Bento Box Quilt – How To

Quilting is a journey of creativity and patience, where every stitch brings you closer to a masterpiece. Today, we’re going to explore the world of Bento Box quilts. These quilts are known for their unique look, achieved by using color and contrast in a distinct way. The Bento Box quilt block pattern is beginner-friendly and offers a variety of layout possibilities. So, let’s dive in and create our own Bento Box quilt!

What is a Bento Box Quilt?

A Bento Box quilt is composed of easy quilt blocks that utilize color and contrast to create a unique look when the blocks are sewn together. Each corner of the block is assembled separately, allowing for a variety of quilt layouts. This pattern is perfect for those who love to use a wide assortment of fabrics in their quilts.

Materials Needed

To create a Bento Box quilt block that finishes at 12 inches by 12 inches, you will need:

• Light Fabric:
  • (2) 2 1/2 inches by 5 1/4 inches strips (for strip piecing)
  • (4) 2 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches strips
  • (2) 2 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches strips
• Dark, Cool Shaded Fabric (Blue):
  • (1) 2 1/2 inches by 5 1/4 inches strips (for strip piecing)
  • (2) 2 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches strips
  • (2) 2 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches strips
• Dark, Warm Shaded Fabric (Magenta):
  • (1) 2 1/2 inches by 5 1/4 inches strips (for strip piecing)
  • (2) 2 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches strips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Assembling Block Corners (Magenta and Light Fabric)

1. Start by making one block corner that measures 6 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches.
2. Sew a light-colored strip 2 1/2 inches by 5 1/4 inches lengthwise to a magenta strip of the same size. Press seam allowance towards the magenta strip.
3. Square up one end of the strip set and cut two 2 1/2-inch segments, starting at the squared-up end.
4. Grab one segment and a 2 1/2-inch by 4 1/2-inch magenta rectangle. Sew the magenta strip to the top of the segment, aligning the magenta portion of the two-color segment to the left.
5. Press the seam allowance towards the magenta rectangle.
6. Align a 2 1/2-inch by 4 1/2-inch light strip vertically to the left of the unit. Connect the two and press the seam allowance towards the magenta areas.
7. Sew a 2 1/2-inch by 6 1/2-inch light strip to the top of the partially complete patchwork. Press seam allowance towards the magenta areas.
8. Duplicate this block corner to make a second identical block corner.

Sew Remaining Bento Box Corners

1. Next, sew the remaining blue and light-colored bento box quilt blocks.
2. Sew another strip set, pairing the 2 1/2-inch by 5 1/4-inch blue and light-colored strips. Square up one end of the set and cut two 2 1/2-inch segments.
3. Sew a 2 1/2-inch by 4 1/2-inch light rectangle to the top of the segment, orienting the blue portion of the segment in the lower left. Press seam allowance towards the blue and light-colored segment.
4. Sew a 2 1/2-inch by 4 1/2-inch blue rectangle to the right of the segment. Press seam allowance towards the blue rectangle.
5. Sew a 2 1/2-inch by 6 1/2-inch blue bar to the top of the almost-complete unit and press seam allowance towards the new bar. The unit should measure 6 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches.
6. Sew one more blue and light-colored block corner.

Assemble the Bento Box Quilt Block

1. Arrange block corners into two horizontal rows.
2. Sew the two corners in each row together.
3. Press new seam allowances in adjoining rows in opposite directions and join the rows. The quilt block should measure 12 1/2 inches by 12 1/2 inches.

Full Pattern: Click Here

Remember, practice makes perfect in quilting. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out as you expected. Keep trying, keep learning, and soon you’ll be creating Bento Box quilts that are as beautiful as they are unique. Happy quilting!