Betsy Chutchian • Moda Lissa

This week’s Moda Blockheads 6 block comes with a sprinkle of magic and a twist of tradition—introducing Toadstool Twist by the always-inspiring Betsy Chutchian.

Known for her deep love of quilting history and rich reproduction fabrics, Betsy brings a sense of storytelling to every design. And Toadstool Twist? It feels like a little adventure stitched into fabric—a block full of movement, mystery, and just the right touch of whimsy.

Blockheads 6- Block 13

Toadstool Twist – A Walk Through the Woods

The Toadstool Twist block combines flying geese units with diagonal piecing to create a dynamic, layered composition. The clean intersections and rhythmic lines suggest the winding turns of a woodland path—one you might find in the middle of a fairy-tale forest.

This block is all about balance and play. There’s enough structure to give it a solid framework, but just enough irregular movement to keep your eye bouncing around. It’s lively without being busy—exactly what you want in a sampler quilt.

For my version, I leaned into primary colors with the Magic Dot Basic by Lella Boutique. I am a huge fan of anything dot and these dots are magical. They come in a huge variety of colors, so ask for them at your favorite store. You will want to stock up!

Meet Betsy Chutchian – Keeper of Quilting Stories

Betsy Chutchian is a master of blending the past with the present. She designs lush reproduction-style fabric collections for Moda Fabrics, writes quilt books inspired by antique blocks and Civil War-era quilts, and shares her love of all things historical through lectures, trunk shows, and patterns.

Her work always has that heirloom feel—blocks and quilts that look like they’ve been passed down through generations, even when they’re brand new. Betsy brings an authenticity and reverence to her craft that makes each design feel like part of a bigger story.

Connect with Betsy here:

Instagram: @betsy_chutchian
Facebook: Betsy Chutchian Quilts
Blog: betsysbestquiltsandmore.blogspot.com

If you’re a fan of history-rich fabrics, Civil War-era inspiration, and hand-crafted charm, you’ll love following along with everything Betsy does.

Toadstool Twist Tutorial & Pattern

Head over to the Moda Blog to download the Toadstool Twist block pattern and watch the step-by-step video tutorial. Betsy’s insight into construction and block placement always adds a little more depth to the sewing experience. This week it is my turn to host the video so it is a down and dirty quickie version to make this block.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpwt-FQD18E

Share your makes with #ModaBlockheads and #ModaBlockheads6, and tag @modafabrics and @betsy_chutchian—we’d love to see your twist on this classic-meets-whimsy design.

Until next week… keep wandering, keep stitching, and enjoy the journey.

Details about this program, click here.

Follow each of the designers listed below.

Vanessa Christenson – Download the pattern here.

Lynne Hagmeier -Download the pattern here.

Anne Sutton -Download the pattern here.

Kiley Ferons-Download the pattern here.

Chelsi Stratton– Download the pattern here.

Robin Pickens –Download the pattern here.

Joanna Figueroa-Download the pattern here.

Sherri McConnell -Download the pattern here.

Barb Groves – Download the pattern here.

Janet Clare-Download the pattern here.

Lisa Bongean-Download the pattern here.

Corey Yoder-Download the pattern here.

Thank you for following along!

Week 3

SO many great variations and color placements on everyone’s blocks. I have learned so much from watching the progress. Each week is a different kind of challenge to not only what fabrics am I going to use but how my sewing skills are going to be challenged. Today’s block is from Betsy Chutchian. I have known Betsy almost forever. I can’t really remember when we first met but we were both involved with local quilt shops and would run into each other at guild meetings and various quilt shows. I get to see her more now that we are both moda peeps.

I knew Betsy’s block was going to be a challenge for me but in a good way.

I’m not scared!

The half-square triangles are cut at 1 7/8″ so they finish 1″. I rounded up all my cutting to 2″. I was able to then trim or square up each of the units. This definitely took more time but well worth it. Each week I am concentrating on improving my piecing skills. Some weeks I am trying out different rulers but most weeks I will be using triangle papers.

SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE.

Generally, I do not press my seams open. I must confess that I am a bit lazy when it comes to pressing. So to keep it real and make me accountable I decided to show the back of my block. Where the seams got bulky I did press open. There is still some bulk where the tip of the flying geese blocks was but that is okay with me. I will deal with that.

One thing I am going to work harder on is starching my fabrics. Lisa Bongean did a great post on the Blockheads FB group about starching. If you didn’t see it, here is the link.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/253867175058745/permalink/825040994608024/

Now visit each of the designers listed below to see their version of this week’s block.

Thanks for stopping by.

Be sure to check out the Block Heads Facebook Group and look for Block Heads 3 on Instagram – #modablockheads and #modablockheads3.

Tag: Betsy Chutchian

Moda Blockheads 6: Block 13 – Toadstool Twist by Betsy Chutchian

BlockHeads- Betsy Chutchian