4 Free Shooting Star Quilt Patterns & Blocks

Collage of four free shooting star quilt patterns and blocks in colorful modern, patriotic, and red-and-white designs

Shooting star quilt patterns bring movement, sharp points, and a little celestial magic to patchwork. Some designs capture a single star streaking across the sky, while others repeat stars across an entire quilt.

For this updated collection, we selected four genuinely free shooting star and falling star quilt patterns from established designers and fabric companies. You will find two versatile quilt blocks and two complete quilt patterns, giving you options for everything from a small sampler block to a full-size star quilt.

All four original sources and free pattern downloads were checked before this article was updated.

4 Free Shooting Star Quilt Patterns at a Glance

Pattern Designer / Source Size Main Technique
Falling Star Sarah Watts / Moda Fabrics 6" or 12" finished block FPP, HSTs and traditional piecing
Falling Stars Quilt Maywood Studio 54" × 72" HSTs, snowball corners and patchwork
Shooting Stars Stacy Iest Hsu / Moda Fabrics 6" or 12" finished block Traditional piecing and folded corners
Shooting Stars Quilt Elise Lea / Robert Kaufman 65" × 85" Geometric star patchwork

1. Falling Star Quilt Block by Sarah Watts

The Falling Star block by Sarah Watts of Ruby Star Society is one of the most unusual designs in this collection.

Created for Moda Blockheads 5, the block combines a long, dramatic star point with smaller geometric units to create the impression of a star moving through the night sky.

Moda provides the official free pattern in two finished sizes: 6 inches and 12 inches.

Why This Block Is Different

Falling Star combines several quilting techniques rather than relying on only one construction method.

  • Foundation Paper Piecing for the long pointed section
  • Half-Square Triangles
  • Traditional patchwork piecing
  • Squares and rectangles for final assembly

This makes it a particularly interesting project for a quilter who wants to practice Foundation Paper Piecing without committing to an entirely paper-pieced block.

Best Fabric Choices

The star shape becomes easiest to see when the main star and trail fabrics contrast clearly with the background.

Try a bright yellow or gold star against navy for a classic night-sky look, or use colorful modern prints with a low-volume background for a more playful version.

For a detailed construction guide, visit our: Falling Star Quilt Block Tutorial .

Download the Free Falling Star Pattern →

Official source: Moda Fabrics – Sarah Watts Falling Star

2. Falling Stars Quilt by Maywood Studio

If you would rather make a complete quilt instead of a single block, Falling Stars from Maywood Studio is an excellent choice.

The finished quilt measures approximately 54" × 72" and uses repeated star-and-stripe blocks arranged to create strong diagonal movement across the quilt.

Maywood Studio provides both a free written pattern and a video tutorial for constructing the block.

How the Falling Stars Design Works

The quilt is built from two related block variations. Each block finishes at approximately 18.5" square before being sewn into the quilt.

The construction uses familiar patchwork techniques including:

  • Two-at-a-time Half-Square Triangles
  • Stitch-and-flip or snowball-style corners
  • Large squares
  • Rotated block placement

The blocks are rotated during final assembly so that the stars and stripes appear to travel diagonally across the quilt.

A Good First Full-Size Star Project

Unlike the Sarah Watts block, this pattern does not rely on Foundation Paper Piecing. If you are already comfortable sewing Half-Square Triangles and diagonal corners, the construction will feel familiar.

The official PDF also includes a quilt-planning diagram, which makes it easy to experiment with your own four-color combination before cutting fabric.

Download the Free Falling Stars Quilt Pattern →

Official source: Maywood Studio Falling Stars Quilt

3. Shooting Stars Quilt Block by Stacy Iest Hsu

The Shooting Stars block by Stacy Iest Hsu was also created for Moda Blockheads 5, but its construction and finished appearance are very different from Sarah Watts' Falling Star.

This design contains two stylized stars with long pieced trails moving in opposite directions.

Moda provides both 6-inch and 12-inch finished versions.

Main Technique: Folded Corners

Most of the angled star points are created using the familiar stitch-and-flip corner technique.

A small square is positioned on the end of a rectangle, sewn diagonally, trimmed, and pressed outward to create the angled edge.

No Foundation Paper Piecing is required.

Pay Attention to Direction

The biggest challenge with this block is not difficult sewing—it is orientation. Several pieces look almost identical but need their diagonal corners to point in opposite directions.

Make one complete sample unit before chain piecing several matching pieces. Keeping left-facing and right-facing units in separate stacks can prevent mistakes.

We already have a complete guide to this exact free block: Shooting Stars Quilt Block Free Pattern & Tutorial .

