At Home with the House Block
Posted by Jen Lopez on May 26th 2021
There certainly is no place like home and no quilt block captures that sentiment quite so well as the House Block. The House Block came into popularity in the latter part of the 1800s. With the Homestead Act of 1862 incentivizing many Americans to move west, quilters captured their hopes and dreams of home ownership and a new prosperity in the stitches of this charming and versatile block.
Today, we may not be pioneers but this sweet block continues to be a favorite. Here are some ideas for gifting or making something of your own:
- Housewarming gift – The House Block has been my go-to gift for years as a housewarming gift. Rather than create an entire quilt, I always make two couch pillows in colors and fabric styles that suit the recipient. Stitched up as traditional or modern, new homeowners always love house pillows.
- Baby quilt – In primaries or pastels, a 9-block baby quilt of House Blocks is especially endearing with animal prints fussy-cut into the windows or doors. For a cheerful school-house theme, try letters or numbers instead.
- Holiday themed table runner – Simply by choosing Christmas or Halloween themed fabrics, you can turn the humble House Block into a delicious gingerbread house or fun haunted mansion.
- Ornaments – Some of the most enchanting House Blocks I’ve seen are scaled way down to 3-4”, stuffed for a 3-D look and adorned with embroidery or buttons for a keepsake ornament that can be gifted or hung on your own tree.
- Potholders – Make a handful of House Blocks out of cooking themed fabrics and you’ll have adorable hostess gifts done in a flash, just be sure to keep a pair for yourself!
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