Oh Canada Flag Quilt Block (Maple Leaf Block)

Oh, Canada! Oh, Canada!  Let's make an Oh Canada Flag Quilt Block.  

My grandson's wife, who is a Canadian citizen, inspired me to make some quilted gifts with a Canadian theme.  I rolled the idea around in my head and decided to commemorate her heritage by designing a Canadian Flag Block and making items using it. 

This Canadian Flag block is versatile! Make one block or make a dozen. So many things can be created with our free maple leaf quilt applique block from wall hangings to table runners to mug rugs to a maple leaf quilt to pillows to totes.  The possibilities are endless.

This is the first in a small series of free projects with this free block pattern made for my granddaughter to celebrate and commemorate her Canadian spirit and national pride.  

DIY MAPLE LEAF QUILT BLOCK

Designing The Block
I designed this Canadian flag quilt block in perfect proportions to the present-day Canadian flag with its red fields, white center square and 11-point maple leaf in the center.  The present-day Canadian flag was adopted by both houses of Parliament in 1965 and has become a recognizable national symbol of Canada.

This simple, but attractive, quilt block is quick and easy.  Start to finish, it can be done in under an hour.  Basic sewing skills are all that's needed to piece it together and fuse the appliqued maple leaf.

The block in this tutorial was done in true Canadian colors of red and white.  Or the block can be made with any color you like.  Piece together from scraps in multi-colors for the perfect autumn maple leaf quilt.

It's time to learn to make this Canadian Flag Block!  Watch this video or keep reading this post for a quick step-by-step photo tutorial for this free quilt block pattern.

how to make Canadian maple leaf quilt block

This free pattern outlines how to make a single block.

INSTRUCTIONS for making one Canadian flag block:

STEP 1: maple leaf applique

Download the free maple leaf template which is located at the end of this article.

Place a piece of Heat n Bond (paper side up) over the template and trace the maple leaf onto the Heat n Bond with a pencil.

After it is drawn on the Heat n Bond you need to rough cut it out.  Cut it out about 1/4" from the design.  DO NOT CUT ON THE LINES.

With an iron and using the manufacturer's instructions, fuse the maple leaf applique to the wrong side of the red fabric. 

Next, use a scissor to cut out the applique on the pencil line. Set it aside. 

STEP 3: assembling the block unit

To assemble the Canadian Flag Block, remove the paper backing from the red maple leaf applique and center it on the pretty side (right side) of the white fabric.  Then, iron it to fuse it to the fabric.

Next, we need to sew the red rectangular pieces to the block.  To finish the Canadian Flag block, sew a red piece to each side of the white piece using a 1/4 inch seam.

Press the seam allowance toward the red fabric.

And the block is finished.  Super Quick! Super Easy!

It's time to incorporate this block into a project.

When you quilt the block or project, for the applique use the zigzag stitch, blanket stitch or edge stitch.  

If you are Canadian, show your love for Canada by making items with the maple leaf quilt block to display on February 15 for Canada National Flag Day or on July 1 for Canada Day or anytime.

I hope all our Canadian readers have a wonderful day!

Happy Quilting!

Annette