Easy Quilt Patterns Using 6 Inch Squares – Find the Best Designs for Small Pieces

Everything You Need to Know About Quilt Patterns Using 6-Inch Squares

If you’re curious about making quilts with 6-inch squares, you’ve come to the right place! As an avid quilter myself, I’ve worked with 6-inch blocks plenty of times and have learned a few things along the way. In this article, I’ll cover all the basics of 6-inch square quilt patterns as well as share some pro tips from my experience. By the end, you’ll have the know-how to choose the perfect pattern for your next project.

Popular 6-Inch Block Patterns

1. Log Cabin – This classic design involves piecing border strips around a central square. It’s one of the most versatile patterns.
2. Nine-Patch – Arranging sets of 3 squares in a grid creates tensile geometric designs. A great beginner layout.
3. Irish Chain – A fun pattern that resembles woven chains. Changes the order of light and dark squares to make interesting variations.

Those are some top picks, but there are tons more out there! Pattern books and blogs have something for every style. The options can be overwhelming though, if I’m being honest. Like, where do you even start? I’d suggest going with what sparks your imagination.

Fabric Requirements for 6-Inch Blocks

When making a quilt from 6-inch squares, it helps to do some prep work. Basically, you’ll need:

1. Fabric – Aim for at least 1⁄4 yard of each print per block so you have enough for piecing corners and mistakes. Fat quarters work well too!
2. Background fabric – At least 1⁄2 yard is good for setting squares and sashing.
3. Batting and backing – Calculate based on the finished size of your quilt. I’d add at least 12 inches extra all around.

Trust me, it’s better to err on the side of more fabric. You don’t want to run short and be left with an unfinished quilt! I speak from experience on that one. Oops.

Tips for Successful 6-Inch Square Quilting

Now for the pro insider knowledge. From my years making quilts, here are my top tips for working with 6-inch blocks:

1. Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance – This makes squaring up blocks easier since 6 inches leaves little room for error.
2. Press carefully – I like to press seams open to reduce bulk. But pressing to one side works too if you’re sort of in a hurry.
3. Squaring up is key – Cutting blocks to finished 6 inches ensures pieces fit nicely in layout. It’s worth the extra effort!
4. Add sashing – Whether plain strips or self-binding, sashing shows off blocks beautifully and expands design options.
5. Consider foundation piecing – For complex patterns, foundation piecing lets you precisely place fabrics right sides down before sewing.

And most important of all, have fun! Quilting is supposed to be a creative stress-buster. So relax, make mistakes, and enjoy the process. Your finished quilt will be amazing, I promise.

Putting It All Together

Alright, so now you’ve got fabric, a pattern in mind, and the skills – it’s time to start piecing! Here’s generally how I approach a 6-inch block quilt:

1. Cut fabric squares and decide on color placement for each block.
2. Sew squares together into strips, then add sashing if using.
3. Square up blocks to finished size as strips are completed.
4. Lay out blocks on design wall or floor to preview layout.
5. Add horizontal and vertical sashing between blocks as desired.
6. Layer backing, batting and quilt top; baste layers together.
7. Quilt as desired – stitches of your choice hold the layers together.
8. Bind edges and you’re done! Admire your gorgeous new quilt.

And just like that, you’ve got yourself a beautiful new quilt made with 6-inch blocks! It’s really pretty straightforward once you start sewing. The end result is so worth any frustrations along the way, amirite?

Final Thoughts

I hope this mega comprehensive guide on 6-inch block patterns has provided helpful answers to all your quilting questions! If you need any other input, feel free to ask. I’m always here to chat quilting – it’s kind of my jam. Wishing you the best of luck in starting your newest 6-inch square project. Let me know how it turns out!

Quilt Patterns Using 6-Inch Squares

FAQ

1. How many 6 inch squares do I need to make a quilt top?

   It really depends on the pattern and size of the quilt. Most quilts use multiple 6 inch squares combined in blocks that are then arranged into rows and columns. A basic pattern might need like 50-100 squares while more detailed patterns could require over 200 squares. Just follow the instructions for your specific pattern to get the right square amount.

2. Can I use different colors of 6 inch squares in one quilt?

   Heck yeah, you can totally mix it up! Using an assortment of colored squares is a fun way to make your quilt more good-looking. Some patterns call for a certain color scheme but others let your creativity run wild. You could do a random design or try to picture a theme like a rainbow. My friend made one with jersey fabric leftovers and it turned out amazingly even though the colors were all over the place. Go for it and see what cool pattern emerges!

3. How should I prepare the 6 inch squares before sewing them together?

   To get professional-level results, you’ll want to properly prep those squares. First, trim all the edges to get them perfectly symmetric – about 5.5 inches square if you’re aiming for 6 inches finished. Next, give each one a good press so the creases are crisp. It also helps to starch or spray them with temporary adhesive like sizing or Best Press. This will prevent shifting as you piece. Believe me, nothing is more annoying than having your points not match up! Taking some extra time here really pays off.

   

4. Can I use 6 inch squares for baby quilts?

   Totally! Six inch pieces are small enough that even tiny fingers won’t get tangled or snagged. Baby safe fabrics like flannel or cotton are ideal. You could do a simple pattern like a rail fence that’s easy to piece. Alternating light and dark squares might help stimulate developing vision too. I’ve seen adorable baby quilts made from polka dot, animal print or bright primary colors. Whatever makes baby smile is the way to go! Just make sure all seams and edges are secured so there’s no choking risks.

5. What size backing do I need for a quilt with 6 inch squares?

   To determine the proper backing size for your 6 inch square quilt, measure the total length and width of all the pieced top sections first. Then add another 6-8 inches to both the length and width in order to have enough fabric to fold over and encase all the batting and layers. That extra amount ensures you’ve got plenty to work with when you quilt and bind. It’s worth spending a few more bucks to buy backing that’s too big rather than too small. Know what they say – measure twice, cut once!

Can small 6 inch squares be used for quilt patterns other than patchwork?

Wow, are you suggesting quilting outside the box?! Totally, think big – I mean small! Six inch patches are extremely versatile. You could lay them in sequential order for an allover design. Piecing triangles and stars from squares yields all kinds of geometric motifs too. Some quilters have even fused squares to panels randomly like confetti, how fun is that! Get out your ruler and rotary cutter to release your inner fabric architect. The possibilities are endless, so why not experiment with unusual layouts? You never know what you might dream up.