Do you have a favourite quilt block pattern? I have a bunch, so I’ve rounded up a list of the block patterns that I think are both easy and fun (think max results for modest effort). They’re a mix of classic (Ohio star is the best imho), modern (including a few by some friends and a few of my own) and vintage-inspired (mixing the old with the new). These are all patchwork patterns, so the only supplies you need are a ruler, cutting tools, your sewing machine, and of course some fabric.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any of these or if you have any favourites that aren’t on the list!
1. Log Cabin Quilt Block
Apparently the most popular block pattern of all time? And I totally get why. There is something so satisfying about the way this one comes together. It’s the perfect way to use up those long strips in your scrap bin, and I love the fact that you can actually make these without measuring at all if you don’t mind winging it a little. Click through for a free log cabin block tutorial.
2. Ohio Star Quilt Block
If I had to pick an all time favourite from among traditional quilt blocks, the Ohio Star block is it. It looks classic and modern at the same time (especially in two-colour versions), but it also gives you the option to use a sweet feature print in the center. Free step-by-step tutorial here.
3. Sunflower Patch
This one is from a quilt pattern by yours truly, inspired by the Sunflower of course, it incorporates half square triangles (HSTs) and a checkerboard center for a modern twist. Pictured here in a mix of Rifle Paper Co., Kona Solids, and Cotton and Steel, Sunflower Patch is also a perfect match for Ruby Star Society fabrics (eagle eyes may have spotted it in the Moda catalog, for both the “Meadow Star” and “Favorite Flowers” collections).
4. Bow Tie Quilt Block
This sweet block popular in the 1920s and 1930s (I assume because of the way it’s so suited for small scraps) actually dates back to the late 1890s. Click through to a link to a free bow tie block tutorial.
5. Stars Above
What I love about the versatile Stars Above pattern by Megan Collins is that it looks very challenging, but it’s so well conceived that it’s actually very doable. Clear instructions, simple templates, and a great way to showcase favourite prints, like the ones in the Sugar Cone collection from Ruby Star Society, pictured in my version below.
6. Mushroom Quilt Blocks
I could not choose between these two cute mushroom patterns so I’m including two here. The first is the mushroom block from Pen and Paper Patterns Forest Fungi pattern (which also includes a really great oak leaf block). I made this as a standalone block that I used in a Halloween sampler, and I was so happy with how it came together. I love that it looks like a mom mushroom and a baby mushroom!
The second is by Woolly Petals, an even more “mushroom forward” quilt pattern called the Capped Quilt Pattern. To me this one, with its checkerboard caps, evokes 80s video games and it looks equally good with a light or dark background.
7. Sugar and Spice
Another pattern by Megan Collins, Sugar and Spice is a free pattern inspired by a vintage block (sometimes called Three and Six, Old Maid’s Puzzle, Double X, or the Cat’s Cradle block) using foundation paper piecing (FPP) instead of the patchwork construction it would normally use. Includes instructions for both an 8” block and a 12” block as well as instructions for a bonus traditional two color quilt.
8. Pixel Posies
Beginner friendly Pixel Posies is so simple and easy, using squares, rectangles, and straight line sewing. It’s also free when you sign up for the newsletter! Make six in scrappy rainbow colours as pictured below for a cute pixelated baby quilt.
9. Churn Dot Quilt Block
Vintage-inspired Churn Dot is a quilt pattern that gives a modern twist to the classic Churn Dash quilt block. This one comes together quickly and the flower block centers are the perfect opportunity to do a little fussy cutting of your favourite fabric prints. The blocks below use fussy cut centres from Picture Book, a fabric collection by Kimberly Kight and Ruby Star Society.
10. Flower Patch
One last block that’s perfect for beginners. Flower Patch is Jelly Roll friendly … in fact just 9 jelly roll strips plus background fabric gives you 9 blocks that you can use to make a 36″ x 36″ baby quilt as described in the free pattern.
Bonus! Heart Quilt Block: Imprint
Okay I got all the way to ten and realized I hadn’t yet included a heart block pattern. For Valentine’s Day this year I introduce the Imprint Heart Block, inspired by screenprinting and a vintage block (the Old Maid’s Puzzle specifically). More about the Imprint block.
