Master these and you CAN successfully piece anything!
This handful of quilt block patterns forms the basis for probably 95% of all the pieced quilt blocks you'll ever make.
When you can piece them accurately, your finished quilt blocks are going to be a dream to work with. No more tweaking 'cause it's off just a wee bit.
All can be rotary cut and traditionally pieced. Some have quick piecing techniques. Still others are easily paper pieced. Even a few use specialty rulers for all you gadget-gals!
Each technique includes a list of pros and cons to help you choose the best one for your next quilting project.
Choose the quilt block patterns from the list:
Each quilt block patterns page has cutting charts for several sizes, free, downloadable paper piecing patterns (if applicable), tips for easier piecing and instructions for cutting with directional fabrics.
Keep them close to you in your sewing room. Click here for help or troubleshooting when downloading.
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Providing this free information is my way of thanking you for visiting...and hopefully visiting often to see all the new things that are added.
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As you begin these quilt block patterns, here are my top tips for better pieced results.
Let's get started!
If a particular technique isn't underlined (indicating an active link to that page) it is in the process of being written and photographed.
Please feel free to bookmark this page and return as they are completed.
As the individual techniques are uploaded that information is published on the Generations Quilt Patterns Facebook page.
This easy quilt block pattern is simply strips of fabric sewn together into strip sets. These strip sets are, in turn, sub-cut into blocks.
The technique for this block is used again for both four- and nine-patch quilt blocks.
Once you've mastered the sewing test for your seam allowance setting, you're ready for the Rail Fence!
#1: Strip Piecing
#2: Traditional Piecing
Made from right angle or 90° triangles; the bias edge is the long one opposite the 90° angle. The two short edges are on the straight of grain.
These units can be pieced in a multitude of ways.
It also makes a good alternate block to reduce the total amount of piecing in your quilt designs.
#5: Specialty rulers #6: Triangle paper |
Another 90° right triangle.
This time the long edge opposite the right or 90° angle is on the straight of grain. The short edges are on the bias.
This block can be pieced with two, three or four fabrics for lots of versatility.
#2: Sandwich or Quick Piecing Method
#3: Quarter Square Triangle Ruler
#4: 3-Patch Quarter Square Triangles
A kissin' cousin of the HST, the half rectangle is a unit twice as tall as it is wide.
It gets tricky to make because if you think the seam line goes through the opposite diagonal corners' edges, you'd be wrong.
Starching the fabric before cutting is essential (in my humble opinion) for accurate patches that are easy to piece into your quilt patterns.
A common unit within blocks or a block in its own right, the Four Patch adds directional movement to your quilt design.
A perfect block for beginners to hone their seam allowance accuracy on!
#1: Rotary cut patches
#2: Strip piecing
Versatile for both scrappy and planned color placement, this block can be used on its own or alternated with others to form interesting chains through your quilt pattern.
The Birthday Quilt is one of my most favorite Nine Patch quilt pattern.
#1: Strip Piecing & Rotary Cut Patches
#2: Two from 2 Squares: A Positive/A Negative
#3: Strip Piece a Single Nine Patch
Used most often as units within a block or for sashing and borders, Flying Geese add movement to a patchwork design.
#1: Rotary-cut patches #4: 3D or One Seam |
#5: Paper Piecing |
Whether its set edge to edge in a simple design layout or part of another design, the Square in a Square is a terrific place to show off a focus fabric or machine embroidery.
Also known as the Diamond in a Square block.
#2: Paper Piecing
While not as common as the other units, this one shows up time and again within blocks.
Used alternately with block with HSTs on their outside edge, it forms the optical illusion of curves.
#1: Paper Piecing
#2: TriRecs Rulers
Another not-so-common block. The design is formed by a square patch divided into three equal 30° angles from a single corner point. Both sides of the two internal seams are bias edges.
Starching your fabric is a must in my opinion, regardless of the technique you choose to make this block. It adds needed stability to the fabric as you stitch the narrow point of fabric.
#1: Corner Beam Quilting Ruler
...you're ready for bigger challenges.
Visit our Free Quilt Block Patterns Library to see our ever-growing selection of patterns for your personal use.
If you're in need of inspiration, visit our Quilt Design Library which shows a variety of block patterns and layouts to help spark your own creativity!
These are my go-to resources for quilt block ideas.
Maggie Malone's 5500 Quilt Block Designs is my all-time favorite quilt block resource!
Can you tell?
It's in color.
It's got a ton of blocks.
What's not to love?
Next on my 'must-have' list is Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns.
Unlike the Maggie Malone book, the blocks in this volume are hand-drawn and in black and white—no color—personally, I prefer colored drawings to work with.
This book is no longer in print. If you can come by a copy expect it to be wickedly expensive.
However...
BlockBase is the computerized version of the Encyclopedia.
It can be used with Electric Quilt and is a Windows based program.
Finally there's The Quilter's Album of Patchwork Patterns by Jinny Beyer.
Lots of detail and in color, it is a beautiful volume. That said, I check it out of my local library on a regular basis instead of purchasing it—can you see the library sticker on it's spine. Yep, it's from the Plainfield Public Library.
Why?
Simply because I own the previous three references and find this the least user-friendly of the group.
And it does make a fabulous coffee table book!
Click any image or link for more info
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