Patchwork Squares Quilt Block Tutorial
Folk Sampler Sew Along Block 18
In our fabulous sampler quilt example (which you can view here) you will notice a patchwork squares block made up of 25 squares. Besides this 25 patch block our example also includes a 49 patch block, an on-point patchwork squares block, and an Irish Chain block. I love the way these blocks weave in an important element of simplicity amongst the other blocks. Also, the first quilt I ever made was a patchwork squares quilt so I have a soft spot for this block.
Besides my love for this block, I ultimately chose it so I could explain the quilt math. It would have been easier to choose a 36 patch block made up of 6 rows of 6, making each square within an even 2”, but I like the way the 25 patch block looks better. It’s always easier to work with quarter, half, and whole numbers but it’s good to know how to figure out the math otherwise.
To figure out the math for this block I divided our finished block size of 12” by the amount of squares in each row:
12 ÷ 5 = 2.4
Then I added 1/2” for the seam allowance:
2.4 + .5 = 2.9
Once I determined that each square needed to be cut to 2.9” I did an internet search for something like “what is 2.9” on a quilting ruler”, and I quickly figured out that
2 7/8” plus a tiny bit more is equal to 2.9”.
Above you can see my strip cut to 2 7/8” plus a smidge. This is what we will be cutting our strips and squares to today.
The finished size of this block is 12” (the unfinished size is 12 1/2”) because that’s what we’re working with in the Folk Sampler Sew Along. As with all quilt blocks you can change the size of the block by changing the size of the squares within which is explained above and also in this post. Throughout the following instructions I will refer to the colors as the ones I chose for my block shown on the left in 2 photos above: white, and olive green. As you plan your block, swap my colors for your personal choices.
For the natural dyers you can find my recipe for olive green here.
Finished Block Size 12”
1/4” seam allowance
Cut List
Cut 24 squares:
Cut 12 olive squares: 2 7/8” plus a smidge
Cut 13 white squares: 2 7/8” plus a smidge
Lay out the squares on your work surface as shown below.
Sew the pieces together to form 5 horizontal rows as shown below. Press the seams open or to the side if you prefer.
Sew the rows together being careful to match the seams by pinning. Press the seams open or to the side if you prefer.
And there we have a simple patchwork squares block!
I especially like how this block works on my light background quilt. Oh my gosh! Only 2 more blocks to go! In the sew along newsletter I sent out this morning I shared a link to a free 12” Schoolhouse block I found online. I love the way the 25 patch block looks on my light background quilt but I might swap this block for a Schoolhouse on my dark background quilt. You can find the free Schoolhouse pattern here.
I’ll see you here next week!
