Southern Belle Quilt Block Tutorial
From our Free Quilt Block Patterns Library
This post contains affiliate links for which I receive compensation.
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
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
Southern Belle designPre-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~ 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.
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.
You Have a Choice
The order of the paper piecing dictates the direction in which SAs are pressed.
However, once the paper is removed you ARE ABLE to press the last SA away from the large triangle...if you choose..
You may find easier to stitch the units to each other because the seams nest then.
The choice is up to you. (In this example, I chose NOT to re-press them, but instead used a pin to hold things in place.)
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.
Our Southern Belle is ready for a quiltVariations on the Southern Belle design
Several other blocks use this 3-patch quarter square triangle block pattern. They include:
|
Turnstile A two fabric, 3-patch quarter square triangle. |
 |
 |
Whirlwind Simply the Turnstile above with an extra fabric. |
|
Whirligig Swapping fabrics around. |
 |
 |
Double Pinwheel Click here for instructions to make the Double Pinwheel quilt block using traditional methods. |
|
Another Whirlwind variation Just two patches away from a Southern Belle quilt block! Click here for traditional piecing instructions (i.e. no paper piecing) to make this block. |
 |
 |
Double Star Just add a center square and side rectangles. Click here for instructions for this puzzle pieced Double Star quilt block. |
I Do Declare, There's Even More Blocks!
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!
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!
For even more blocks to make...
For you, are quilt block patterns like potato chips...
...you can't have just one?!!
Check the amazing resources I rely on for all the quilt block designs you see on this website.
To see if they're worthy of spot in YOUR quilting library, CLICK HERE.
BOO!-tiful Halloween fabrics
Paper Piecing patterns and books to tempt you...
by Sarah Elizabeth Sharp
"50 Fabulous Paper-Pieced Stars: CD included"
by Carol Doak
by Sassafras Lane
"Trim the Tree III"
by Foundation Paper Piecing
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