Let’s find out what types of quilt blocks you can sew to make your quilting sessions more enticing! We’ve got here an extensive collection of free quilt block patterns for you to check out!
For more ideas on how to get creative with your beautiful quilt block patterns, here’s our post on Free Quilt Patterns you could try! There are even some unique quilt blocks for you to try out in our picks, so don’t miss out on it.
How To Sew Quilt Blocks
- Select a quilt block tutorial.
- Prepare all the tools and materials as instructed in the tutorial.
- Prewashing your fabrics would help preshrink them and test their color fastness. But if you like the vintage wrinkling on your quilt projects, then you may opt for laundering it after it’s complete! Read more on when you should prewash the fabric.
- Cut your fabrics as indicated or prepare your precut fabrics.
- Patch your fabric pieces together according to the pattern in the guide with a quarter-inch seam allowance, and you’ve got yourself a nice quilt block!
Supplies and Tools needed:
You would require most of the following items listed below to complete your quilting project.
- Plain or patterned fabrics of your choice
- Quilting Pins
- Thread
- Sewing Machine
- Scissors
- Rotary cutter and Cutting Mat
- Iron and Ironing Mat
- Measuring Tape
- Erasable fabric pen or chalk
- Acid-free glue stick for paper piecing quilt blocks
Optional but helpful
We have here a few types of acrylic rulers and presser foot attachments that could help you in perfecting your quilting projects! These may not be compulsory, but they’ll definitely speed up and enhance your quilt blocks.
Acrylic rulers:
These are transparent rulers that are hard and durable. These rulers are helpful for fabric cutting and preparation to measure any excess fabric. To start off, here are a few basic rulers you could equip yourself with.
- Long ruler (at least 18 to 24 inches long): These can help you measure your fabric yardage accurately by width of fabric (WOF) or length of fabric (LOF).
- Square ruler: These are used for squaring up your blocks, cutting squares, and checking that your quilt blocks measure up to the correct size.
- Rectangle ruler: It’s a great tool for cutting smaller strips or blocks out of yardage. Its also a great size for trimming block sides straight and checking the borders or binding.
- Triangle rulers: These are designed to speed up your process in cutting equilateral triangles, half-square triangles, and quarter-square triangles. They come in different sizes and angles to accommodate various quilting patterns.
Presser foot attachments:
- Quarter-inch foot/ patchwork foot: This presser foot ensures that a uniform width of 1/4″ between the seam and the fabric edge is maintained until the end of your stitch.
- Walking foot/ feeding foot: This foot assists in feeding multiple layers of fabric through the sewing machine in an even manner for a straight line. It also helps prevent any bunching or stretching of the fabrics.
Beginner’s Notes
Don’t fret! We’ve found some easy quilt blocks that look difficult and complex so you can achieve that impressive quilt pattern piece. Just make sure to equip yourself with some fundamentals on sewing and some of its terminology! This amazing guide on How to Hand Sew is a great way to start acquainting yourself with a few hand-sewing stitches and the supplies necessary. You’ll get all the tips and tricks needed to hone your skills!
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a quilt block?
Quilt blocks are formed when pieces of fabric are sewn together to form a unit that creates a large, decorative patchwork. Each quilt block is a self-contained piece made up of squares, rectangles, or triangles sewn together in various patterns. These blocks are fused together to form the quilt top, which would be further layered with batting and backing fabric.
2. What are the techniques for sewing quilt blocks?
There are a few ways to create quilt blocks. Here are the common ways to sew quilt blocks:
– Traditional Piecing
– Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP)
– English Paper Piecing (EPP)
– Appliqué
Read the following FAQ for the details on each of them.
3. What Are Traditional Piecing Quilt Blocks?
This Traditional Piecing is the most common quilting technique, where you sew fabric pieces together using a quarter-inch seam allowance. This method is great for piecing up fabric pieces with simple geometrical shapes, such as squares, rectangles, triangles, sometimes hexagons, diamonds, and circles too.
These geometrical fabric pieces are sewn together to form smaller blocks, such as 4-patch, 9-patch, Half Square Triangle (HST), Quarter Square Triangle (QST), Split Quarter Square Triangle (SQST), Flying Geese, and so on.