Download the Free Shooting Stars Block Pattern →

Official source: Moda Fabrics – Stacy Iest Hsu Shooting Stars

4. Shooting Stars Quilt by Elise Lea

For a larger contemporary project, the Shooting Stars Quilt designed by Elise Lea for Robert Kaufman Fabrics turns star-inspired geometry into a complete quilt measuring approximately 65" × 85".

Unlike the two Moda patterns, this is not simply a standalone sampler block. The complete quilt layout creates a much larger composition in which repeated geometric pieces and star shapes interact across the entire quilt.

Why Choose This Pattern?

This project is a strong option when you want the shooting-star theme to define the entire finished quilt rather than appear in just one block.

The Robert Kaufman version also works especially well with a controlled color palette. Strong contrast between the background and star fabrics helps the geometric movement remain visible from across the room.

Download the Free Shooting Stars Quilt Pattern →

Official source: Robert Kaufman – Shooting Stars by Elise Lea

Which Shooting Star Pattern Should You Choose?

Each of these free patterns offers a different type of quilting project.

  • Try Sarah Watts' Falling Star if you want to practice Foundation Paper Piecing and make a striking modern block.
  • Choose Maywood Studio's Falling Stars if you want a complete throw quilt using HSTs and traditional piecing.
  • Make Stacy Iest Hsu's Shooting Stars if you enjoy stitch-and-flip corners and want a block with obvious movement.
  • Choose Elise Lea's Shooting Stars if you want a larger complete quilt with a strong geometric layout.

Tips for Sewing Star Quilt Patterns

Choose Fabrics with Enough Contrast

Star points can disappear when the star and background fabrics have similar values. Take a black-and-white phone photo of your fabrics before cutting. If the star remains easy to identify without color, your contrast is probably strong enough.

Do Not Stretch Diagonal Edges

Star blocks contain many diagonal seams and bias edges. Handle them gently and press with an up-and-down motion rather than pushing the iron aggressively across the fabric.

Trim HSTs Before Assembly

When a pattern uses Half-Square Triangles, accurate trimming can dramatically improve the final star points and block size.

Check Direction Before Chain Piecing

Shooting-star designs often contain mirrored units. Complete one correct sample and leave it beside your sewing machine as a reference before batch sewing the remaining pieces.

Use a Design Wall for Full Quilts

Patterns such as Falling Stars rely on block rotation to create their secondary design. Arrange the entire quilt before joining rows, and take a photograph of the final layout.

Ideas for Using a Single Shooting Star Block

You do not need to make an entire bed quilt to enjoy these designs. A single 6-inch or 12-inch block can become:

  • A mini quilt
  • A quilted pillow
  • A wall hanging
  • A tote bag panel
  • A sampler block
  • A table topper
  • The center of a medallion quilt

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all four shooting star patterns free?

Yes. At the time this collection was updated, all four patterns listed above were available free from Moda Fabrics, Maywood Studio, or Robert Kaufman. Pattern availability can change, so use the official source links provided with each project.

Which free shooting star pattern is best for beginners?

Stacy Iest Hsu's Shooting Stars uses straightforward traditional piecing and folded corners, making it approachable for a confident beginner who pays close attention to orientation.

Maywood Studio's Falling Stars is another good option if you are already comfortable making Half-Square Triangles.

Which pattern uses Foundation Paper Piecing?

Sarah Watts' Falling Star uses Foundation Paper Piecing for part of the block, along with traditional patchwork and Half-Square Triangles.

Which patterns make complete quilts?

Maywood Studio's Falling Stars finishes at approximately 54" × 72", while Elise Lea's Shooting Stars for Robert Kaufman finishes at approximately 65" × 85".

Can I use scraps?

Yes. The two Moda blocks are particularly suitable for scraps because many of their pieces are small. For the larger full-quilt designs, using coordinated scraps within a controlled color palette can also work beautifully.

Can I change the colors?

Absolutely. Night-sky combinations such as navy, charcoal, yellow and gold are natural choices, but shooting stars also look striking in rainbow colors, pastels, holiday fabrics or monochromatic palettes.

More Free Quilt Patterns

Continue exploring free patchwork projects on Quilting Time:

Final Thoughts

Shooting star quilts can be playful, modern, geometric, or traditional. The four free designs in this collection also give you a useful range of techniques—from Foundation Paper Piecing and Half-Square Triangles to stitch-and-flip corners and larger repeated-block layouts.

Start with one block if you want a quick project, or choose one of the full quilt patterns when you are ready to create an entire sky filled with stars.

