Beginner Quilt Block Patterns and Units
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.
The information is provided for your own personal use
Can you share it with friends?
I'd prefer you send them back
to this website for them to print their own copy.
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.
Wouldn't it be
wonderful if your friends knew where to find it, too?
If you are a guild member and would like to include some of the downloads in your newsletter, please click here to contact me directly.
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) 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.
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 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!
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
|
#5: Specialty rulers #6: Triangle paper |
Quarter Square Triangles (QST)
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.
The Techniques
#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
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 on!
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 pattern.
The Techniques
#1: Strip Piecing & Rotary Cut Patches
#2: Two from 2 Squares: A Positive/A Negative
#3: Strip Piece a Single Nine Patch
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
|
#1: Rotary-cut patches #4: 3D or One Seam |
#5: Paper Piecing |
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 terrific place to show off a focus fabric or machine embroidery.
Also known as the Diamond in a Square block.
The Techniques
#2: Paper Piecing
- Templates - 5 sizes to download
Triangles 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
Corner Beam
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.
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!
For even more blocks to make...
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!
Quilt patterns, books and kits to tempt you...
Click any image or link for more info
by Jera Brandvig
"Christmas Figs"
by It's So Emma
"Golden Harvest"
by Quiltworx
"Farm Girl Vintage"
by Lori Holt
"Penguin Party"
by Elizabeth Hartman
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