How to Make the Diamond Bull’s Eye Quilt Block

The Diamond Bull’s Eye quilt block is a simple but striking design made entirely from half-square triangles. When one block is finished, you may see a black bull’s eye, a colorful fabric bull’s eye, or a mix of both depending on how the fabrics are arranged. This version uses black fabric paired with Sewing Parts Online’s So Creative Oyster Shell #22 fabric, which makes the printed fabric really pop. Since the block is built from repeated HST units, it is a great beginner-friendly project, especially for quilters who have already practiced making half-square triangles. The real trick is learning one small four-piece section, then rotating that section to create the full Diamond Bull’s Eye block.

Step 1: Make Your Half-Square Triangles

Start by making 16 half-square triangles.

Use your preferred HST method. You can make them one at a time, or use a quicker method that creates multiple half-square triangles at once.

For this block, each HST should finish at 3 inches, so begin with 3 1/2-inch squares.

Press and trim your HSTs as needed so they are neat, even, and ready to arrange.

Step 2: Create One Corner Unit

Before laying out the entire block, focus on just one corner.

Take four half-square triangles and arrange them into a small four-piece unit. This little section is the key to the whole block.

Once sewn together, this four-piece unit will become one quarter of the full Diamond Bull’s Eye block.

Step 3: Rotate the Corner Unit

After you understand the first four-piece section, the rest of the block becomes much easier.

That same unit is repeated four times. Each time, rotate the unit so it fits into the next corner of the block.

This rotation is what creates the diamond shape and the bull’s eye effect in the center.

Step 4: Lay Out the Full Block

Arrange all 16 half-square triangles into a 4-by-4 layout.

As you place each section, watch how the black fabric and printed fabric create movement. Depending on your fabric placement, the bull’s eye may appear dark, colorful, or a mix of both.

Take a photo or screenshot of your layout before sewing so you can reference it as you piece the block together.

Step 5: Sew the Units Together

Sew the half-square triangles together into rows or into four small corner units.

Press your seams carefully as you go. Keeping the seams neat will help the points line up and keep the diamond shape crisp.

Once your rows or sections are complete, sew them together to finish the full block.

Step 6: Enjoy the Final Design

The magic of this block really shows when several Diamond Bull’s Eye blocks are placed together. The repeated shapes create a bold, beautiful pattern that looks more complicated than it actually is.

This is a great beginner-friendly quilt block because it uses one familiar unit, the half-square triangle, in a clever arrangement.

Happy sewing.