Going In Circles Quilt Block Step by Step

 This blog post features the Going in Circles quilt block, a playful design that creates a swirling, circular illusion using fabrics from Benartex’s Dazzle Dots 2 collection. The block is built from small “jart” units made with a background square, a print square, and two half square triangles, and it takes several of these units to form the curved effect. Using 2 inch units, the post explains that one block requires eight jart units and seventeen background squares, then walks through a simple piecing approach using pairs and larger sections until the full pattern comes together.

This quilt block is one I like to call Going in Circles, and it is easy to see why once you view it from the right direction. The design creates a playful, swirling effect that feels like the colors are moving around the block. I absolutely love how it turned out. The fabrics used for this version come from the Dazzle Dots 2 collection by Benartex.

This block is made entirely from small units I call jarts. We did a quick video on these recently, and they are a simple four-piece unit made from one background square, one print square, and two half square triangles. Once you learn that little unit, you can build all kinds of designs with it. In this case, those jarts come together to create the circular motion that gives the block its name.

Because the design needs room to form the curves, it takes quite a few units to complete a single block. I chose to make 2 inch units, meaning each chart finishes at a 2 inch square. For one Going in Circles quilt block, you will make eight chart units in any colors you like. You can use the same fabric for all of them, but I prefer mixing prints to add more variety and visual interest. Along with those eight jarts, you will need seventeen solid background squares. I chose black for the background to make the bright dots pop.

When it is time to piece everything together, I recommend working in pairs. Sew units together two at a time, then add a third piece when it makes sense for your layout. After you have pairs, square them up into larger sections. Combine twos into fours, then keep joining sections until the full block comes together. As you build, the circular pattern becomes more and more obvious, and it is so satisfying to watch it appear.

Going in Circles is a fun block with a bold, modern look, and it is a great way to practice working with repeating units. I hope you will give it a try, follow us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and as always, happy sewing.