50+ Quilt Blocks: Free Quilt Block Patterns and Quilting Block Ideas

What is a Quilt Block?

If you're new to quilting, one of the most common quilting terms you'll hear over and over is 'quilt block'. But what is a quilt block? Quilt blocks are the building blocks of traditional quilts. Typically between 6 - 12 inches, quilt blocks are individually pieced squares whose designs are repeated and then stitched together to create a quilt top. Typically made from quilting cotton, quilt blocks are one of the most important parts of creating a traditional quilt, although some modern quilts shy away from using blocks and instead use strips or free form designs. 

What makes quilt blocks so special is that they're used to display classic quilt patterns, from flying geese patterns to star designs. Often made with half square triangles, quilt blocks are the perfect beginner project to try out before making your first full quilt, and they take the complicated process of making a quilt and break it down into easier steps. If you're new to quilting and are intimidated by the quilting process, choose one of the quilt block patterns listed below to take your first step into the world of quilting!

Applique Quilt Block Patterns

• This simple flower block uses a combination of traditional piecing and applique, and is the best way to celebrate spring.
• Candy Hearts Quilt BlockThe Candy Hearts Quilt Block is a fun, quilt quilt pattern that will allow you to dress up your home on short notice.
• Soothing Circles Raw Edge AppliqueThis Soothing Circles Raw Edge Applique tutorial is excellent for a lot of reasons, but primarily because it is the simplest, easiest-to-follow applique quilt pattern you'll ever find.
• Simple Reverse Applique TutorialThe Simple Reverse Applique tutorial is the perfect way to learn how to reverse applique.

Scrap Quilt Block Ideas

• Kansas Dust Storm Block PatternDesign a vintage-inspired quilt block that dates back to the 1930s with this Kansas Dust Storm Block Pattern.
• The Boardwalk BlockThis scrappy quilt pattern can use just about any type of fabric - jelly rolls, charm packs, yardage ... if you've got it, you can make this quilt block pattern.
• Wonky Herringbone Quilt BlockThis improv quilt tutorial uses careful piecing and a dash of spontaneity to create a herringbone quilt block which has a lot of life and movement.
• Modern Geometric BlocksThese Modern Geometric Blocks would be great sampler quilt blocks or mug rug patterns!
• Plaid and Simple Quilt BlockThe Plaid and Simple Quilt Block is great for making scrap strip quilts.

How to Make a Star Block

• Scrappy Rainbow Star Quilt BlockTurn a simple eight-pointed starflower block into a rainbow block with this Scrappy Rainbow Star Quilt Block tutorial.
• Builder's Star Quilt BlockThe Builder's Star Quilt Block is a play on the carpenter's star quilt block design.
• Megan's Star Block TutorialThis star quilt block pattern makes ample use of triangles, color, and contrasts to create an absolutely stunning final product.
• Joyce's Star Quilt BlockThe elegant blue and gray design on these quilt blocks uses flying geese units to form star quilt blocks shaped just like diamonds in the sky.
• Learn how to avoid using tricky Y-seams in most bright hopes blocks with this tutorial, and then incorporate these creative star quilt blocks into your next star quilt.
• Bryan's Star Quilting BlockIf you've never learned how to make flying geese, these instructions will introduce you to that basic and versatile quilting unit.
• Two Tone Star BlockShake things up with the Two Tone Star Block, which uses a paper piecing pattern to give more depth to your quilt block patterns.

Paper Piecing Block Patterns

• Snow Crystal Block PatternUsing a simple and easy design, this paper piecing pattern lets you create beautiful snowflakes that you can turn into a full quilt or sweet baby quilt.
• Triangle Pieced Acorn BlockBring a little woodsy touch to your home decor with this gorgeous quilt block!
• This awesome new twist on the traditional pinwheel quilt pattern is perfect for any quilter looking to take their quilts to the next level.
• Sliced Improv Quilt Block PatternUse improvisational quilting to make small quilt blocks you can arrange according to your own design.

Quilt-As-You-Go Quilt Block Projects

• Bloomin' Quilt As You Go BlockWatch as your quilt block patterns seem to bloom right in front of you as you piece together your fabric scraps.
• Bear Mountain QAYG BlockDesign a gorgeous winter quilt block in stunning icy hues like snowy white and frost blue with this quilt as you go tutorial.
• Simple Seaside Boardwalk Quilt As You Go BlockYou absolutely will not find a more elegant quilt block, and this one makes such beautiful use of color and design to create the sense of walking down the boardwalk after a long day at the beach.
• Quilt As You Go Log Cabin BlockUse whatever methods you're most comfortable with to piece together lovely log cabin quilting block designs for your next full quilt pattern.

