I’ve been wanting to sew this block since I saw a friend paper piecing it at a sewing retreat way back in 2012.

Isn’t that funny? How did it take me this long?

Friendship braid is a cousin to the log cabin and chevron blocks. The “braids” are sewn one after another without any special y-seams or partial seams. However, it is definitely a block to paper piece! No way would I be able to keep those angles crisp and consistent, otherwise.

Friendship braid to trim. Stitched in Color.jpg

When I was designing the Penny Sampler Pattern Club, I strategically included blocks that make so much sense to paper piece. Like our elongated Courthouse Steps block, Friendship Braid would really shine on its own, as a repeated-block quilt. The paper piecing pattern I’ve developed for this block can be used to make a braid of any length desired!

Friendship block on sewing table. Stitched in Color.jpg

My Friendship Braid is mainly soft, solid colored fabrics that coordinate with my quilt palette. I’m hoping it forms a soft wash of color that quietly enriches the sampler.

Penny Sampler progress. Stitched in Color.jpg

This pattern is coming with our June club delivery. And look at that - it’s June already! Expect to receive your club email with a new batch of patterns in about a week, friends! And it’s not too late to join us. Register here for the pattern club, and you’ll receive already-released materials right away.

Happy making, friends!

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