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A May Basket quilt block is a basket-motif design, but there is no single standard pattern or finished size. American Patchwork & Quilting’s version finishes at 6 inches square; other published versions finish at 10 or 15 inches and use different construction methods. Choose instructions by their stated size and method before cutting fabric.
Which May Basket quilt block are you making?
Published patterns share the basket motif, not a common template. Compare their finished sizes and construction before starting:
| Pattern | Finished size | Construction | Scope and skill note |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Patchwork & Quilting (2014) | 6 inches square | Triangle units, two basket feet, and a small appliquéd handle; downloadable pattern pieces are provided. | Individual block instructions; no skill level stated in the cited page information. |
| Scissortail Quilting (created 2017; updated 2023) | Not stated by the source | Half-square triangles (HSTs) and a small appliquéd handle. | Scissortail labels its version intermediate, while noting the small handle can make it a first appliqué project. |
| Adventures of a DIY Mom (2025) | 10 inches | HST units trimmed to 2½ inches, assembled with squares and rectangles. | A quilt-along tutorial; its larger pattern offer includes five basket-block styles, video tutorials, and three quilt sizes. |
| Nancy Zieman Productions (2017) | 15 inches | Quick strip-piecing techniques with a different fabric selection and arrangement. | Block-of-the-month version. |
The sizes above belong to their respective patterns; they are not interchangeable cutting plans. Use the template and measurements for the version you choose.
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How does the six-inch version come together?
American Patchwork & Quilting’s block uses tan, green, and pink print scraps. Its sequence combines a handled triangle with another triangle to form a triangle-square, adds two small basket feet, then completes the lower portion with a remaining tan triangle. The publisher provides downloadable pattern pieces on the pattern page.
#1 Best Overall
- This pattern includes instructions to make 3 different scalloped bins (see back cover) using Bosal's pre-cut Scalloped Placemats or Scalloped Square.
- The baskets are reversible, can be pieced or solid, and you can feature some clever walking foot quilting!
- The scalloped baskets can be elegant or made for organizing a little girl's bedroom - makes a great shower gift (include the diapers, of course). Possibilities abound!
- Offered is a pattern, not finished item(s)
- Cut the fabric and pattern pieces according to the downloadable instructions. The block finishes at 6 inches square.
- Appliqué the green handle onto the tan triangle.
- Join the handled tan triangle to the pink triangle to make the triangle-square.
- Make two basket feet from green triangles and tan squares, then attach them as shown in the pattern diagram.
- Use the remaining tan triangle to complete the bottom of the block, following the publisher’s diagram.
Because the pattern depends on its supplied pieces and diagrams, do not substitute measurements from a 10- or 15-inch block.
What should you know about the other construction methods?
HST-based versions
Scissortail Quilting describes its block as using simple HSTs and a small appliquéd handle. It notes that rotating multiple blocks around a central point can create a circular illusion in a group. The publisher calls this particular version intermediate, but also presents the small handle as a possible introduction to appliqué. Those skill notes apply to Scissortail’s design, not every May Basket pattern.
Rank #2
- CLASSIC STAR QUILT DESIGN – The Alaska quilt pattern from Laundry Basket Quilts features a striking traditional star layout that creates a bold, geometric finished quilt top with timeless appeal.
- PRECISION TEMPLATE-BASED CONSTRUCTION – Designed for accuracy and clean piecing, this pattern uses templates to help quilters achieve sharp points, balanced blocks, and professional-quality results.
- INTERMEDIATE-FRIENDLY PROJECT – Ideal for confident beginners and intermediate quilters looking to advance their skills with structured piecing and detailed block construction techniques.
- Works beautifully in a wide range of fabric collections, allowing quilters to customize the design from traditional to modern interpretations.
- Creates an impressive 71.5” x 71.5” quilt top, perfect for bed quilts, wall hangings, or heirloom-quality handmade gifts.
The 2025 Adventures of a DIY Mom quilt-along tutorial also builds HSTs, squares them up to 2½ inches, and assembles them with squares and rectangles. An HST ruler can help with trimming in that version; the tutorial describes it as helpful, not essential.
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Nancy Zieman Productions’ 15-inch block uses quick strip-piecing and a different fabric arrangement. Follow that page’s own cutting and assembly instructions rather than assuming it uses the same appliqué-and-triangle sequence as the six-inch block.
Rank #3
- Instructions and fabric requirements
- Finished size 58 1/2" x 68 3/4"
What is the history of the May Basket motif?
The May Basket is one variation within a broader family of basket quilt motifs. The National Park Service’s Homestead National Historical Park says basket designs were popular quilt motifs from approximately 1850 onward. It describes variations with handles or without them, sometimes embellished with appliquéd fruit and flowers, and names May Basket alongside Broken Sugar Bowl, Cake Stand, and Flower Pot designs.
Nancy Zieman Productions reports that a May Basket block was illustrated in Farmer’s Wife Book of Quilts, published in 1931. That is a reference to an illustration in that book, not proof that all present-day May Basket patterns began there.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Simple machine piecing with squares and rectangles
- Finished size 52" by 65 1/2"
Rank #4
- Finished size 60-1/2in x 70in
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