How to Sew a Quilting Block

This nine-patch quilt uses the same technique as the four-patch quilt.

Quilt blocks can be as simple as a square of fabric or much more involved. A more experienced quilter can include rectangles, triangles or even applique shapes to a quilt block. For a beginner, a four-square or rectangle-shaped quilt block is simple, yet looks very nice.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Instructions

Four Patch Block

1. Cut your fabric into squares. The size of the squares will be determined by how large you want the blocks to be and the size of the quilt. For example, if you want your block to be 10 inches, make your squares 5 1/2 inches on all sides. The extra 1/2 inch allows for a seam.

2. Lay out four squares, two on top of two. Traditionally, you would put a light and a dark color on top, then alternate the same colors on the bottom. You can do it in any manner you wish, however.

3. Lay the two top squares on each other with the right sides together. Put pins along the edge where they are to be sewn.

4. Sew the two squares together using a 1/4 inch seam. Remove the pins as you come to them. Repeat the pinning and sewing with the two bottom squares.

5. Iron the seams flat on the back. This will help when sewing the two sections together and cut down on the bulk when you put the quilt together later.

6. Lay the two sections out, then bring the top one down over the bottom section. Pin the two pieces together on the edge you are preparing to sew. Match the seams so your block is even. Sew the two sections together with a 1/4 inch seam.

7. Iron the seams flat. Repeat until you have enough blocks for your quilt.

Three Rectangle Block

1. Determine the size of your square so you know how large to make your fabric pieces. This block is made up of three rectangles, so divide the width of the block by three. For example, if you want a 9 inch block, each piece you cut needs to measure 3 1/2 inches by 9 1/2 inches. The extra 1/2 inch accounts for the seam allowances.

2. Cut the fabric and lay out three on the table. Lay the first piece on top of the other, right sides together. Pin along the 9 inch side and sew with a 1/4 inch seam. Unfold the fabric.

3. Lay the third rectangle on top of the second one and pin along the long side. Sew this seam and iron the seams flat.

4. Repeat until you have enough blocks for your quilt.

Tips & Warnings

• When laying out your quilt blocks for the Three Rectangle Block, consider alternating which direction the blocks face. For example, make the rectangles on the first one vertical and horizontal on the second. Repeat the pattern over the entire quilt.

• These blocks do not need to use the same two or three fabrics; use what scraps you have.

References

• The Untrained Housewife: How to Make Patched Quilt Blocks
• Quilt Block Library: Quilt Blocks

Resources

• McCalls Quilting: Block Reference
• Quilt How To: How to Make Block Quilt for Beginners