How to Make a House Quilt Block – Free Pattern & Easy Tutorial

Colorful House Quilt Block with floral walls, mint striped roof, pink door and window on a white background

A House Quilt Block is one of the most charming patchwork designs you can add to a quilt. With a simple roof, walls, windows, and door, each block can become a tiny fabric home with its own personality.

This beginner-friendly guide explains how to plan, piece, press, and finish a house block while directing you to a free printable template for the exact pattern pieces.

The featured free pattern from MadamSew makes a house block approximately 5.5" × 8.5" before the optional outer border is added.

House Quilt Block at a Glance

Project House Quilt Block
Pattern Source MadamSew / Ernie Grant
Block Size Approximately 5.5" × 8.5"
Size with Optional Border Approximately 7.5" × 10.5"
Seam Allowance ¼"
Skill Level Beginner / Confident Beginner
Best For Scraps, mini quilts, pillows, wall hangings and sampler quilts

Why House Quilt Blocks Are So Fun to Make

House blocks are especially enjoyable because the basic structure stays the same while the fabrics can change completely from one block to the next.

A floral fabric can become the walls of a cottage, a dark geometric print can create the roof, and tiny scraps can become doors, windows, or other details.

Make just one block for a small project or sew several different houses to build an entire patchwork neighborhood.

What You Need

The featured pattern is very scrap friendly. You can make the main house from two contrasting fabrics and add another print if you want a decorative border.

  • Light quilting cotton
  • Dark or contrasting quilting cotton
  • Optional floral or coordinating fabric for the border
  • Printable House Quilt Block template
  • Rotary cutter or fabric scissors
  • Cutting mat and quilting ruler
  • Sewing machine and thread
  • Iron or seam presser
  • Pins or sewing clips

Use the Free Template for Accurate Pieces

This house design includes several pieces with angled edges, so the easiest method is to use the official printable template rather than trying to recreate every angle with a ruler.

Print the template at the size specified by the designer and make sure your printer does not automatically scale the page.

Before cutting fabric, compare the printed template with the pattern key so you know where each piece belongs in the finished house.

Choose Fabrics with Good Contrast

A House Quilt Block is easiest to read when there is enough contrast between the main parts of the design.

For example, combine a light background with darker roof and house sections, or reverse the idea and place a light house against a deeper background.

Small florals, checks, dots, low-volume prints, solids, and tiny geometric fabrics all work especially well because the individual pattern pieces are fairly small.

How to Make a House Quilt Block

Step 1: Print and Prepare the Templates

Download the official House Quilt Block template and print it on ordinary letter-size paper.

Cut the individual paper templates along the designated cutting lines. Keep the pattern key nearby while working so the pieces do not become confused.

Step 2: Trace the Pieces onto Fabric

Place each template on the appropriate fabric and trace carefully around the outside edge.

A removable fabric marker or chalk pencil is useful for this step. If a small paper template moves while you are tracing, a tiny piece of removable tape can help keep it in position.

Step 3: Cut the House Pieces

Cut each fabric piece as accurately as possible. Precision matters because several angled pieces need to meet neatly when the house is assembled.

Keep the cut pieces grouped according to their location in the block rather than placing them all in one pile.

Step 4: Lay Out the Complete House

Before sewing anything, arrange all of the fabric pieces on a flat surface in the same position shown on the pattern key.

This is an easy way to catch a reversed roof piece or a fabric placed on the wrong side of the design.

Take a quick photo of the layout before moving the pieces to your sewing machine.

Step 5: Piece the Upper Section

Begin with the smaller pieces that form the upper part of the house block. Join neighboring pieces with a consistent ¼" seam allowance.

Press each seam before adding the next piece. Small patchwork sections are easier to keep accurate when every seam lies completely flat.

Step 6: Assemble the Roof Section

The angled roof is one of the most recognizable parts of a house block, so take extra care when joining these pieces.

Match the most visible points first and avoid stretching the diagonal fabric edges while sewing or pressing.

Step 7: Piece the Lower House Section

Assemble the lower pieces that create the main body of the house. Depending on your fabric placement, these sections can suggest walls, doors, windows, or other architectural details.

Use the printed pattern diagram rather than relying on memory, especially if your light and dark fabrics are similar.

Step 8: Join the Main Sections

Once the individual rows or sections are complete, arrange them again on your work surface.

Join the upper and lower portions carefully, matching important seams before the outside edges.

Give the finished block a thorough press without stretching the angled edges.

Step 9: Check the Block Size

The house portion of the featured pattern should measure approximately 5.5" wide × 8.5" tall.

Place a ruler over the block and check that the sides are straight and the corners remain square.

Step 10: Add an Optional Border

The original project adds a narrow coordinating border around the house. After the border is attached and the block is trimmed, the unit measures approximately 7.5" × 10.5".