These smaller blocks are then sewn together to create bigger block patterns, such as hourglass, broken dishes, pinwheels, Dutchman’s Puzzle, various styles of star blocks, etc.
You will find them in the list below.
4. What are Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) Quilt Blocks?
Foundation Paper Piecing has gained popularity in recent years. Because of its creativity and flexibility to create virtually any pattern, Quilters commonly use foundation paper piecing to create highly detailed and complex quilt blocks.
The paper serves as a guide for accurately sewing fabric pieces together, especially when dealing with intricate or irregular shapes that feature odd angles, sharp points, or small pieces.
The fabric pieces are sewn in numerical or alphabetical order onto the foundation paper or template. The foundation paper is carefully ripped away along the stitching lines once the section is completed.
We hope you enjoy these lovely foundation Paper Piecing patterns that we have included in the list.
5. What are English Paper Piecing (EPP) Quilt Blocks?
EPP is an ingenious way to make quilt blocks without a sewing machine. All you need is some cardstock or precut templates and a pair of scissors, and you’re ready! You could even finish a few quilt blocks on the go!
It involves folding the fabric over a paper cutout and hand-sewing each piece together to form a quilt block before the paper is removed. With a paper cutout, English Paper Piecing (EPP) ensures that the pieces maintain their shape and are aligned correctly during the hand-sewing process.
There are many shapes and sizes of EPP precut available in the market: hexagons, diamonds, triangles, half-hexagons, half-diamonds, pentagons, apple cores, honeycombs, and jewels, to name a few.
However, you can also make your own EPP templates. Learn how to DIY EPP templates so you can start your project now and don’t have to wait for your template shipment to arrive.
We have included some beautiful patterns for English Paper Piecing in the following list.
6. What Are Appliqué Quilt Blocks?
Appliqué is a technique where smaller fabric pieces are sewn onto a larger background piece to create decorative motifs or designs. This can be done by hand or using a sewing machine for raw-edge appliqué or turned-edge appliqué. Learn how to mass-produce fusible appliqué pieces so that you can save time in your quitting journey.
Find more applique designs in the following list.
7. What sewing machine should I use for quilting?
If you’re a beginner in hopes of pursuing a range of sewing projects from garments to soft toys and quilts, you could check out our selection of the best sewing machines for beginners — where we discuss key features, functions, and budget.
If you are serious about quilting, you might want an upgrade. Check out this list of the Best Quilting Sewing Machines. Before choosing a quilting sewing machine, a few factors to take into account would be the throat space, speed control, feed-dog ability, and thread tension control.
8. Top 10 Ways to Use Orphan Blocks
Orphan blocks are finished quilt blocks that have not been used in a larger quilting project. They could be leftovers from earlier projects, blocks you made for practice, or anything else that didn’t make the cut for the final quilt. These blocks could be used in a variety of ingenious ways instead of being thrown away:
Sew a mini quilt (if you have collected some)
Sew a table runner.
Sew a drink coaster.
Sew a mug rug.
Sew a small pouch.
Sew a pincushion.
Sew a pillow.
Sew pot holders and trivets.
Sew a cup cozy.
Sew a front pocket for your apron.
What’s Next?
- Start sewing and share your completed DIY apron on Facebook and/or Instagram. Remember to tag us @craftpassion so that we can see your work.
- Pin it to Pinterest for a future To-Quilt List.
- Share with your sewing groups for a quilt-along event.
- Browse more free sewing patterns to make, particularly the free quilt patterns that you can make with some of these quilt blocks.
53 Free Quilt Block Patterns
This is where you’ll find a list of quilt block designs to incorporate into your next quilt! These include traditional quilt blocks, EPP, FPP, and applique patterns as well, so don’t miss out on them.
Half Square Triangles, HST {Quick Easy Method}
Half Square Triangles (HSTs) are the most basic blocks that can be developed into highly intricate patterns or work as a stand-alone. Its simplicity allows for more versatility in making other block patterns! This tutorial includes a genius technique to make many of these in one go.
