54″ after washing.

Enjoy! And as always, feel free to comment with any questions or if you spot any errors!

Oh, and an aside – I made this block for the tutorial, but don’t have any plans for it… if anyone’s interested in these 4 quarter blocks, leave a comment. If more than one person is interested, I’ll let random.org pick someone tomorrow!

Edited to add: The winner has been selected – Congrats to Jessica Brown!

This one’s done! It’s still busy and it still makes me a little dizzy, but as expected, I am liking it more now that it’s completed.

For those who may not have seen the original post about this quilt, this is my take on the bento box quilt. I thought it might add a little interest to add a few more pieces to each block and to change the width of the strips a bit. A tutorial is posted here on the way I constructed these blocks.

I quilted it with a random meandering, using a light gray thread. (I use Mettler thread, and I can only say good things about it!) Initially I wasn’t sure I liked the gray on this quilt – it ended up being quite noticeable on the lighter backing, but I decided I could live with it (I just couldn’t bear the thought of ripping it all out to start again!)

The binding is a great turquoise stripe from the Lizzy House Red Letter Day line. And I’ve already shown you the back, but here it is again.

I wanted something simple, since the front is kind of busy, so these wide solid stripes seemed like a good idea. Of course I couldn’t resist adding in just a few other pieces of some of the prints from the front!

This one is on the smallish side, measuring about 40″ x 54″. I kept it small so I’d have enough of these fabrics for the second version (coming soon!)

I did finally get around to making the back for the modified bento box quilt (still no tutorial – sorry!). Hoping I’ll find some time this weekend to get it quilted.

I also started what I had hoped would be a quick project… a simple little summer dress using this great new Echino double gauze fabric. No luck.

I considered using the Socialite pattern again, but then thought maybe I should try out a different pattern. I should have known better. I don’t like patterns to begin with, so it’s probably a good idea to stick to those I’ve already tried and know I can follow! I don’t know exactly which pattern this is, but I can tell you I’m not a fan.

The back is ok, although pretty shapeless…

but the front leaves a bit to be desired (I don’t even want to show you!) and the view from the side – wow! not flattering. Not even a teeny tiny bit! I give it a thumbs down

(it was actually two thumbs down, but only one got pictured!) I’m going to try to make something wearable out of it – hopefully I have enough fabric left to make something a bit more flattering – a skirt, perhaps?