How to Draft Different Sized Quilt Blocks

Design a quilt block on a piece of graph paper.

Quilt block drafting is a craft for individuals who enjoy quilting. A basic understanding of a grid pattern is necessary to draft a design for a quilt block. Grid patterns include a 4-patch, 5-patch, 7-patch, 8-point star, 9-patch, or circle. A patch refers to the amount of squares in each quilt block. These are traditional grid patterns. The 8-point star is a 4-patch with divides on the diagonal. Select a grid pattern and begin the drafting process.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper with ½-inch squares
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Ruler
• Colored pencils

Instructions

1. Draw around the outside of the desired grid pattern on a piece of graph paper. For example, a 9-patch is desired. Draw a box nine squares wide by nine squares long on the graph paper.

2. Sketch the desired quilt design within the outlined grid box. For example, divide four boxes in half diagonally to create a diamond in the center of the 9-patch grid box. Add a diamond shape to the top, bottom, left and right of the center diamond.

3. Color in the design with colored pencils. Select individual areas to coordinate with the colors of fabric for the quilt block. For example, color the diamond designs in a 9-patch with one color and the remaining squares with another.

4. Assign a dimension to the drafted design. For example, assign two inches for each square on the grid. A 9-patch grid design at two-inches square will make an 18-inch quilt block.

Tips & Warnings

• Select the grid pattern for the design. Choose a grid pattern that easily multiply to the desired size. For example, a 4-patch made with 2-inch squares will make a 4-inch block. A 7-patch made with 2-inch squares will make a 14-inch block.

References

• Quilt: Quilt Drafting
• Patches from the Past: Quilts