Basic 9 Patch Quilt Block {Quick Easy Method}
A nine-patch quilt block is very common in quilting! But making a number of these can be time-consuming, so we'd like to offer you a speedy technique to make yourself a lot of these cute patchwork in a short amount of time.
Hourglass Quilt Block
This guide includes a breakdown of how to make quarter-square triangles, which are used to make this hourglass quilt block! It is ideal to select contrasting fabrics for this quilt piece to accentuate the geometrical detail.
Broken Dishes Block
Here's how to create a broken dishes quilt block that reflects itself diagonally! This blog also includes 3 other pattern designs featuring different arrangements of HSTs for you to experiment with.
Pinwheel Quilt Block Pattern
Check out our adorable pinwheel quilt block pattern tutorial! Made with 4 alternating HSTs, this block is perfect for avid beginners trying their hand at quilting.
Shoo Fly Block
The classic Shoo Fly is also another fun block to try for quilters of any skill level! Not only is this block tutorial precut-friendly, but it also includes a method of making four HSTs in one go! We bet you could complete this block in no time.
Drunkards Path Block
A key trait of a drunkard's path pattern would be the graceful arcs of the quilt block pieces that smoothly transition into the next. Producing a few of these would be an effective way to practice sewing curves and winding stitches.
Quick Machine Sew Hexagon Flower Block
Don't you love how sweet these hexagon flower quilt blocks look? Piecing together many of these can be quite a hassle, so we've brainstormed a technique for you to make these real quick! With practice, you would be able to sew eight of these in under an hour!
Once you've gathered a stack of these, make yourself this beautiful Hexagon Flower quilt duvet cover!
Flying geese quilt blocks
This quilt block resembles a group of geese flying in the same direction where the big triangles are geese, and the corners represent the wings. It was known to have been a symbol of hope for those enslaved during the 19th century.
How to Make a Flying Geese Block (5 Different Ways!)
A flying geese block involves a rectangle block with an isosceles triangle in the middle. When stacked, these blocks symbolize a flock of geese going in the same direction. A high level of precision is required to create a stack of these repetitive blocks, so here are five ways you can achieve this (each comes with its Pros and Cons)!
Dutchman's Puzzle Block
Since we're on the topic, here's another interesting block pattern, Dutchman's Puzzle, featuring flying geese blocks! This tutorial includes the no-waste method to obtain two small HSTs for every flying-geese block you make.
Friendship Star Block
If you're into simple yet vintage aesthetics, then you can never miss out on the classic friendship star quilt block pattern! This 4 HST nine-patch quilt block is a perfect project for beginners.
Twin Star Block
This Twin Star Quilt Block resembles stacking up a friendship star together to build an 8-point star. The method is similar to the friendship star, but it takes an additional step to make the split quarter-square triangle (SQST).
Arkansas Star Block
This Arkansas star block pattern would shine effortlessly on your quilt piece. It's a 4-pointed star with a quarter-square triangle (QST) center. This block is also a great way to use up any fabric scraps you've got lying around.
Sawtooth Star Quilt Block
This traditional 8-pointed star quilt motif is probably one of the most well-known. It consists of one large square surrounded by four flying geese blocks and four smaller squares to make the entire block. Depending on the fabric and color choices, it can be versatile for creative quilt design!
Spinner's Block
This Spinner's block from Bunny Hill Designs is easy yet unique with its four-pointer spinner and four colored edge pieces. It features a four-patch center and a few HSTs.
Woven Star Block
This is a wonderful star block that produces a distinctive weave-in effect in the middle. You'll be required to make a few HSTs, SQSTs, and Flying Geese units for this tutorial.
Star Flower Block
This dazzling Star Flower block pattern is pretty straightforward to piece together. All you need to do is assemble some HSTs to make this eight-pointer star flower! Its pinwheel center gives it alternating shades of petals.
Grandma's Star Block
Learn to sew this intricate Grandma's Star quilt block with this helpful guide! This block has quite a few segments, so be patient and careful as you sew and piece together each segment!