Flying Geese Block Patterns

• Into the Sunset Flying Geese BlockCreate a gorgeous play on ombre colors by taking a traditional block pattern and giving it a modern update with this Into the Sunset Flying Geese Block.
• Flying Geese Blocks Made EasyLearn how to make flying geese a breeze with these nifty tips and tricks.
• Flock of Geese HST BlockThis adorable little hst block creates a "flying v" of geese that is so simple and understated, but incredibly elegant.
• Flying Geese Pinwheel Block PatternThis creative quilt block combines both flying geese quilt patterns and pinwheel quilt patterns.
• Dutchman's Puzzle Quilt BlockWatch your fabric really come to life after using them to make this free quilt block pattern.

Dresden Plate Quilt Blocks

• Simple Dresden Block TutorialMade with delicate shades of pink, this easy dresden block is a nod to vintage quilting while playing with girly and modern prints and colors.
• Dresden Fan BlockFollow this detailed tutorial to learn how to expertly trim scrap strip quilt fabrics into a lovely twist on a classic Dresden plate quilt design.
• Ultra Modern Dresden BlockDare to be bold and edgy with your quilt block patterns by making this variation on a standard Dresden plate pattern, the Ultra Modern Dresden Block.
• Swirling Dresden BlockYou can create something bold and eye-popping or something more playful and sweet all depending on the colors you choose for your Dresden plates.

Flower Block Patterns

• Scottish Thistle QAYG BlockCelebrate the beauty of the Scottish Highlands with a fun quilt as you go project that's perfect for using up your prettiest quilting scraps.
• Dutch Rose Block TutorialJourney to the beautiful countryside of the Netherlands with this stunning DIY quilt block that's perfect for spring or summer.
• Quatrefoil Quilt Block PatternA perfect fat quarter quilting project, this free quilt block pattern comes as a printable PDF and looks absolutely stunning when made with sky blues and pretty pinks.
• Back Porch Blooms"This large quilt block is great for the beginner to advanced quilter."

Free Log Cabin Block Ideas

• Log Cabin Block PatternYou can make this specific block pattern in one night. Plus, if you are following along with our Block of the Month videos, you are probably more than ready for quilt block number four!
• Two Tone Log Cabin Quilt BlockThis log cabin layout allows for a really dynamic and beautiful contrast between your two fabric shades.
• Nightfall QAYG Log Cabin BlockCreate an utterly bewitching block in a classic design that quilters can't get enough of with this Nightfall QAYG Log Cabin Block.
• Classic Log Cabin BlockThis extra simple, free quilt block template shows you how to create an 8.5 inch square log cabin block.
• Log Cabin Lemon BlockCheck out this Log Cabin Lemon Block tutorial to learn how to easily piece together an unexpected pattern constructed out of unique log cabin quilt block patterns.

How to Make a Nine Patch Block

• Mary's Prairie Block PatternA great project for charm squares, this nine patch block can be sewn in under an hour, and uses a 2.5" border of white fabric to make the colors of your nine patch pop.
• Scrappy Nine Patch Quilt BlockThis awesome, scrappy quilt project creates a colorful quilt block that you can sew together in no time.
• Flower Power Nine PatchThis funky, unique fabric flower would look amazing on a baby quilt or a lap quilt pattern.
• Nine Patch Quilt Block PatternThis How to Make a Nine Patch Block quilting video is the perfect video to start of any quilt.
• Give your nine patch quilt block patterns a little variety by designing them using this Flying Nine Patch Block pattern.

Pinwheel DIY Quilt Blocks

• Half Square Triangle Quilt Block PatternReady for another fun and simple block quilt pattern? This Half Square Triangle Block Pattern is the next quilt block in the Block of the Month series with Carolina Moore.
• Danish Pinwheel Star Block TutorialCombine two traditional quilt patterns into one beautiful quilt block that embodies everything classic with this easy quilting tutorial.
• Lucky Pieces Quilt BlockMake a modern quilt block that has ties back to the Jazz Age with this quick and fun Lucky Pieces Quilt Block.
• Starry Pinwheel Block PatternThe Starry Pinwheel Block Pattern is two free quilt block patterns in one.

String Block Patterns

• Classic String Quilt Block TutorialString quilts are perfect for cleaning out your fabric stash, so get ready to break out your prettiest scraps for this Classic String Quilt Block Tutorial.
• Basic String Block TutorialThis Basic String Block Tutorial has roots within Depression Era quilting and can be made with quilt batting or with foundation paper piecing.
• This free quilt block tutorial will show you how to make the coolest ever string quilt project.
• Special String Quilt BlockThis free project is an awesome scrapbuster for anyone with a lot of leftover fabric.

How to Make a Pineapple Quilt Block

• Scrapbuster Pineapple BlockGreat for scraps, bursting with color, and absolutely stunning, this block is perfect for anything from a full bed quilt to a beautiful wall hanging.
• Pineapple Block Paper Piecing TutorialIntricate-looking blocks can feel intimidating at times, however this pattern uses the paper piecing technique to create an easy-to-make block you can feast your eyes upon once you're finished. 
• Use some scrappy quilt leftovers or a seasonal color scheme for some quilt blocks with a contemporary vibe.
• Grandma's Favorite Pineapple Quilt BlockGrandma's Favorite Pineapple Quilt Block is a fun, intricate design that can be made with scraps.