Southern Belle Quilt Block Tutorial

From our Free Quilt Block Patterns Library

Skill Level: Beginner

Grid: 2x2 (4-patch)

The Southern Belle quilt block is a close relative of the Whirlwind block in that both use nothing but quarter square triangles in their construction. The only difference is a third fabric is added.

This time, we'll use the paperpiecing technique to make the block instead of traditional piecing.

The results are perfection every time!

Quick and simple to construct, this block would be fun for a quick baby quilt.

On this page you'll find cutting instructions for 3 block sizes, a piecing tutorial, as well as, a number of other related blocks for color placement ideas. And finally there are free downloadable paperpiecing patterns for your use.

Let's get piecing the Southern Belle block!

General Instructions

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Sample Block: 6"(6-1/2" unfinished)

Grid: 3"

All seam allowances (SA) are 1/4" unless otherwise indicated.

When you are instructed to press, first press the pieced unit flat to set the seam. Then open the patch, pressing from the front. You may want to reduce or eliminate the use of steam for pressing these paper pieced blocks. Steam tends to curl the patterns.

Take a minute to review our favorite 'secret' technique to getting the flattest quilt blocks you'll ever see. It works even with the paper attached. Now THAT'S sweet!

Step 1: Download free paperpiecing patterns

The Southern Belle quilt block is made from 3-patch quarter square triangle units that are paperpieced.

You'll need Adobe Reader installed on your computer in order to open and print the patterns. You can get Adobe Reader here (a new window will open so you can download it without leaving this page) if you need it.

Choose your finished block size and print the pattern. After printing, measure the 1" square to confirm the page printed correctly.

Print the QST 3 Patch Units
Finished Block Size	# of copies	Link to PDF Download
4"	1	2"
5"	1	2-1/2"
6"	1	3"

My favorite paperpiecing papers are:

Step 2: Cutting for the Southern Belle

Pre-cutting patches for paperpiecing instead of just using 'hunks' of fabrics guarantees that the outside edges of the finished unit are all on the straight of grain.

This adds stability to your finished Southern Belle quilt block.

These patches are generously sized so that placement is virtually fool-proof.

Make a few blocks.

Then with that experience decide if you need to increase or decrease the size of the patches according to your needs. Note those change on a separate copy of the pattern and save it for future reference.

			Cutting Chart for a Southern Belle Quilt Block ~ Paper Piecing ~
Patch	Fabric	Qty	Finished Block Size			Sub Cut
			4"	5"	6"
1	Light	1	3¾" x 3¾"	4¼" x 4¼"	4¾" x 4¾"
2	Dark	1	3¾" x 3¾"	4¼" x 4¼"	4¾" x 4¾"
3	Med	1	3⅜" x 3⅜"	3⅞" x 3⅞"	4⅜" x 4⅜"
4	Dark	1	3⅜" x 3⅜"	3⅞" x 3⅞"	4⅜" x 4⅜"
Unfinished Block Size			4½"	5½"	6½"	na
Grid Size			2"	2½"	3"	na

These are some of my favorite tools and supplies for preparing and cutting fabric.

• Olfa 12" Rotating Rotary Cutting Mat

• StaFlo Liquid Concentrate Starch

• Olfa 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter and Blade

And these are the cut patches:

Step 3: Assemble the units

With a light dab of Elmer's Glue Stick(goes on purple, dries clear), adhere Patch QST.1 in place to your pattern—wrong side of fabric to unprinted side of paper. When it is properly place the edges of the patch line up with the dotted lines surrounding #1 on your pattern.

With right sides together (RST), match the edges of a small dark QST.2 triangle with QST.1.

From the printed side of the pattern, sew the seam between QST.1 and QST.2, starting before and stopping after the solid line.

Press.

Next align the bias cut edge of a medium QST.3 triangle with the long edge of the unit, RST.

Stitch on the solid line between them, again starting before and stopping after the printed line.

Press.

Repeat for the remaining three units. Two will have dark QST.3 triangles; two will have medium ones.

After stitching, trim all the units to size by placing the quarter inch line of your ruler on the solid outside line of the block. I find it much easier to do this than try to line up the edge of my rotary ruler with the outside dotted line.

Remove the paper and give each block a final press.

Step 4: Assemble the Southern Belle

Lay out the units into rows.

Stitch the units into rows or columns.

Press with the SA towards either towards the dark or the light—just be consistent for both pairs so that the seams will nest.

Stitch the rows or columns together.

Press.

Congratulations! Your Southern Belle quilt block is complete.

Variations on the Southern Belle design

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Several other blocks use this 3-patch quarter square triangle block pattern. They include:

I Do Declare, There's Even More Blocks!

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Put down that Mint Julep! There's quilt blocks to make.

Just check out our Free Quilt Block Pattern Library to find a beauty for your next quilting creation!

Share your work to inspire other Quilters!

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If you use our tutorials to make your blocks and quilts, there are some easy ways to share your creations so other quilters (including me!) can enjoy the fruits of your labor:

• On Instagram please tag your blocks and quilts with the hashtag #GenerationsQuiltPatterns.

• Visit our Show n'Tell page on the website. Click here to share photos and tell your own story, just start typing at 'The name of your quilt is...'. If you'd prefer to submit more photos than the form allows, simply email them to me at julie@generations-quilt-patterns.com.

I love seeing your work!

Our readers do, too!

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