Carpenter's Star Block
Here's another detailed star quilt block pattern with a star flower as a centerpiece. This Carpenter's star quilt block mainly consists of HSTs and four-patch units only, so don't let this enigmatic pattern design fool you!
Traditional Cathedral Window Quilt blocks
Here's a tutorial on how to complete a cathedral window quilt block! Undoubtedly, we'd suggest you use a contrasting color for the inner piece of fabric to accentuate the enchanting diamond-shaped window. This block pattern might put your origami and hand-stitching skills to the test, but trust the process!
Easy Cathedral Window Block
This Cathedral Window quilt block tutorial is slightly less challenging than the previous one as hand-sewing isn't required, and there's less folding, too. Yet, it's equally as beautiful!
It even comes with steps to incorporate it into a cushion cover so it may ornate your living room!
Checker Block
This checker quilt block from Blossom Heart Quilts is one of a kind and pretty versatile! The guide includes a range of block arrangements and different color switches you could apply to this block pattern to give you more variety!
Chevron Block
This Chevron block pattern could be patched together to produce lines of zig-zags running across your quilt work! This blog includes instructions for a four-patch and a twelve-patch block.
Fizzy Block
This Fizzy quilt block from Blossom Heart Quilts adds a magical twist to the good-ol drunkard's path quilt block! The unique placement of curves adds an artsy pop to the finished quilt piece.
Simple Log Cabin Block (Video Tutorial)
The log cabin quilt block is a timeless design that quilters have treasured for many years. Its simplicity makes it relatively easy to construct, and you could piece it together in so many different ways as shown in Jenny's tutorial!
Ombre Heart Block
Check out this darling heart quilt block from The Crafty Quilter! The heart carries an ombre gradient, which adds dimension to the quilt piece. It's super simple and measures up to 6" on its own and 8" with a border.
Scandinavian Block
The details of this Scandinavian quilt block may appear complex, but don't worry! You'll learn to sew the star point using the corner triangle method and a four-patch block, and once you've got that figured out, assembling your quilt block will be simple!
Dresden Plate Block
Here's a Dresden plate quilt block tutorial from Coral+Co. Sewing a Dresden plate may seem intimidating due to the many Dresden petal blocks, but once you've got the hang of it, this project will be a breeze. You may need a Dresden plate ruler and a bamboo pointer for this block pattern.
Sunflower Star Block
This is a wonderful quilt consisting of a Dresden-style sunflower, some leaves, and a backdrop made of diamond-shaped pieces! This tutorial calls for freezer paper to make the center circle applique.
Nordic Star Block
Here's how to sew a Nordic Star quilt block from The Crafty Quilter. With just a few strips of red and white fabric, you could make yourself a festive quilt with this block for Christmas!
Square In Square Block
Don't you love the mystical illusion of square-in-a-square quilt block patterns? This Seaside Squares quilt tutorial from Jamie utilizes jelly rolls to produce this dimensional pattern. Do note that a triangle square-up ruler was used in this tutorial.
Manx Quilt Block
This labyrinth of a quilt block that originated from Manx, may remind you of the classic American Log Cabin block. As complex as it seems, all you need is some hand-stitching and a few scraps of fabric to make this quilt block! It's a great project for anyone practicing hand-sewing because it doesn't require clean orderly stitches.
Flower Applique Pattern
Here's a stunning flower applique pattern from our Secret Garden Quilt Pattern tutorial! The beautiful array of prints used for its petals makes it such an eye-catching applique. If you'd like to adorn your quilt blocks with a delicate floral garden, this tutorial is just for you!
Songbird, Tree & Sun Appliques
Here's an applique pattern that encapsulates the tender nature of springtime. This songbird, tree, and sun applique pattern also came from our Secret Garden Quilt Pattern! The pattern template design gives this applique a whimsical style that would fit right in any child's blanket.
Ladybug, Butterfly & Snail Appliques
Here's another adorable collection of insect appliques from our gorgeous Secret Garden Quilt Pattern! Aren't they adorable? Just like the previous two applique patterns, this could be completed with an applique fusible web by ironing the pieces down on the base.
