This week’s quilt block of the 2019 Summer Sampler is “Altitude” and features a mountainous landscape with the most beautiful sky you can imagine behind it.

Altitude Quilt Block, 3rd Story Workshop

I designed this block to help you cut and assemble 45 degree diamonds. The result is a dynamic block that would look lovely in scrappy fabrics or in your most carefully curated collection of hues.

Tutorial Cutting Diamond Quilts, 3rd Story Workshop

A small hurdle to get this block assembled is learning to cut your diamonds. The orientation of your fabric and ruler is something to get used to. Here’s a video on how to do it, including how to mark your ruler with tape to make it go a bit faster:

For tips on assembling these diamonds, check out Tips #4 and #5 in this post about Lone Star Quilts. You’ll be so pleased when the points come together!

Here’s how the block looks when you’ve got a few to put together. Do you see how the landscape emerges?

Summer Sampler Altitude Block, 3rd Story Workshop
Mock-up of nine “Altitude” blocks put together
Tutorial Cutting Diamond Quilts, 3rd Story Workshop

Have fun with this new skill and never fear diamonds again!