Today I have a quilt block tutorial showing you how to sew up one of these Adori quilt blocks. Sound good? Let’s get to it!
Adori is a log cabin-based quilt block and is made from 3 main fabrics and a background fabric. So first of all, you need to choose your fabrics! Will you go for a monochrome palette, or something neutral and very grown-up looking?
Or perhaps like me you’ll go super-colourful* (I’ve chosen some Tula Pink prints here).
I recommend using fabrics that are either solid or have a non-directional print so you won’t have to worry about fabrics appearing “upside down”.
Once you have your 3 main fabrics and a background fabric, the next big decision is what order you’ll put them in. I will say that this is the part that takes me the longest to decide on.
They all look great, right? So which to choose? Sigh.
Not only that, but then there’s the colours and layout of the whole quilt:
If you use a 5 x 7 block layout, this will give you a quilt that finishes 60″ x 84″ (Twin size).
Don’t forget to consider different background colours too. That will make it even harder/longer to choose. You’re welcome. :)
Adori Quilt Block Instructions
Right, let’s get on with sewing this quilt block! Firstly, you’ll need to cut the following pieces for each quilt block (C1 = colour 1, etc, and the white is your background fabric):
We’re going to go through each colour group and sew the required components.
Please note that I will be pressing all seams outwards for this block. If you are going to be making a quilt without sashing (i.e. you’ll be joining these blocks directly together) then you’ll want to press the seams for alternate blocks in different directions [outwards AND inwards]. That way your seams will nest when you sew your blocks together. The best way to keep track of this is to mark it on your colour-in sheet PDF download.
Start with first 3 pieces of fabric in the C1 column. Sew the small background pieces to each of the short edges of the C1 rectangle, like this (the arrows show my outward pressing directions. Reverse direction if you’re making an inward pressed block):
Now take the last two pieces of fabric in the C1 column and sew them together, then cut in half to give two components, each 2″ wide:
OK, moving along to the next colour. Just like we did with the last two pieces, take the C2 and background fabrics and sew them together. Then cut them apart into four 2″ components each:
And finally, we do the same again with C3:
We’ll now sew the four log cabin corners for the block. Each log cabin will use a “short” and “long” component in C2 and C3, as well as a 2.75″ background square:
Sew the first round of the log cabin with the centre square, the short C2 component and then the long C2 component. Complete the log cabin with the second round using the short and long C3 components. (Remember to press your seams according to whether it’s an inward or outward block – mine are outward here):
We’re on the home stretch now. Take the two short C1 components and sew them in between 2 of the log cabins as seen below:
And now sew these two parts either side of the long C1 component to give the final block (measures 12.5′ x 12.5″ unfinished):
Wahoo! You’ve finished your Adori block.
If you’d prefer to have these instructions in a printable PDF, you can purchase them over here in my shop. The pattern also includes the instructions for Adori’s sister block, called Alex (seen below). Pop over here to see the Alex quilt block tutorial.
Because the Alex and Adori quilt blocks both finish at 12″ square you can easily combine them into a quilt together.
I hope you find this tutorial useful, and if you do make something with this quilt block I’d love to see it. Drop me a line!
Cheers,
Kirsty
*affiliate link
Your block is absolutely amazing, and I love your color choices & the clear instructions! I’ve featured your post on Crafts on Display here: https://craftsondisplay.com/quilting/adori-quilt-block-tutorial-46556/
All the best,
Hi Linda, it could be something like an issue with your quarter inch seam? Because there are a lot of seams across the block, even a millimetre off can add up across the block. I’ve made this block quite a few times (and lots of people have sent me photos of theirs) so I know the measurements are right. I’m sorry I can’t say exactly what’s happening for you – I know how frustrating that can be.
A PDF would be nice and save us a lot of paper. Or sell it as a pattern.
Has anyone made a block? I measured twice, cut once, used a 1/4” foot and did not square up to 12 1/2”. I can only square it to 12” and can’t donate it into a challenge I was doing?
Hi Vee, I’m sorry you had a bad sewing experience, I’m not sure what might have gone wrong in your case. The block has been made by quite a few people by now
(here’s one example. )
I haven’t had anyone have issues with the finished size. Happy to help if you send more information! Cheers, Kirsty
I know your post is 1 year old so this might be too late to help…. for working with all these seams, an accurate “scant” ¼ inch is a must. I use 60 wt thread as it takes up less of that seam allowance and use a tailor’s wood clapper to securely press the seams. When pressing I would not use steam either as there could be shrinkage from that. And try pressing all seams open? I found not using the cutting mat to cut my pieces out as that is the least accurate measurements, use the same ruler and/or brand to cut out all the pieces. I know so many little details but they all add up to making a block come out true to the intended size.
Love this block… Especially in Tula!!! Thank you!!
I like this pattern very much..
Love anything slightly resembling a log cabin — I love your new take!
This is a great block, and I’ve just signed up to get your newsletters. Can you tell me what size the block finishes at please?
Hi Nanette, it’s 12.5″ unfinished (12″ finished).
Hi Kirsty,
only new to the newsletter and blog and emails, so i missed this one.
Lovely quilt block . Wonder what it would like in different color battic fabric . Guess I`ll have to try it . Thank you
new here and love your site! Thanks so much.
I am a major fan of your work so why am I amazed at the Adori Block? Because you have done it again! I love this block, what possibilities can’t be realized? Thank you so much. Keep ’em coming
Could I have pattern please. Thank you
Not only is this a great block and an awesome tutorial, it is a wonderful, personable post and I’m glad I took Julie’s lead and stopped in for a visit. Thank you!
Thank You for your very precise tut. I love your block. Colors are always a challenge for me so I really appreciate all your variations .
This is an awesome quilt block! Thank you for sharing the tutorial.
Is there a way to save the pdf without printing?
Hi Sheryl,
There’s no PDF for this one, unfortunately!
Fabulous block! Great instructions and I like seeing the different settings. Thanks for sharing. You are very talented.
Great tutorial. Thank you.
Great block! Thank you for showing all of the different variations on how the block could be used in a quilt top.
Beautiful block! I really like your take on a log cabin block. I think it’s perfect for a fun and scrappy baby quilt – which always seems to be in demand! Thank you!
Just woken the household up printing this out !
This is the pattern I’ve been looking for to use some coveted purple fabric I’ve been hoarding for that “special” project , thank you Kirsty !
Oh, that sounds exciting. I’d love to see it when you’re done (I am terrible at purple and am always keen for ideas!)
a great tutorial! thank you!
You’re most welcome!
You’re most welcome. Enjoy!
This is truly Adori-ble! Your text says it’s a log cabin but w/ the flip, it’s totally fresh & innovative. Ive never seen this before & think I have to do a scrappy version. Yes, my scrap stash runneth over. Thanks for a great project!
I feel your pain, Connie. I had to start a second scrap bag the other month and it’s already over halfway full! I think they’re breeding in the dark.
Another great block and tutorial Kirsty! I’m wondering whether that Tula fabric was what you bought when she visited two years ago! Wow! Where did that time go!!??
Yes, it totally is, Suz! Great memory! (And I agree – that time has gone very quickly.)