If you are looking for big, easy quilt blocks, there are several you should check into.
Nothing is bigger and easier than a 12 inch patch. Cut your blocks from varying colors of fabric, connect them with the sashing and that’s about all that’s required in piecing.
Nine patch quilt tops are also easy to construct. Again, they are made of squares, so there is not a lot of guess work to their assembly. Each block of nine squares is connected with the other blocks with sashing to create your quilt.
A little more elaborate but still easy is the Bow Tie quilt. Squares and triangles are pieced together simply to create the look of an old fashioned bow tie. Choose a 12 inch block for bigger pieces.
Also consider trying the Double Monkey Wrench quilt. It is easy to piece and will create an impressive quilt project. Triangles, squares and rectangles make up the block. The simple shapes mean it is simple to keep stitch lines straight and keep the block pattern lined up.
Another combination of squares and triangles that is an easy block pattern to assemble is the Shoo Fly quilt. The Crossroads also uses a combination of squares and triangles. The bigger the block is, the easier it is. So, choose a Shoo Fly or Crossroads design in 12 inch blocks for a big, easy quilt block design.
The Log Cabin quilt block pattern can also be a big, easy quilt block to stitch. It is more elaborate that the others mentioned, but still simple enough to be a realistic goal for a beginning quilter.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Bow Tie Quilt Block | Double Monkey Wrench | Shoo Fly Quilt Block | Log Cabin Quilt Block |
 |
| All of these patterns and more are available for instant download at: www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com |
Leaving the squares and triangles behind, there are also big, easy quilt blocks you can make using other shapes. One of these is the Yo-Yo quilt. It’s actually not so much of a quilt as it is a coverlet. You can certainly turn the project into a quilt by appliquéing the yo-yos to a quilt top, then sandwiching batting and backing as in a traditional quilt.
Otherwise, the Yo-Yo pattern is simple a bunch of circles, edges turned under and hemmed with a running stitch. At the end of the hemming, the thread is pulled tight to create the Yo-Yo. Once you have made plenty of yo-yos, you simply whipstitch them together to create your “quilt.” The top of the quilt is the slightly opened center of the yo-yo. The back side of this quilt project is the flat side of the yo-yo.
If you are interested in big, easy quilt blocks with a circular motif, take a look at the Dresden Plate quilt block. You can often find the Dresden Plate in two varieties. One is a very basic design, with smooth edges that create a simple circle. The other is slightly more elaborate in that the outer patterns have rounded edges and take on the look of petals.
Another idea for quilting with big, easy blocks is to consider an appliqué project. You can appliqué each block, alternating blocks, or just one large center block to create your quilt. There are many popular traditional appliqué designs such as Sunbonnet Sue, Umbrella Girl, and Overall Sam. These patterns are readily available. It is also easy to create your own appliqué project. Find simple art, like clip art or a design from a coloring book, and go from there.
Remember, any quilt block can be made a little more simple just by increasing its size. Instead of working with a nine inch block, consider bumping your pattern up to a 12 or 18 inch block. Remember that you will also need to make the appropriate adjustments for your sashing.
 |
 |
| Simple 9 patch quilt made from 6 inch square patches |
Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Block |
|
Two different 9 patch designs. These can be made using our Beginners Guide to Quilting |
|
The QuiltBlockLibrary.com offers a variety of Four Patch, Five Patch, Seven Patch, and Nine Patch Patterns, in addition to many others - including diamonds and curves. Here are just a few of the easy quilt block patterns:
|
Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren
Master Quilter
