Each month in 2022 I plan to release a new foundation paper piecing template that will include 3 sizes for rectangular zipper pouches, and 3 sizes for square quilt blocks. Because I LOVE spending time outdoors, the theme this year is The Great Outdoors. My January template is called Modern Mountains. This block is clean, simple, and very modern. If you are new to foundation paper piecing, or just looking for a quick make, this is the block for you.

For these blocks, I am using my favorite solids — Riley Blake Designs Confetti Cottons — along with some Riley Blake Sparkler fabric and a pop of Riley Blake Linen for some added texture in my Medium size zipper pouch.

The rectangular blocks are perfect for making zipper pouches. The templates come in three sizes:

• Small — 5” x 7 1/2”

• Medium — 7” x 9 1/2”

• Large — 8 1/2” x 12 1/2”

These are the unfinished block sizes. After you have assembled the block, you will most likely find that it is actually about 1/4” - 1/2” larger than the sizes listed above. This allows you room to clean up the block by trimming off uneven edges.

I also included three square templates for quilt blocks:

• Small — 6 1/2”

• Medium — 9 1/2”

• Large — 12 1/2”

As stated above, the block will be just a smidge larger than the sizes above, so after you have it pieced, go ahead and trim off the messy edges.

In this video, I demonstrate how to piece together the block from start to finish. I also show how the rectangular block can be made into a zipper pouch with boxed corners. Finally, I show a fun trick to attach the lining to the outer fabric so that the lining stays put. You don’t want to miss this trick!

The flat zipper pouch construction is almost identical to the boxed corner pouch — when you get to the boxed corner segment, just skip it and turn your zipper pouch right side out and it’s done. Easy!

Boxing the corners allows the bag to stand up on a flat surface, and gives it a roomier feel in the interior, making it perfect for holding cosmetics, toiletries, sewing supplies, etc.

For the Interior of this bag, I used fabric from the Sparkler basics collection, also from Riley Blake Designs, in the Rouge color. It’s hard to see here, but many of the little crosses are gold sparkle, which adds a fun element of surprise when you open the bag.

This is the Large 8 1/2” x 12 1/2” zipper pouch block. I used Riley Blake Designs Confetti Cottons in Oceanside (Sky), Honey (Mountain), Brownie (Mountain), Persimmon (Mountain), and Cloud (Snowy Peaks).

For this Medium 7” x 9 1/2” block, I used Confetti Cottons in Dove (Sky), Bark (Mountain), and Pebble (Mountain). I added Riley Blake Natural Linen for the third Mountain which adds a bit of texture, and I used White Sparkler for the Snowy Peaks.

For the Small 5” x 7 1/2” zipper pouch, I used Confetti Cottons in Curry (Sky), Storm (Mountain), Oxford Blue (Mountain), Stargazer (Mountain), and Cloud (Snowy Peaks).

Here are all three blocks side-by-side. You can see how difference in size and color palette makes each totally unique.

Here is a look at the Large and Medium boxed corner zipper pouches along with a Medium flat pouch.

And here you can see all three color variations made up into zipper pouches.

That’s not all! The Large 8 1/2” x 12 1/2” size is perfect for making the Quilted Hydro Flask Holder! I have a free tutorial for this so click on the button below to make your own!

I combined the color palettes of the Medium and Small zipper pouches to create this cool, wintry version, perfect for outings in the snow!

I love everything about this!

The Modern Mountain Quilt Blocks are square and come in three sizes commonly used for quilting: 6 1/2”, 9 1/2”, and 12 1/2” square. I will be compiling the Large 12 1/2” quilt blocks into a quilt that I will share at the end of this year.

I’d love to see your Modern Mountains projects! Share your photos and tag me on Instagram @bayhillstudio. Happy Quilting!