Basic Blocks PLUS... is a series of instructions to make traditional 12" block patterns PLUS instructions for making the same block in 6", 8" or 10" dimensions.

This set of instructions is for the Ocean Waves Block. When you use your favourite search engine and look for Ocean Waves you will be amazed at the many different block patterns that result from that search. From a quick count over about 3 pages, I counted no less than 14 different Ocean Waves blocks. This particular version of Ocean Waves is one of my favourites. It looks magnificent in just two colour ways, as well as using it in a scrappy version.

See the diagram of the block above, showing the four templates and two colors used in this block.

This version of Ocean Waves block is made using two color choices. It is a very simple block to make, and is a pleasing pattern. Here’s how the block can look when put together in a quilt. Please note, that there are many different ways this block can be placed. Once you’ve made a few blocks, have a play.

Two colors used are Dark Blue and Light Blue.

Cutting Instructions

Cutting Instructions for making a 6” block

Template A: Cut 1 x 2 1/8” wide strip of dark blue fabric and cut 9 squares (5 of these squares will be used to make into Half Square Triangles – see below.) Cut the remaining 4 squares in half diagonally to make 8 triangles

Template B: Cut 1 x 5 5/8” wide strip of light blue fabric and cut 1 square. Cut this square in half for 1 triangle (the other triangle can be used for another block).

Template C: Cut 1 x 5 5/8” wide strip of dark blue fabric and cut 1 square. Cut this square in half for 1 triangle (the other triangle can be used for another block)

Template D: Cut 1 x 2 1/8” wide strip of light blue fabric and cut 9 squares (5 of these squares will be used to make into Half Square Triangles – see below.) Cut the remaining 4 squares in half diagonally to make 8 triangles

Cutting Instructions for making a 8" block

Template A: Cut 1 x 2 1/2” wide strip of dark blue fabric and cut 9 squares (5 of these squares will be used to make into Half Square Triangles – see below.) Cut the remaining 4 squares in half diagonally to make 8 triangles

Template B: Cut 1 x 7 1/4” wide strip of light blue fabric and cut 1 square. Cut this square in half for 1 triangle (the other triangle can be used for another block).

Template C: Cut 1 x 7 1/4” wide strip of dark blue fabric and cut 1 square. Cut this square in half for 1 triangle (the other triangle can be used for another block)

Template D: Cut 1 x 2 1/2” wide strip of light blue fabric and cut 9 squares (5 of these squares will be used to make into Half Square Triangles – see below.) Cut the remaining 4 squares in half diagonally to make 8 triangles

Cutting Instructions for making a 10" block

Template A: Cut 1 x 2 7/8” wide strip of dark blue fabric and cut 9 squares (5 of these squares will be used to make into Half Square Triangles – see below.) Cut the remaining 4 squares in half diagonally to make 8 triangles

Template B: Cut 1 x 8 7/8” wide strip of light blue fabric and cut 1 square. Cut this square in half for 1 triangle (the other triangle can be used for another block).

Template C: Cut 1 x 8 7/8” wide strip of dark blue fabric and cut 1 square. Cut this square in half for 1 triangle (the other triangle can be used for another block)

Template D: Cut 1 x 2 7/8” wide strip of light blue fabric and cut 9 squares (5 of these squares will be used to make into Half Square Triangles – see below.) Cut the remaining 4 squares in half diagonally to make 8 triangles

Cutting Instructions for making a 12" block

Template A: Cut 1 x 3 1/4” wide strip of dark blue fabric and cut 9 squares (5 of these squares will be used to make into Half Square Triangles – see below.) Cut the remaining 4 squares in half diagonally to make 8 triangles

Template B: Cut 1 x 10 1/2” wide strip of light blue fabric and cut 1 square. Cut this square in half for 1 triangle (the other triangle can be used for another block).

Template C: Cut 10 1/2” wide strip of dark blue fabric and cut 1 square. Cut this square in half for 1 triangle (the other triangle can be used for another block)

Template D: Cut 1 x 3 1/4” wide strip of light blue fabric and cut 9 squares (5 of these squares will be used to make into Half Square Triangles – see below.) Cut the remaining 4 squares in half diagonally to make 8 triangles

To print out the How To Series instructions for Half Square Triangle Units Click here.

Sewing Instructions

Step 1: Using the instructions for the Half Square Triangle Units, make 5 HSTU from the Dark Blue and Light blue fabric using templates A & B.

Step 2: Place the half square triangle units into a diagonal line on your work bench in front of you, and then place the remaining separate triangles to complete the diagonal line. See diagram below

Step 3: Join these half square triangle units with the separate triangle units. I find it’s best to sew them in columns first, then sew them together. Don’t forget to use a 1/4” seam allowance.(see diagram below)

Step 4: Sew one template C to one side of the diagonal line, and one template D to the other side of the diagonal line using a 1/4” seam allowance.

Congratulations! This block is complete.