How to Make a Block Quilt: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners

A Complete Guide to Making a Block Quilt

If you’re interested in learning how to make a block quilt, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know to plan, design, and stitch together your very own quilt made from blocks.

Understanding Block Quilt Basics

A block quilt is made up of smaller quilt blocks – typically square or rectangular pieces of fabric that are sewn together. The blocks can be identical or vary in print, color, and design. Some common block shapes include nine-patch, four-patch, egg cheater’s, and courthouse steps.

From my experience quilting, the flexibility of block designs is what draws many people to this style of quilt. You can get really creative with the blocks and mix up colors, textures, and patterns. At the same time, working with individual blocks makes the quilt assembly process straightforward compared to piecework quilts.

Planning Your Quilt Design

Before sewing a single stitch, it’s important to plan your quilt design on paper. Decide on the overall quilt size, number of blocks, block arrangement, and color scheme. Sketch out the layout and make any necessary fabric purchasing and cutting lists.

Some things to consider at the design stage include:

1. Block size – Most common is 6-inch, 9-inch, or 12-inch blocks.
2. Number of blocks – Aim for at least 25 blocks for a smaller lap quilt or 81 blocks for a full/queen size quilt.
3. Block layout – Rows? squares? diagonal lines? try different patterns on paper.
4. Colors – Monochrome? low volume? high contrast?

Proper planning results in a polished look and saves time in the long run versus winging the design. Feel free to modify as needed too. I’ve found it’s easier to rip out seams early on versus reworking a finished quilt.

Selecting and Preparing Fabric

With your design settled, it’s time to shop for fabric. Consider solid colors, prints, textures, and even upcycled clothing. Aim for 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 yard of each fabric unless specified otherwise in your pattern. It’s better to have extra than not enough.

As for prep, I recommend pre-washing all fabrics to minimize future shrinking. Then straighten the edges with a rotary cutter and ruler. For each block cut the necessary pieces following the pattern measurements. Label pieces with the block letter or number for easy reference during assembly.

Proper fabric selection and prep makes piecing the blocks so much easier down the road. Take your time with these steps – it’s worth it to get the foundation right.

Assembling the Blocks

Now we get to the fun part – putting the blocks together! Refer to your pattern and follow the illustrated steps to piece each block. Here are some tips I’ve learned:

– Press seams open or to one side as indicated in the pattern. Proper pressing is key for accuracy.

– Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance for piecing unless otherwise stated. Most modern machines can handle multiple layers well.

– Arrange pieces carefully before sewing to avoid flipping them over. I like to but them “right sides together.”

– For bias edges or tricky seams, baste with pins or glue for stability before sewing.

– Check the block matches the pattern after sewing. Trim any dog ears sticking out beyond the seamline.

Take your time with each block and you’ll be amazed how quickly your quilt top starts coming together. Don’t forget to label blocks as you finish them too.

Assembling the Quilt Top

With all your gorgeous blocks made, it’s now time to put them together into the full quilt top. Lay out the blocks following your design plan. You can pin them temporarily or use spray basting to hold the layout until quilting.

Sew blocks into vertical rows first, then sew the rows together. Press seams to one side as you go for a smooth, flat surface. Double check your master plan periodically too.

For large quilt tops, ask a friend to help you layer, baste, and manage the fabric. Teamwork makes the job much less overwhelming! When basting, be generous with pins or spray to avoid shifting.

With some care and attention, your block quilt top will come together smoothly at this stage. Admire your handiwork – you’ve done the hard part!

Quilting and Finishing

The final quilting and finishing steps can be tackled in different orders depending on your situation. Here are the basics:

– Quilting – Whether machine or hand quilting, your goal is to secure fabric layers with careful stitching. Consider straight line, echo, meander, or custom quilting designs.

– Bordering – Optional, but borders can enhance a quilt design. Cut and sew on borders after quilting is complete.

– Binding – Use a 2 1/4-inch bias strip or pre-made binding to encase raw edges. Miter corners for a streamlined finish.

– Labeling – Sign your masterpiece! Include your name, year, and a warm message for future owners to enjoy.

With a bit more patience and care at this late stage, your beautiful block quilt will be complete and ready to love. I hope these tips have been helpful for your first or hundredth quilt project! Let me know if any other questions come up.

In summary, block quilts provide an accessible way to learn quilting techniques while being creatively inspired. With some advanced planning, precision piecing, and attention to detail, any skill level can achieve success with this quilt style. Most of all, have fun with the process of bringing your unique block design to life through quilting. Happy sewing!

Block Quilt Guidelines

FAQ

1. What is a block quilt?

   A block quilt consists of patterns made from fabric squares called “blocks” that are sewn together. So basically, you take different colored fabric squares and sew them into block patterns which are then joined to make the full quilt top.

2. How do you choose fabric for the blocks?

   When choosing fabric for your blocks, you’ll want a variety of patterns and colors to make your quilt visually interesting. Go for fabrics you find stunning so you’ll enjoy putting it together. You can use scraps you have laying around or buy new material – just try to get at least a couple different prints or tones for each block.

3. What are some common block patterns?

   Popular block patterns include pinwheels, stars, flying geese and checkerboards. These are relatively simple and fun to sew. Nevertheless, you could get adventurous and attempt harder patterns like half-square triangles once you’ve practiced the basics. Are they worth the challenge though? Perhaps start easy for your first quilt.

4. How do you lay out the blocks?

   After making all your blocks, lay them out on the floor or a large table to plan the design before sewing them together. You can play around with different layouts until finding one that “feels right”, sort of like putting together a puzzle. At the same time, aim for a balanced mix of colors and prints across the quilt top. On the other hand, an improvised approach can lead to delightful surprises.

5. What’s the best way to quilt and bind it?

   Most quilters recommend quilting first before binding. Quilting involves sewing lines or patterns through all the quilt layers to hold them in place. For hand-quilting advice, check online quilting forums or perhaps ask the local quilting guild. As for binding, many experts swear by Anthony’s binding method which makes for a beautifully finished edge – if the instructions don’t baffle you!

   

6. What do I do with it once it’s done?

   When you finally complete your first quilt, you’ll want to cuddle up underneath it and admire all your hard work. Why not gift it to a loved one? You’ll see them snuggled up for years using something made with your own hands. At the same time, entering it into a county fair could net you a blue ribbon – or at least some praise from fellow quilters!