Beginner Quilt Block Patterns and Units

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Top Tips for Perfect Patchwork

As you begin these quilt block patterns, here are my top tips for better pieced results.

• Slow down. Resist the temptation to stitch as fast as you can. You have more control at slower speeds. More control means less ripping.

• The perfect technique for a basic quilt block can vary from quilt to quilt. For instance, if I'm making Flying Geese for a Sawtooth star, 4-at-a-time—with over-sized patches—is my go-to method. However, if the block required pairs of FG stitched together, it's paper pieced units every time, to save time and increase accuracy.

• Stitch an good 1/4" seam. Take the time to do a sewing test to check that your settings yield spot-on results. Click here to learn how to check your seam allowances with a quick sewing test.

• Cut accurately. Make sure to cut exactly next to the ruler for accurately sized patches.

• Starch your fabric. Yes, I know it's an extra step. But you cut, stitch and press all more accurately with starched fabrics. (Just remember to wash the starch out at the end of your project.) You can learn more about starching here.

• Press as you go. Click here to learn this super simple pressing secret for flatter blocks than you ever dreamed possible. It works for paper piecing, too!

• Practice. There is nothing like practice to build confidence. Once you've built your confidence, you can do ANYTHING.

Let's get started!

The Building Blocks

If a particular technique isn't underlined (indicating an active link to that page) rest assured it's on the list to be 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.

Rail Fence Quilt Block

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 frequently used in the construction of 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!

The Techniques

#1: Strip Piecing

#2: Traditional Piecing

Half Square Triangles (HST)

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.

The Techniques

Quarter Square Triangles (QST)

Another 90° right triangle.

This time the outside long edge opposite the right or 90° angle in the center 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.

The Techniques

#1: Rotary Cut Patches

#2: Sandwich or Quick Piecing Method

#3: Quarter Square Triangle Ruler

#4: 3-Patch Quarter Square Triangles

Half Rectangle 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.

The Technique

#1: Split Rects Ruler

Four Patches

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.

The Techniques

#1: Rotary cut patches

#2: Strip piecing

Nine Patches

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 patterns.

The Techniques

#1: Strip Piecing & Rotary Cut Patches

#2: Two from 2 Squares: A Positive/A Negative

#3: Strip Piece a Single Nine Patch

9-patch quilt blocks are some of the easiest to make, but a simple swap of units reveals an avalanche of design potential.

Check out our Even 9-Patch Block Library.

Find the inspiration for your next quilt project!

Flying Geese

Used most often as units within a block or for sashing and borders, Flying Geese add movement to a patchwork design.

The Techniques

Square in a Square

Whether its set edge to edge in a simple design layout or part of another design, the Square in a Square is a fabulous place to show off a focus fabric or machine embroidery.

Also known as the Diamond in a Square block.

The Techniques

#1: Connector Corners (AKA Stitch and Flip, Folded Corners)

#2: Paper Piecing

#3: Rotary Cut Patches

• Traditional ruler

• Templates - 5 sizes to download

• On Point specialty ruler

Triangle in a Square

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.

The Techniques

#1: Paper Piecing

#2: TriRecs Rulers

#3: V Ruler by Studio 180 Designs

Corner Beam

Another not-quite-so-common block. The design is formed by a square patch divided into three triangles by a 22° angle starting 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.

The Technique

#1: Corner Beam Quilting Ruler

After you've mastered these quilt block patterns...

...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!