13 Easy and Essential Quilt Block Patterns for Beginners

Autumn Abundance Dutch Windmill Quilt Block by Janice Bailor, We Like Sewing September 2023. Photo by Ashlee Cole for Ampry Publishing.

“Where do I start with quilting?” “How do I make a quilt block?” “What block patterns are best for beginners?” These are questions that our editors receive frequently from the quilters in our community who are excited to create their first quilt but are stumped about where to start. If you’re new to quilting, one of the best projects for beginners is sewing a simple quilt block, as quilt blocks are generally used to create quilts, wall hangings, and pillows. Typically finishing at a 12 inch square, quilt blocks vary from beginner-friendly blocks made from HSTs (half square triangles) to complicated designs that utilize other sewing skills such as paper piecing and embroidery.

Our editors have dug deep into our archives to share some of our favorite beginner and easy block patterns for quilting newbies. Some of these designs feature classic block patterns that are essential for quilters to have in their arsenal, such as traditional flying geese or pinwheel patterns. We’ve also included some easy-level projects that will help with skill-building, such as a snowman block with simple embroidery and a larger block to let you experiment with different sizes. Plus, if you want to try out all of these patterns, be sure to save this article to your Favorites, so that you can keep it handy whenever inspiration strikes you.

Classic Block Patterns for Beginners

1. Amethyst Flying Geese Quilt Block – Flying geese blocks are excellent for beginners as their simple triangular design is often used as a building block for more complicated patterns. Originally featured in our February 2023 issue, this pattern from Amanda Ogden is made in different shades of February’s birthstone. Amanda also shares tips for working with stripes, as well as how to turn this classic design into other patchwork blocks.
2. Peony Pinwheels Hourglass Quilt Block – Perfect for precuts, this pinwheel block pattern from Zoe Ballard (May 2024) uses small hourglass blocks in a specific color scheme to create the four pinwheels in this 12 inch block. The hourglass blocks are made using QSTs (aka quarter square triangles), making it a wonderful steppingstone for quilting beginners. And speaking of pinwheel blocks…
3. Rose Quartz Pinwheel Quilt Block – Designed in dreamy rose quartz pink, these four block patterns (Amanda Ogden, March 2023) all feature pinwheels at their center. In this pattern, you’ll find instructions for creating a basic pinwheel, turnstile block, classic pinwheel, and pinwheel variation, so that you can experiment with whichever design you prefer. This block is designed for two monochromatic colors, so have fun playing with color value.
4. Spring Blossoms Sunbonnet Sue Block – When it comes to traditional quilt blocks, few are cuter than the Sunbonnet Sue. In our pattern from April 2023, Zoe Ballard shares her design with readers that features a colorful Sunbonnet Sue holding a bouquet of tulips. Finish your spring quilt block by adding pretty borders, another necessary skill for quilters to learn.
5. Holiday Spirit 8-Point Star Block – Originally featured in our May 2023 issue, this block design from Amanda Ogden includes a classic 8-point star, a block found in many other quilt patterns. Made in part using the flying geese method, this pattern features other variations for readers to try, including an on-point star block and an evening star-morning star block.

Easy Holiday Block Patterns

1. Perfect in Plaid String Quilt Block – Designed by Janice Bailor, this Christmas block pattern was originally featured in our December 2021 issue and uses string quilting to create its unique design. This easy block pattern is a great way to use up scrap fabric and is also precut friendly, so if you’ve been needing to clear out your fabric stash, give this pattern a go.
2. Modern Christmas Tree Quilt Block – If you love the style of modern quilting, you might want to check out Zoe Ballard’s modern Christmas tree block from November 2024. Made using fat quarters and fat eighths, this winter quilt block pattern features an ombre Christmas tree that is accented with bias tape.
3. First Snowfall Patchwork Quilt Block – Create a beautifully intricate snowflake quilt block with this advanced beginner pattern from Amanda Ogden (August 2022). Featuring a center pinwheel, this snowflake block works best with solids and low-volume prints so as not to distract from the delicate snowflake design.
4. Cheerful Snowman Quilt Block Pattern – If you’re a beginner who wants to add a few more skills to your repertoire, then be sure to check out this pattern from Sophie Tarrant (December 2024). Add simple embroidery details to your snowman, as well as beads and buttons to give your block dimension and additional color.

Beginner Blocks to Start Today

1. Retro Ice Pop Quilt Block – If you love the playful designs of modern blocks, then sew Debbie von Grabler-Crozier’s ice pop block from June 2023. A charming design for summer, this quilt block pattern has a retro vibe but sleek, modern look and would be so much fun to use for a pillow or table runner.
2. Charmed Life Triangle Quilt Block – Similarly, Zoe Ballard’s sophisticated triangle quilt block from February 2024 will give any quilting project a stylish, modern edge. Made in bold contrasting colors, this pattern for how to make a triangle block is highlighted with pale pink and is fat quarter friendly.
3. Autumn Abundance Dutch Windmill Quilt Block – Learn how to make a larger quilt block with this classic Dutch windmill design from Janice Bailor (September 2023). Measuring at 16 1/2 inches, this block pattern can be made into a throw quilt and uses a combination of fat quarters and fat eighths.
4. Awaiting Spring Fussy Cut Economy Square Block – Give fussy cutting a try with this traditional economy square block pattern from Debbie von Grabler-Crozer (January 2024). Fussy cutting is a wonderful way to highlight fun prints in your fabric, and this tutorial teaches you how to make a fussy cut square the focus of your block.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of our favorite beginner-friendly quilt block patterns! What types of collections or articles would you like to read? What’s your best tip for quilting beginners? Share your thoughts below in the comments!