Courthouse Steps Quilt Block Tutorial: Using 1", 1½", 2", or 2½" wide strips

The Courthouse Steps quilt block takes the traditional and elevates it to a whole new level.

The Courthouse Steps block pattern is an absolute treasure. Each block provides a perfect canvas for an endless array of color, fabric, and design combinations. Plus it's faster than a traditional Log Cabin block—you can add two sides before having to press after the block is big enough.

And the best part?

Our step-by-step guide includes everything you need to get started, from a downloadable coloring or fabric planning page, and cutting chart, to simple tips to ensure your quilt blocks turn out accurate and stunning.

Let your endless creativity take flight, and dive into this tutorial with enthusiasm. In no time, you'll have heaps of beautiful Courthouse Steps blocks ready to be stitched into the quilt of your dreams.

Let's get started, shall we?

Ready to start sewing?

With RST, stitch a #2 to opposite sides of your center #1 patch. 

Press as you have chosen—either open or away from #1.

Since this first patch is pretty small, add one and then the other, pressing in between. You'll get a much flatter SA that way.

With RST, add a #3 to each long edge. My preference is to stitch from the side with the seams on top. It's easier to AVOID flipping seams over as you sew.

I do pin to keep the edges aligned.

Again, add one #3 at a time, pressing in between for this first round.

The first round on our Courthouse Steps quilt block is complete. Use the chart above to check your accuracy.

Here it is from the back.

You can see how the dark fabric is behind the dark and the light behind the light. No worries about dark fabric shadowing through the lighter one. 

A very simple solution.

With RST, add a #4 to both shorter sides of the sewn unit. Only this time, you may be able to comfortably work your iron into the center to get a good press. 

As soon as you can, add your patches one to each side and then press. 

This is the beauty of the Courthouse Steps, being able to add two patches between trips to the ironing board.

For a big quilt, this one thing is a HUGE time saver.

Add a dark #5 to each side of the growing Courthouse Steps, and press.

Again, use the chart above to check the accuracy of your seam allowance. Make any adjustments you need.

Add the #6 and #7 patches in the same manner as all the previous ones.

Here is our block after stitching the #7s. The third round of logs is finished. Our Courthouse Steps is starting to look like something now.

Use the chart to check the accuracy of the block. Adjust as needed.

Here it is after sewing the second #9.

Finish off your block with the #10 and #11 rectangles. Give your block a final press—you're going to LOVE-LOVE-LOVE how flat this block is after pressing all the SAs open.

And our finished Courthouse Steps quilt block is complete.

One final peek at the backside. 

Super neat.

Super flat.

This will be a pleasure to stitch into a quilt.

Consistency in how you press helps you do a better machine quilting job, too.

If all the blocks have SAs in the same direction, you're never guessing which side of a seam has the ditch, or where you'll run into a big lump that'll cause your stitches to go off kilter. 

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