If you’re a beginning quilter then one of the first terms you’ll hear is “quilt block.” So what is a quilt block? Traditionally, quilts were more often used to make bed covers and were sewn by hand. Because of the difficulty managing to sew a large quilt, smaller blocks were made. These smaller blocks of fabric could be made in a variety of patterns or a repeating pattern which were then sewn together to form the whole quilt.
By breaking up the quilt pattern into manageable pieces, you can lay easily lay it down and then pick it up again, gradually building the blocks until you have enough to make the quilt.
Once the quilting blocks have been sewn together a border (strip of fabric) is used to frame the outer edges. The border is functional in that it’s used to hide the raw edges, but can also add a decorative finish. Sometimes a border will be used on individual blocks.
You can clearly see these methods being used in the image at the top of the page, the quilt is the “Russellquiltera” by Russell Lee.
In years gone by families, neighbours and friends would share patterns amongst themselves which would then spread to a wider community. These patterns were the fore- runners of the thousands of patterns you see today. These days quilt blocks are also used in contemporary design, combining unique combinations and new fabrics.
The simplest block would be made up of squares and was, and still is a great way of using up scraps. Clothing that was too well worn and darned would have been cut down and the usable pieces of fabric made into a useful item like a bed quilt. These quilters wouldn’t have worried too much about colour combinations but these days quilters might use a color wheel at the start of a project.
Another traditional block is made using the hexagon shape creating a simple flower.
Methods of Quilt Blocking
Applique – patterns of fabric are sewn onto a larger piece to form a pattern or picture. the image on the left shows an example of applique.
Paper piecing – is a
method where you stitch your fabric block with a paper foundation. It is commonly used for small blocks with intricate angles and makes it easier to achieve fine points. Once the piece has been sewn, the paper is removed. There are special quilting papers and plastics for this job. Jessica Alexandrakis has written a fabulous book called Quilting on the Go: English Paper Piecing Projects You Can Take Anywhere which explains paper piecing in much more detail.
Quilt as you go – Not the same as “quilting on the go” mentioned in the previous paragraph. At this point, you will have your blocks sewn together so not strictly a blocking technique. Each block has the batting and backing quilted first then; these are sewn together, again making large quilts more manageable to do.
Free Quilt Block Patterns
We all love to use books, magazines and the internet looking for inspiration for our next project. There are thousands of free quilt block patterns available for every level of quilter, I’ve a great resource where you can download all the quilting patterns you want – for free!
So if you’ve been asking “what is a quilt block?” now you know! If you’ve any questions please feel free to comment below or contact me
Buy The Quilt Block Bible: 200+ Traditionally Inspired Quilt Blocks from Rosemary Youngs
I have seen the use of quilt blocks but I never knew what the name was of the actual square. Thank you for the education.
A lot of people ask the question “what is a quilt block,” and it can be tricky to explain, glad you understood. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
Makes sense now, I like to think of it as similar to how you use lego blocks to make something – you use multiple ‘blocks’ to make up your quilt! Not a bad concept – it seems to break it down in to manageable pieces, otherwise building a quilt without smaller building blocks could easily seem overwhelming.
Now that you’ve mentioned it, I do actually recall from childhood that my mom used to use the paper backing technique when she was making a quilt. I didn’t realize that the paper needed to come off at the end though! (I think that quilt only ever got half-finished!)
Yes, you’re right, I use to make patterns with lego, good analogy! If you’re making a large quilt then keeping the pattern right is easier using quilt blocks. Shame the quilt from your childhood never got finished, you could have had it as an heirloom to pass down the family! Thanks for the comment. 🙂
Excellent info here. You make me want to start quilting. 🙂 Thanks for the link to free patterns too.
Angela
Free patterns are always good! Glad you enjoyed the article and you’ll know what a quilting block is when you start your new hobby. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
I use to quilt years ago and as mentioned in your article, it was fiddly. Quilting blocks sound a lot more easier to use. I may start quilting again. Thank you for your informative article. Best wishes. Lis.
A lot of people ask what is a quilt block and it can be tricky to explain, hopefully I’ve shed some light on the matter! Thanks for your comment. 🙂