The Dutchman's puzzle quilt block is made of eight flying geese.

It comes together quickly and is fun to make.

The center flying geese create a pinwheel, so using a darker or brighter color for those units will make the pinwheel stand out.

The outer geese add movement and interest to the block.

 

DUTCHMAN'S PUZZLE QUILT BLOCK

This is the seventh block I've made in a series of blocks using this same fabric line (Perfect Union from Edita Sitar by Laundry Basket Quilts).

The others include, the friendship block, the square in a square, the economy block, the Indiana puzzle, the Celtic twist, and the Louisiana star.

Once I've used up the fabric, I'll create a quilt with the blocks I've made. 

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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING

A flying geese ruler is ideal when making this block. Accurate flying geese are key.

I like the Quilt in a Day flying geese rulers, but feel free to use whatever ruler you have.

• fabric
• thread
• rotary cutter / cutting mat / straight edge
• sewing machine (This is my new machine that I absolutely love!)
• sewing scissors
• pencil
• iron and wool ironing mat 
• small flying geese ruler (This is the one I use in this tutorial)
• large flying geese ruler (If you make other sizes, you may need this one too)

For all my best quilting supply recommendations, check out my Amazon storefront.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A 6" DUTCHMAN'S PUZZLE BLOCK

This tutorial will show you how to make a 6 inch block. 

Need another size? I've got you covered with my printable pattern. 

The pattern features 5 sizes! 6", 8", 10", 12" & 16" blocks.

It's a pdf, so you can have instant access after payment.


 

Grab your pattern now by clicking on the ↑image above↑ or the ↓link below↓

PRINTABLE CUTTING CHART WITH INSTRUCTIONS

FABRIC CUT LIST FOR 6 INCH BLOCK

• 1) 4 1/2" square - dark fabric
• 1) 4 1/2" square - medium/light fabric
• 8) 2 5/8" squares - background fabric

 

HOW TO MAKE A DUTCHMAN PUZZLE QUILT BLOCK

The dutchman puzzle is made up of flying geese.

You will need 8 total, four of two different colors. 

Once you've made the flying geese, it's just a matter of arranging and assembling them. 
Learn better by watching? Check out the video tutorial.

All seam allowances are 1/4 inch. Remember right sides together when sewing.

MAKING THE FLYING GEESE

Since we need 8 flying geese, it's easiest to use the 4 at a time method. 

To begin, prepare the background squares with sewing lines.

 

On the back side of each square, draw two lines.

The lines should run diagonally and be 1/4 inch from each side of center. 

To do this, I line up a quilting ruler with the 1/4 inch marking from point to point of the square.

Then simply draw a line along the edge of the ruler.

Repeat on both sides of center for each square. 

 

Step 1 - Place the large squares in a diamond orientation.

Place one background square in the top corner, and one in the bottom corner of each of the larger squares. (Right sides together)

Make sure the lines are vertical. The squares will overlap in the middle.
Step 2 - Sew along the lines.

Step 3 - Cut between the stitching.

 

Step 4 - Press toward the background. You will have a little heart shape.

Step 5 - Place the remaining background blocks on the bottom portion of each unit.

The lines should be vertical. 
Stitch along the lines
Step 6 - Cut in half between the stitching.

 

Step 7 - Trim flying geese to 2" X 3 1/2". A flying geese ruler is super helpful for this. 

If you don't have one, make sure the point of the flying geese, is 1/4 inch from the edge and centered from side to side as you trim.

 

No matter how hard I try, I cannot make a perfect flying geese.

So I don't try.

I simply make them a little bit bigger and then trim them to perfection. 

ASSEMBLING THE DUTCHMAN'S PUZZLE BLOCK

 Now that all the pieces are made, it's time to assemble the block. 

Note: I made three of these blocks before I created the video. Each time things went smoothly.

But I had trouble with the assembly when I was filming.

I decided to troubleshoot on film. I felt it could be helpful.

Our blocks don't always turn out perfectly. And it's important to realize that and not get down on ourselves.
 

I like to arrange the pinwheel portion of the block first, then add the outer pieces. 

  

Next, sew together the pieces in pairs with a light and a dark flying geese. The points facing the same direction and the dark on the bottom.

Press toward the light fabric.
Sew the two top squares together and the two bottom squares together. Press in opposite directions.

Sew the two rows together, nesting the middle seam as you go to create perfect points.

Want to watch the video?  ↓↓Click the link ↓↓

→DUTCHMAN'S PUZZLE VIDEO←

MORE QUILT BLOCK TUTORIALS

• Nine Patch Quilt Block
• Pinwheel Quilt Block
• Greek Cross Block
• Star Quilt Block

MORE QUILT PATTERNS

• County Fair Wall Hanging
• How to Make a Rag Quilt
• Herringbone Quilt

Don't forget to pin it!!