An Easy Beginner’s Guide to the Building Blocks Quilt Pattern

Building Blocks Quilt Patterns for All Skill Levels

Building block quilt patterns are a fun and colorful way to showcase geometric shapes in your quilting projects. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy first quilt, or an experienced quilter seeking a new challenge, these block-based designs have something for everyone. In this article, I’ll cover some attractive building blocks quilt patterns that are suitable for quilters of all abilities.

Easy Nine-Patch Quilt

The classic nine-patch is one of the simplest building blocks patterns to get started with. As the name suggests, it’s composed of nine squares arranged in a 3×3 grid. From my experience, this layout is forgiving for beginners since all the pieces are trimmed to the same size. You can make each square a solid color fabric or add interest by pairing different prints. Try setting your blocks on point to create a chevron design once your quilt top is assembled. For quick quilting, opt to tie your finished quilt rather than tackling complex stitching patterns.

Scrappy Square-in-a-Square Quilt

If you have lots of fabric scraps taking up space in your sewing room, the square-in-a-square pattern is a great way to use them up. Each block has four smaller squares set within a larger square frame. Cut your fabrics into 2-inch strips, then into 2-inch squares. Sew smaller squares together randomly to form the centers, then add borders to complete each block. I’ve faced situations where trying to sew orderly strips led to frustration, so enjoy the freedom of chopping fabric randomly and going with the flow. Mix up your color combinations for a fun, improvisational look.

Interlocking Chevron Quilt

For quilters comfortable with basic piecing, an interlocking chevron design presents a slightly more challenging block. Here, large triangles formed from half-square triangle units point inward and outward in an alternating pattern to resemble arrows. Sewing diagonally can take practice, so take it slow at first. I’d recommend making a few practice blocks before diving into a full quilt top. The chevron motif really pops once your blocks are joined in long rows. For a stunning modern quilt, choose high-contrast fabrics in jewel tones or stick to a monochrome palette.

String Pieced Honeycomb Quilt

Embrace the string piecing method to create an optical illusion-like honeycomb pattern. With string piecing, you sew long strings of fabric strips together and then cut them apart to form individual hexagon pieces. From my experience, it’s essentially like creating jigsaw puzzle pieces. Pick prints with directional motifs so the designs appear to swirl around the “honeycomb cells” once assembled. Despite its intricate look, string piecing allows you to complete a block quickly. Just remember to press seams open as you work to minimize bulk. Consider free-motion quilting the completed top for added texture.

Building Blocks Quilt Patterns by Experience Level

Now let’s break down some building blocks quilt patterns according to skill. These options are ranked from easiest to most advanced to suit quilters of varying abilities.

Beginner Friendly Patterns

1. Nine-patch quilt: Simple and forgiving for novices
2. Strip pieced checkerboard: Easy geometry with fast results
3. Chain pieced log cabin blocks: Gain skills without measuring pressure
4. Scrappy patchwork blocks: Perfect for using up fabrics

Intermediate Level Designs

1. String pieced honeycomb: Fun technique but not too complex
2. courthouse steps: Builds on triangle piecing fundamentals
3. Pinwheels or windmills: Gets you comfortable with diagonals
4. Sawtooth star: Challenging enough without being intimidating

Advanced Building Blocks Patterns

1. Interlocking chevron: Takes accurate piecing to join rows
2. English paper piecing star blocks: Highly detailed hand stitching
3. Dimensional folded star blocks: Incorporates 3D elements
4. Y-seam construction blocks: Tests precision piecing skills

Tips for Successful Building Blocks Quilts

Now that you know some top building blocks quilt patterns to choose from, here are some tips to help ensure your project turns out nicely:

1. Start with practice blocks. Make a few to work out any kinks before committing to a full quilt top.
2. Press as you go. Properly pressed seams are key for piecing accuracy. Don’t put it off!
3. Pay attention to grain lines. Align fabric pieces carefully for a cohesive final design.
4. Always use a 1/4″ seam. An uneven seam allowance will ruin your geometry.
5. Layer, baste and quilt thoroughly. Well-secured quilting prevents puckering or wrinkles.
6. Play with layouts on design wall. Move pieces around to see what works best.
7. Choose fabrics thoughtfully. Consider scale, contrast and interest level.

There you have it – all the info needed to dive into the fun world of building blocks quilt patterns. I hope these designs and tips inspire your next quilting project. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Building Blocks Quilt Pattern Details

FAQ

1. What is a building blocks quilt pattern?

   Building blocks quilt patterns sort of use square or rectangle shapes, usually of different sizes, that are put together like toy building blocks. It’s a type of quilt pattern where the pieces look like they could be stacked up or arranged in different ways.

   

2. How many different sizes of squares or rectangles are typically used?

   Most building blocks quilt patterns will use between three to six sizes of squares or rectangles. Many use a basic square and then two or three larger or smaller rectangles. Some patterns get kinda crazy and go up to eight or more pieces. But at that point it stops feeling like simple building blocks and gets too complicated.

3. Do the pieces have to be exactly square or rectangular?

   While square and rectangle shapes are most common for building blocks quilts, you can absolutely get creative and use pieces with other geometric shapes. Diamond, triangle or pieced irregular shapes have been known to appear in blocks quilts on occasion. The building blocks idea is basically about arranging structured pieces, so as long as it’s not random blobs, different silhouettes can work quite well.

4. What fabrics are suitable for a building blocks quilt?

   Any fabric can work for building blocks quilts, from solids to prints. Nevertheless, choosing fabrics with low contrast may give it a more cohesive, monolithic look akin to real building blocks stacked together. At the same time, bolder prints could result in a more lively, eclectic appearance. It’s truly up to your taste and vision for the quilt. Perhaps consulting fabric experts could provide additional useful ideas.

   

5. How difficult is it for a beginner?

   Most building blocks quilt patterns are on the simpler side and a great project even for quilters who are just starting out. Basically all you need are basic piecing skills. As long as you take your time cutting accurately and follow the layout, it’s hard to go wrong. On the other hand, some of the more advanced building blocks designs involve complex Y-seams or unusual shapes that may challenge a beginner’s skills. But if you go with a straightforward pattern with regular squares and rectangles, it’s quite doable.

6. What kind of quilts can a building blocks quilt be used for?

   Building blocks quilts are amazingly versatile! Due to their modular construction, they can work well as lap quilts, wallhangings, or even bigger bed quilts. The stacked building block look also lends itself to innovative projects like quilted pillows, tote bags, or playmats for kids. Who knows, with so many options maybe we’ll start seeing building blocks quilts on couches and chairs too! The possibilities seem endless – the choice is yours.

7. Is this style of quilting here to stay?

   Building blocks quilts have been around for decades but show no signs of disappearing. Their simple graphic appeal and flexible design options ensure they’ll remain a popular choice. In fact, some quilters predict the building blocks trend may surge again as newer sewers seek beginner projects. Only time will tell – but if popular patterns from the 60s, 70s and 80s quilting books are any indication, this style has gained a permanent home in the quilting world. So in that sense, I’d say building blocks quilts are definitely here to stay!