Aircraft Quilt Block

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Skill Level: Beginner

Technique: Foundation Piecing

The Aircraft quilt block is a two fabric patchwork design made from one HST and three repeats of a combination unit made of HSTs in two different sizes.

Foundation piecing makes it a dream to piece with the only match point in the very center of the block.

Piecing instructions in three sizes, as well as free downloads of the paper piecing patterns are included on this page.

You'll find this same combination unit in a number of quilt blocks including:

The Aircraft quilt block also goes by the name Dutchman's Puzzle. (Click here for instructions to make the more common version of a Dutchman's Puzzle.)

It's time to quilt!

General Instructions

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Several abbreviations are used in this tutorial:

• SA - seam allowance

• RST - right sides together

• HST - half square triangle

When you see the instruction 'Press', first press the unit in the closed position. Then press the patch open. I like to fingerpress the seam open before using the iron, it seems to reduce the appearance of tucks in the seam allowance.

I don't use steam for paper piecing, but that choice is up to you. In my experience, steam has a tendency to 'curl' the paper pattern...I find that annoying. 

To get unbelievably flat blocks, use the Best Technique for Pressing Quilt Blocks, it works just as well for foundation piecing as it does for traditional. I think you'll like it!

Step 1: Download and print paper piecing patterns

Choose your finished size from the list below—the sample in this tutorial used the 6" version. You'll need one copy for every block you make.

• 4" block

• 5" block

• 6" block

Step 2: Cutting the Aircraft patches

Sample Size: 6" finished / 6½" unfinished

Grid: 4x4

Design Type: Four Patch

Attributed to: Nancy Cabot

AKA: Dutchman's Puzzle

These patches are cut generously so that aligning them with the pattern is quick, easy and virtually foolproof—meaning NO RIPPING!

Piece one or two blocks and then decide if you need to adjust the patch size to better suit YOUR needs.

If you find you prefer different patch sizes, print an extra copy of the pattern. Then note your changes and save it for future reference.

			Cutting Chart for an Aircraft Quilt Block ~Paper Piecing with a bit of traditional piecing~
Patch	Fabric	Qty	Finished Block Size
			4"	5"	6"
1	D	2	1 7/8" x 1 7/8"	2 1/8" x 2 1/8"	2 3/8" x 2 3/8"
2, 3, 4	L	5	2 3/8" x 2 3/8"	2 5/8" x 2 5/8"	2 7/8" x 2 7/8"
5	D	2	3 3/8" x 3 3/8"	3 7/8" x 3 7/8"	4 3/8" x 4 3/8"
6	L	1	3 3/8" x 3 3/8"	3 7/8" x 3 7/8"	4 3/8" x 4 3/8"
Unfinished Block Size			4 1/2"	5 1/2"	6 1/2"
Grid Size			1"	1 1/4"	1 1/2"

Step 3: Create the units

Before proceeding, cut all the squares in half once on the diagonal to create right triangles.

HST Unit

Make 1

With right sides together (RST) align the bias edges of one dark (#5) and one light (#6) large triangle. Stitch with a 1/4" seam.

Press with the seam allowance to the dark.

Use the chart below to trim your HST to the correct size.

Finished Block Size	Trim HST to...
4"	2 1/2"
5"	3"
6"	3 1/2"

Foundation Pieced Units

Make 3

Cut the paper pattern into blocks. Don't worry about cutting exactly on the dotted line. We'll trim everything after construction.

Cover the area of Patch #1 with a small dark triangle (wrong side of fabric to unprinted side of pattern), aligning it with the dotted lines. I use a tiny dab of Elmer's Glue Stick (the one that goes on purple and dries clear) to hold it in place.

With RST, match the long cut side of a light #2 triangle with the long side of #1. (These patches are two different sizes. That is intentional.)

Stitch, starting before and ending after the printed solid line.

Subsequent lines of stitching will cross these lines and secure the stitches. There is no need to back stitch or use your fix or tie-off stitch.

Press.

With RST, match a short edge of a #3 light triangle with Patch #1 as shown below.

Stitch as before and press. Repeat with piece #4.

Flip the unit so the paper side of the Aircraft block is facing up.

Match the edge of your ruler with the solid line between #5 and the rest of the block.

Use this hard edge to fold the pattern back on itself along this line.

Lay the 1/4" line of the ruler on this folded edge and trim. This establishes your seam allowance and placement line all in one cut.

Align the edge of Piece #5 with trimmed edge.

Stitch and press.

Repeat for the two other units.

To trim them, place the 1/4" ruler line directly on the solid outside line. Cut off the excess fabric. Repeat for each side of each unit.

Remove the paper and give each one last press.

At this point you'll have some leftovers—one each of #1, #2 and #5. Save them for another project or discard them.

Step 4: Assemble the Aircraft quilt block

Lay out the trimmed units in rows.

Stitch each pair together, using pins if needed.

Press with the SA in the top row towards the large dark fabric; the SA in the bottom row towards the large light triangle. Your seams will nest when you put the block together, making it easier to match.

Stitch the rows together.

To reduce bulk in the center, the SA is twirled. If you are setting your quilt blocks edge to edge, another benefit of this 'twirling' is that the seams between the blocks will nest, making matching the SA so much easier.

And this is your finished Aircraft quilt block.

Now you're ready for takeoff!

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We're flying high after finishing our Aircraft patchwork design.

Just check out our Free Quilt Block Pattern Library to find blocks for your next quilting creation!

Share your work to inspire other Quilters!

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If you use our tutorials to make your blocks and quilts, there are some easy ways to share your creations so other quilters (including me!) can enjoy the fruits of your labor:

• On Instagram please tag your blocks and quilts with the hashtag #GenerationsQuiltPatterns.

• Visit our Show n'Tell page on the website. Click here to share photos and tell your own story, just start typing at 'The name of your quilt is...'. If you'd prefer to submit more photos than the form allows, simply email them to me at julie@generations-quilt-patterns.com.

I love seeing your work!

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