Asymmetrical Star Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP)
This fantastic asymmetrical star block works well for any newbies looking to try out foundation paper piecing! This block can be completed with any leftover fabric from your previous projects, too! Besides, using a range of different prints makes each star even more unique.
Scrap Flower FPP Block
Here's another scrap buster for you. This scrap flower quilt block would fit well in any of your floral springtime projects with its childlike vibrance! With the many petals overlapping each other on the bud, you wouldn't need to worry much about precision.
The Wonky House FPP Block
Sewing g a quilt for the new baby's bedroom? We've got the perfect block for you! This playful Wonky House quilt block would add a touch of joy to its surroundings. It may seem a bit tricky, but don't fret. This detailed guide is here to guide you through this sewing journey.
Sedona's Star FPP Block
This Sedona's star quilt block from threadbare creations is but an artwork of sophistication and grace. With just the right colors, you could make a Christmas quilt for the holiday season! This quilt block tutorial also comes with a coloring sheet to help you plan out the placement of your fabrics.
Moth FPP
With this Moth Charm Block, you can make a fun and creative mini quilt block. These 5.5" paper pieced blocks are ideal for adorning a mini quilt, a pouch, or a pincushion. Change the size and color scheme to create your own Moth Charm Block.
Butterfly FPP
Instead of Moth, how about the butterfly FPP patterns? Let's meet Cricket, Gidget, and Pepper.
Scrappy Carrots FPP
Scrappy Carrots are a simple, quick, and adorable FPP. These would be ideal for an Easter decoration, but they could also be used for a garden-themed craft in the summer or fall. Make three to make a mini quilt or more to use in a larger project, like a zippered runner, bag, or pouch. Your options are endless.
Cow FPP
If you're skilled at paper piecing quilt blocks, this cow FPP project should be a worthy challenge.
North West Quilt-As-You-Go Block
Sewing this modern North West quilt block is a great way for you to utilize any leftover pieces in your fabric scraps basket! It's a super simple quilt-as-you-go tutorial.
Hexagon Flower English Paper Piecing (EPP)
If you wish to sew the Hexagon Flower Quilt Block in the traditional way, here is the English Paper Piecing method. We used mini hexagon templates to make these small hexagon flowers. This is a perfect flower applique for small sewing projects.
8-Pointed Star EPP
After the hexagon, the diamond is likely the second most common EPP shape. Changing the width of a diamond creates an infinite number of pattern possibilities. This 8-pointed star applique is made from diamond EPP.
Heart EPP
These sweet English paper-picked hearts would be great for any Valentine's Day craft. Two jewel EPP pieces are sewn together to form a heart. This is one of the simplest EPP projects, ideal for beginners.
Pentagon EPP Ring
The appealing ring is made of ten pentagon pieces and is ideal for use as an applique on a sewing project. It is yet another beginner-friendly EPP project.
Fruity Pineapple EPP
You can make a pineapple quilt block out of yellow and green scrap fabrics, as well as 10 hexagons and 3 jewel EPP templates. What a clever idea!
Fruity Grape EPP
If you're not a fan of pineapple, grapes are a good alternative. There are 13 hexagons and 2 jewels in this grape-themed EPP. Another cute idea!
Dhalia Flower EPP
All of the flowers are pieced together using English paper piecing techniques. The petals of each flower are made up of two different prints, with a contrasting print in the center. Depending on your sewing theme, you can also make your Dhalia Flowers with rainbow-colored fabrics.
Twisted Hexagon EPP
Twisted hexagons are made up of 1 hexagon and 6 half-hexagon EPP templates of the same size. This pattern will help you create a more visually appealing hexagonal pattern for your quilt.
Apple Cores English Paper Piecing
Instead of using a needle and thread to baste the fabric onto a curved EPP template like this apple core shape, you can save time and effort by using glue instead.
Sewing an apple core requires some skill, so learn how to do it right.
DIANE SCHMIDT
Saturday 9th of September 2023
i LOVE ALL OF THEM. i WISH YOU HAD A BOOK WITH THE PATTERNS. i WOULD DEFINITELY BUY IT.