Learn to make this classic quilt block - Birds in the Air. Half square triangles and as well as triangles make up this pattern. It may look a bit complicated, but I'll walk you through it. I promise it's not hard.

PLUS I've got a cutting chart to help you determine the size for 4 of the most common block sizes.

BIRDS IN THE AIR QUILT BLOCK

If you've been around awhile, you'll know that I've been learning to quilt this year. And I'm taking you all on the journey.

With this block, I first learned how to do a two at a time method. Then I decided to figure out how to make just one at a time and it turns out it's pretty easy.

So I've got another tutorial for the same block but it's made in a completely different way.

Introducing some fabric I bought on a whim and then shoved in a basket because I didn't have a plan for it. I have a few more coordinating colors, you may see more blocks to go with these.

↓ ↓ ↓ PIN IT ↓ ↓ ↓

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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING

fabric
thread
rotary cutter / cutting mat / straight edge
sewing machine
sewing scissors
pencil
iron and ironing board
square quilting rulers

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BIRDS IN THE AIR BLOCK

Begin by cutting out your fabric. I made a 9 inch block, so the measurements listed throughout the tutorial refer to that specific size.

I've created an easy reference guide. Sign up at the end of the post to get the printable straight to your email.

If you want a full step-by-step how-to, keep reading.'

Cutting measurements for a 3 inch block:

1 dark colored 4 inch square
2 dark colored 2 inch squares
4 light colored 2 inch squares

Cutting measurements for a 6 inch block:

1 dark colored 7 inch square
2 dark colored 3 inch squares
4 light colored 3 inch squares

Cutting measurements for a 9 inch block:

1 dark colored 10 inch square
2 dark colored 4 inch squares
4 light colored 4 inch squares

Cutting measurements for a 12 inch block:

1 dark colored 13 inch square
2 dark colored 5 inch squares
4 light colored 5 inch squares

HOW TO MAKE A BIRDS IN THE AIR QUILT BLOCK

To begin we'll create a triangle for the "nest" of the block.

Cut the square from corner to corner to create two triangles. You need just one of these for this block.

Next grab two of the light colored small squares and cut them in half from corner to corner. You will have 4 triangles. You need 3 for this block.

Now we need to make some half square triangles. I'll walk you through it, for more details see my HST post.

Stack a light colored fabric on top of the darker fabric with right sides together. Repeat with remaining two squares.

Draw a line from corner to corner. Then draw a line 1/4 inch on each side of this line. The two outer lines are the sewing lines.

cut on diagonal to create half square triangles

Sew along the two outer lines. Then cut on the center line. Press the seams toward the dark fabric.

You will need three of these HST's. Trim them to 3 1/2 inches.

lining up the pieces for the birds in the air block

Place the large triangle on the bottom right. Next add three triangles along the large triangle with the points facing toward the top left.

Place the three half square triangles in the remaining spots with the dark half pointing toward the large triangle.