The Builders Block Quilt Block

The builders block quilt block is a simple pattern from the Kansas City Star collection.

This basic quilt block pattern uses a four patch grid. Think of the builders block quilt block as four units that uses big squares, small squares, strips and half square triangles.

But the surprise I got when I put a few of the blocks together was well worth the effort it took to put this block together.

Look at the circle of squares you see when you put four blocks together.

But then look at the complete transformation when you add more blocks.

It makes me appreciate how creative the quilt makers were when this block originated. I can tell you, it surprised me.

To complete one block for a sampler quilt:

Block size: 9 inches

Step 1 - Use the rotary cutting techniques.

Cut 2 patches 3½” square from the dark blue fabric.
Cut 2 patches 2” square from the dark blue fabric.
Cut 2 patches 3” square from the dark blue fabric.
Cut 2 patches 3½” square from the blue print fabric.
Cut 2 patches 2” square from the light blue fabric.
Cut 2 patches 3” square from the light blue fabric.
Cut 1 strip 2”x 7” from the light blue fabric. Sub cut the strip into 3½” patches.
Cut 4 patches 2” square from the white fabric.
Cut 4 patches 3” square from the white fabric.

Step 2 - Use the half square triangle method.

Place one 3” square of dark blue fabric and one 3” square of white fabric, right sides together. Draw a line on the diagonal on the lighter fabric from one corner to the opposite corner. Stitch ¼” on each side of the marked line.

Cut on the drawn line with your rotary cutter or scissors to separate the square into triangles.

Fold open the square and press the seam allowances toward the darker fabric. Using your plastic ruler, trim the square to be 2”. Be sure to use the 45 degree angle on your ruler.

Complete 4 dark blue/white half square triangles.

Step 3 - Repeat the half square triangle procedure to complete 4 light blue/white half square triangles.

Step 4 - Complete unit 1. Be sure to refer to the picture often. Sew a dark blue square, dark blue/white half square triangle, white square for row one.

Sew a white square to a dark blue/white half square triangle. Sew this patch to a large dark blue square for row two.

Step 5 - Complete unit 2. Sew a light blue square to a light blue/white half square triangle. Sew this patch to the side of a large blue print square for row one.

Sew a light blue 2”x 3½” patch to a light blue/white half square triangle for row two.

Sew the rows together to finish unit 2. Complete 2 of the unit 2 blocks.

Step 6 - Sew one unit 1 (the dark blue triangle pointing towards the upper left) to one unit 2 (the blue print square towards the upper right).

Step 7 - Sew one unit 2 (the blue print square towards the lower left) to one unit 1 (the dark blue triangle towards the lower right).

Step 8 - Sew the row from Step 6 to the row from Step 7 to complete the builders block quilt block.

Go to Free Quilt Block Patterns from the Builders Block Quilt Block