The Tree of Paradise quilt block is sometimes called Tree of Life. It's been a little diagram in our catalog for a long time, and when a quilter named Ellen called us recently to ask about the pattern, we were a little surprised it wasn't in the Encyclopedia of Patchwork Blocks Volume 4.
So we made the block -- beautiful! -- and wrote up the instructions for Ellen, and now we're sharing it with you! The pattern is also available on our website with full-size paper pattern pieces (visit "Free Patterns," in the About Our Products menu, on our website, where there are also more and bigger pictures).
The underlying grid is 7 squares across and 7 down, which means it can be made with Template Set L. There are variations with two half-square triangles or three half-square triangles "hanging down" on the sides of the tree. We like the proportions of this version, with 2 green half-square triangles hanging down on each side.
Cutting the Pieces for the Tree of Paradise Block
Light Fabric
18: #71 triangles*
3: #70 squares
1: 6-inch square
2: #67 squares
2: #68 triangles
18: #71 triangles*
6: #71 triangles
2: #68 triangles (1 trunk)
1: rectangle 3″ x 4½″ (trunk)
*Layer light and dark fabrics right sides together, then cut 18 #71 triangle pairs. Do not separate; they are ready to sew.
Making the Block
1. Join the light and dark #71 triangles to make half-square triangle units. Make 18.
2. Make the 3 x 3, or 9-patch, unit. Arrange 6 of the units made in step 1 and 2 #70 light squares into rows, as shown, and join the rows.
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3. Make the left and right side units. Arrange 6 of the units made in step 1 and the 6 dark #71 triangles into rows as shown and join. Make 2.
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4. Join the large * light triangles to the pieced units made in step 3. Make 2.
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5. Arrange 6 of the half-square triangle units to make mirror image rows, as shown. Make 1 each.
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5. Join the units made in steps 4 and 5, as shown. Make 1 each.
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6. Make the tree trunk unit. Join the light and dark #68 triangles to make a square. Arrange it with the light #67 squares and #68 triangle as shown and join into rows. Join the rows. Make 1.
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7. Prepare the dark rectangle for applique by turning under ¼″ on 2 long sides and one short side and pressing.
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8. Position the rectangle right side up on the unit made in step 7, aligning the short folded edge at match points shown. The trunk piece is a bit long, to accommodate placement. Applique in place using your favorite technique. Trim trunk piece even with top edge, if necessary.
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9. Add the dark #68 triangle to the unit made in step 8. Make 1.
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10. Arrange the units as shown. Join into 2 rows, then join the rows to complete the block.
Copyright © 2014 Martha G. Michell