Have you ever heard that there is nothing “new” in quilting? Well, for the most part that is true. Give a photo of a block or quilt 5 minutes on Facebook and you will undoubtedly get copious opinions on the “true” name of a block or pattern. This is simultaneously awesome and irritating as there are often multiple names describing the same block.
Let’s face it- there are only so many combinations for shapes to be placed together. On the bright side – there are always going to be some classic blocks (or elements) that you can incorporate into quilt designs. For anyone who is even the slightest bit adventurous when it comes to quilting this is super awesome! Grab some graph paper and a pencil and design away!
The downside to choosing your own adventure?
Math.
Anyway, there are a ton of resources out there with block designs and names – some are more comprehensive than others. I wanted to take a few minutes to break down some basics about different quilt blocks. The below are my own thoughts about the more common categories – and they are not all inclusive. I may revise and add to this list as I continue my adventures but here is a start.
Some of the more common quilt blocks, or elements of quilt blocks are: one patch, non square, 4 patch, 9 patch (equal and unequal), stars (all kinds), curves, fans, 4 patch (cross style) and so on.
One Patch
This can be used to describe anything you’re using as the only block in the quilt – most common example is a hexagon, though there are a few things cropping up as super popular (the tumbler for example). Pretty basic.
Non Square
I choose to put in this category basically anything but a square. Rectangles, triangles, half hexagons, diamonds and all other geometric shapes. I do not include in this (which may be a mistake according to some) things like orange peels or curves. This is primarily due to the fact that the technique I see most often with regards to those are to incorporate them into a square (applique or pieced) prior to setting them into the quilt.
4 Patch
This would include a block divided into 4 equal parts – often using 2.5” strips and pieced with colors opposite each other. Can ultimately be any size and really anything – for example you could have a pinwheel in one or two sides of the 4 patch.
4 Patch Cross
The division for a 4 patch cross would be from corner to corner, and forming a visible X with whatever pattern it contains. In some cases perhaps a star or the like.
9 Patch
As with the 4 patch, the 9 patch is a 3 by 3 block. They can be equal or unequal – as in the center of the 9 patch could be twice the size of the outer pieces. The possibilities for this are pretty endless as well.
With both the 4 and 9 patches, a common technique is to do a “disappearing” block. This means you can piece them together, then place some strategic cuts, rearrange them and piece them back together.
Stars
There are all types of stars – some more common that others. One fairly common way to get a star is to utilize a triangle in a square block in the outside centers of a 9 patch. There are 5 point stars, 8 point stars, friendship stars, LeMoyne stars, and so on.
Curves
The most common traditional curves I’ve seen are: Drunkard’s Path, Orange Peels and Wedding rings. I have not yet played around with any of these personally, however it is my intent to start this year as they really are fun. I’m planning to do a couple of different techniques for Drunkard’s Path so stay tuned for that post!
In addition to the actual curved pieces, there are some ways to give that illusion – winding ways, storm at sea, pairing triangles in squares with HSTs, etc. This is a great way to venture into some very cool secondary and even tertiary designs using colors, while just using straight edges.
Fans
Here is where we can get a bit more adventurous by combing some techniques. The fan category, to my mind, is primarily going to be Dresden Fans. To this point, my experience with Dresden fans is pretty limited. I machine pieced a few and plan to applique them within my project. I will share that once it’s all done!
You may have noticed that there is a lot to quilting that I have left out. I am well aware of that but I have done that deliberately. There are ample resources out there right now, which will give you everything you could possibly want and plenty you didn’t know you were missing. The purpose of this was to touch on some of the more basic stuff as I see it as a jumping off point.
If you can’t wait for more info, don’t hesitate to go check out some of these resources. There are tons of quilt block books/encyclopedias, books devoted to one or two of these elements, and an endless supply of things on the internet in addition to this. You will also find ample information and advice in your local quilt shops and quilt guilds. As I move forward in my journey I will make adjustments to this information, but for now this should get us going!
