How to Make the Diamond Barbells Quilt Block

I call this one Diamond Barbells, and once you look through the center of the block, I think you’ll see why! That shape looks like a barbell to me. Now, I know we also call those dumbbells, but that sounded a little insulting, so I’m going with Diamond Barbells!

This block starts with a familiar process, but a couple of cuts and a little rearranging give it a completely different look. It’s simple to make, although you’ll want to pay attention to how the pieces are arranged.

The full video tutorial is attached to this post, so you can follow along with me as we put it together.

The Fabric I’m Using

For this block, I chose Mexican Floral Fiesta Pattern Number One Fabric from our Sew Creative collection, which we print at Sewing Parts Online. That name just rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it?

I paired it with a white background to help those colorful shapes stand out. You can choose whatever print and background combination you like. Just give yourself enough contrast to see the design.

What You’ll Need

For one Diamond Barbells block, cut:

Print fabric:
Two 3 1/2-inch squares
One 3-inch square

Background fabric:
Two 3 1/2-inch squares
Four 3-inch squares

Make Your Half-Square Triangles

You might be wondering why we’re starting with two different square sizes. Those 3½-inch squares are going to become our half-square triangles!

Pair one 3½-inch print square with one 3½-inch background square, right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the wrong side of the background square.

Sew ¼ inch away from each side of that line, then cut along the marked line. Open and press your pieces. Repeat with the other pair of 3½-inch squares.

That gives you four half-square triangles. Trim each one to 3 inches square so all your pieces are the same size.

Arrange Your Starting Block

Now we’re going to lay out our four half-square triangles, one print square, and four background squares in three rows of three.

Take a screenshot of the starting layout in my video. Pay close attention to which way those half-square triangles are facing. This isn’t our final design yet, but getting this arrangement right is what makes everything work.

Sew the pieces together into rows, then join your rows, matching the seams. Press your block flat before moving on.

Make Two Cuts

This is where things start to change!

Lay your block on the cutting mat and find the center. Cut it in half vertically, then in half horizontally, giving you four equal sections.

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait a minute. Is he doing one of those disappearing nine-patch things?”

Yes, I am! I just didn’t want to give away the surprise at the beginning. There are so many ways to rearrange these blocks, and I thought this variation deserved a name of its own.

Switch the Sections

Follow along with the video as I swap two of the sections. Match the arrangement I show, checking the direction of each piece before you sew.

Take a look through the center now. Can you see that diamond barbell? You’ll also notice parts of the next shapes beginning along the edges.

Sew the sections into two rows, then join the rows and press. Using these measurements and ¼-inch seams, your block should measure 7½ inches unfinished, or 7 inches finished once it’s sewn into a quilt.

Watch the Design Come Together

I think this block is pretty all by itself, especially with that shape running through the center. But when you put several blocks together, you get to see the design continue across the quilt. That’s when your Diamond Barbells really come to life!

I hope you’ll give this one a try. And if you’re someone who shares our videos, thank you. Seeing so many of you share these projects with your sewing friends warms my heart.

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As always, happy sewing!