Nordic Pine Quilt Block Full Tutorial

The Nordic Pine Quilt Block is a beautiful foundation paper-pieced (FPP) design that creates a stylized Christmas tree with clean, modern lines. This tutorial walks you through every step so you can confidently sew this block for holiday quilts, wall hangings, table runners, or festive pillows.

The Nordic Pine Quilt Block is one of those designs that captures the magic of the winter season in the simplest, most charming way. Inspired by the clean geometry of Scandinavian holiday décor, this paper-pieced tree block is both modern and timeless, making it a beautiful addition to any Christmas sewing project. Whether you love crisp minimalism, cozy farmhouse style, or playful holiday colors, this block adapts perfectly to your own creative vision.

This pattern is also beginner-friendly for anyone who wants to explore foundation paper piecing (FPP). Each section builds the tree layer by layer, creating clean angles and smooth transitions that would be nearly impossible using traditional piecing methods. Even if you’re new to FPP, the numbered layout guides you step-by-step, ensuring accurate results every time.

Nordic Pine Quilt Block

Finished Block Size: 8″ × 12″ (before enlarging)
Suggested Enlargement: 200% for a 16″ × 24″ block

Materials Needed

• Quilting cotton in the following colors:

  • Tree fabrics: 1–2 greens or scrappy green strips

Understanding the Sections

The block is divided into numbered pieces (1–14), and you will sew them in numerical order as in any paper-piecing pattern.

• 1–3: Tree trunk

• 4: Ground strip

• 5–12: Tree layers

• 13–14: Background sides

Before You Begin

1. Print and trim the pattern, leaving ¼” margin around the outer dashed line.

2. If making a large block, enlarge the pattern to 200% before trimming.

3. Reduce your sewing machine stitch length to 1.5–1.8 mm to make paper removal easier.

4. Cut fabric pieces generously—FPP requires extra margin.

Cutting Guide (Recommended Oversized Cuts)

Since this is foundation paper piecing, the exact shapes don’t need to be pre-cut.
Use these guidelines:

Tree Trunk (1, 2, 3)

• Piece 1: 2″ × 6″

• Pieces 2 & 3: 4″ × 6″ each

Ground Strip (4)

• Piece 4: 4″ × 14″

Tree Layers (5–12)

• Pieces 5–12:

  • Cut strips approximately 3″ × width of the triangle area

  • Suggested: 3″ × 10″ for lower layers, 3″ × 6″ for upper layers

Background (13 & 14)

• Two rectangles: 6″ × 12″
  (Trim after sewing)

Step-by-Step Foundation Paper Piecing Instructions

1. Start With Piece 1

Place fabric for section 1 on the back of the paper, right side facing out.
Secure with a dab of glue or a pin.

2. Add Pieces 2 and 3

• Place fabric for section 2 right sides together with piece 1, aligning the seam line.

• Sew on the printed line between 1 and 2.

• Flip fabric open and press.
  Repeat for piece 3.

3. Sew Piece 4 (Ground Strip)

• Place fabric for section 4 right sides together with the bottom edge of pieces 1–3.

• Sew along the printed line, flip, and press.

4. Build the Tree Layers (5 to 12)

Work numerically:

• Align each new piece right sides together along its seam line.

• Sew directly on the printed line.

• Flip and press after each seam.
  These angled strips form the tree’s branches and give the design movement.

5. Add Upper Tree Sections (11 and 12)

These small triangles form the top of the pine.
Place carefully and press well.

6. Add Background Sides (13 and 14)

These two large side pieces complete the triangle shape.

7. Trim the Block

Use a rotary cutter to trim the block to the outer dashed line, which includes seam allowance.

8. Remove the Paper

Carefully tear along the stitch lines after trimming.

Final Block Size

• Printed size: 8″ × 12″ unfinished

• Enlarged 200%: approx. 16″ × 24″ unfinished

Tips for Best Results

• Press gently after each seam—no ironing back and forth.

• Use a lightbox or window to ensure your fabric covers the entire section.

• A small stitch length prevents seams from opening when the paper is removed.

• Use starch or Best Press for crisp piecing.

Pattern

Whether you’re decorating your home, preparing handmade gifts, or simply enjoying the peaceful rhythm of quilting during the holidays, the Nordic Pine block is a project that brings joy from the first stitch to the final press. Below, you’ll find a complete step-by-step tutorial with cutting guides, sewing instructions, and helpful tips to ensure your block comes out beautifully.