How to Make a Greek Key Quilt Block Border

How to Make a Greek Key Quilt Block Border

When I visited Greece I made a quilt to take with me on my adventure. You can read all about that quilt, and the significance of the Greek Key design, HERE.

Today I am sharing how I created the blocks that form the Greek Key Border from that quilt.

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The following instructions are for a quilt block that finishes at a width of 14.5″ and a height of 10.5″

This block can then be used to create a Greek Key border on any quilt.

Cutting instructions for the Greek Key Block:

From white fabric cut:

1 piece at 14.5″ x 2.5″

1 piece at 10.5″ x 2.5″

1 piece at 6.5″ x 2.5″

8 pieces at 2.5″ x 2.5″

From the blue fabric cut:

1 piece at 10.5″ x 2.5″

1 piece at 6.5″ x 2.5″

4 pieces 2.5″ x 2.5″

Construction Instructions for the Greek Key Block:

*I constructed this block using a row by row method.

*Stitch the pieces in each row, right sides together, using a 1/4″ seam allowance then press.

*Once the pieces in each row have been stitched together and pressed, stitch Row 1 to Row 2 and so forth until all 5 Rows are connected then press.

Use the graphic, and the instructions that follow, to help you stitch each row together.

Row 1: No need to sew…this row is simply your white strip of fabric that is 14.5″ x 2.5″.

Row 2: White square that measures 2.5″ x 2.5″, Blue strip that is 10.5″ x 2.5 “, White square that is 2.5″ x 2.5”

Row 3: White square that measures 2.5″ x 2.5″, Blue square that measures 2.5″ x 2.5″, White strip that is 6.5″ x 2.5″, Blue square that measures 2.5″ x 2.5″, White square that measures 2.5″ x 2.5″

Row 4: White square that measures 2.5″ x 2.5″, Blue strip that is 6.5″ x 2.5″, White square that measures 2.5″ x 2.5″, Blue square that measures 2.5″ x 2.5″, White square that measures 2.5″ x 2.5″

Row 5: White strip that is 10.5″ x 2.5″, Blue square that measures 2.5″ x 2.5″, White square that measures 2.5″ x 2.5″

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How Create a Greek Key Border Using These Blocks

*Construct the desired number of blocks needed to create the desired width of your border.

*Between each block stitch a BLUE strip of fabric that is 10.5″ x 2.5″. (Greek Key block, Blue strip, Greek Key block, Blue Strip….on and on until you get the length of border you desire.). See the image below for a guide:

*Note: When assembling the border remember to rotate your key block with the curve going up and then curve going down…up then down, up then down, to get the iconic meandering pattern.

*Flank the top and bottom of your Greek Key Border with a strip of blue fabric that is 2.5″ x the width of your border. (As shown in the image below.

This border is simple but makes a bold graphic statement that can add character to a patchwork design or can work as a stand alone design on a solid quilt.

Happy Quilting!