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.

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!

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.

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!