You can skip the border when using the house inside another quilt layout, or change its width to suit your own project.

Tips for Accurate House Quilt Blocks

Keep the Pattern Pieces Organized

Because this design includes several small shapes, label or arrange the cut pieces in the same order as the pattern diagram.

Press After Each Seam

Do not wait until the block is completely assembled. Flat seams make the next pieces easier to align and help prevent cumulative measurement errors.

Handle Angled Edges Gently

Some edges may be cut partly on the bias and can stretch more easily than straight-grain edges. Use an up-and-down pressing motion instead of pushing the iron strongly across the fabric.

Check Alignment Before Trimming

Make sure the roof and house sections are centered before removing fabric from the outside edges. Once fabric has been trimmed away, it cannot be restored.

Ideas for Customizing Your House Block

Once you understand the basic construction, house blocks are easy to personalize.

Try making every house in a different color, using seasonal fabrics, adding embroidered details after piecing, or choosing a special print for the door.

You could also use fussy-cut fabric in one section to create the appearance of a picture in a window.

What Can You Make with House Quilt Blocks?

A single block can become a small decorative project, while a collection of houses can form a complete quilt.

House blocks work particularly well in pillows, table runners, wall hangings, mug rugs, tote bags, mini quilts, sampler quilts, and neighborhood-style quilts.

Download the Free House Quilt Block Template

The official free template includes the individual pattern pieces and a block key showing where each piece belongs.

Download the Free House Quilt Block Template

For the designer’s complete photographs and original construction instructions, visit the official MadamSew House Quilt Block tutorial .

Common House Quilt Block Mistakes

Printing the Template at the Wrong Scale

Avoid printer settings that automatically enlarge or shrink the page. A scaled template will produce pieces that no longer fit together correctly.

Reversing an Angled Piece

Angled roof pieces can look very similar before sewing. Lay out the entire block first and compare it with the pattern diagram.

Stretching the Roof

Handle diagonal edges carefully and avoid pulling the fabric while sewing. Distorted roof pieces can make the finished block difficult to square.

Skipping Pressing

Several small seams meet in this design. Pressing as you go keeps bulk under control and improves alignment.

Trimming Too Early

Finish assembling and pressing the block before making final squaring cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the House Quilt Block pattern free?

Yes. The featured MadamSew House Quilt Block template is currently available as a free printable PDF.

What size is the House Quilt Block?

The house section measures approximately 5.5" × 8.5". With the optional border from the original project, the block measures roughly 7.5" × 10.5".

Is this project suitable for beginners?

Yes. The sewing uses straight quarter-inch seams, although the angled template pieces require careful cutting and positioning. A beginner who is comfortable with basic machine piecing should be able to make the block successfully.

Can I make the block from scraps?

Yes. House quilt blocks are excellent scrap projects because most pieces are small. Using coordinated leftovers can give every house a different personality.

Do I need special quilting rulers?

No special house ruler is required when you use the printable templates. Basic quilting tools, scissors or a rotary cutter, and a regular quilting ruler are enough.

Can I sew several house blocks into a quilt?

Absolutely. Make a collection of houses in different fabrics and join them with background strips or sashing to create a neighborhood-style quilt.

More Quilt Block Tutorials

Continue exploring beginner-friendly patchwork projects with these Quilting Time guides:

Easy Brick Quilt Tutorial

Pinwheel Fantasy Quilt Tutorial

Easy Bow Tie Quilt Block Tutorial

Final Thoughts

House quilt blocks combine simple patchwork with plenty of room for creativity. Once you have made one, it is easy to imagine an entire row of colorful fabric houses—each with its own roof, walls, windows, and personality.

Start with the free template, practice accurate cutting and quarter-inch seams, then experiment with scraps and color combinations to create your own patchwork neighborhood.

Easy Brick Quilt Tutorial – Free Beginner Charm Pack Pattern

Easy Brick Quilt made with colorful 5-inch fabric squares arranged in staggered rows

If you are looking for a quilt that is colorful, fast to piece, and genuinely beginner friendly, this Easy Brick Quilt is an excellent place to start.

This simple design uses 5-inch precut fabric squares arranged in alternating straight and staggered rows. The offset layout creates the look of a brick wall while avoiding one of the most frustrating parts of beginner patchwork: matching lots of seams at intersections.

The free Brick Quilt tutorial featured in this guide was created by Leah Day, quilting teacher and designer. Her sample quilt used 93 precut 5-inch squares and finished at approximately 36" × 49.5".

Easy Brick Quilt at a Glance

Project Easy Brick Quilt
Designer / Tutorial Leah Day
Skill Level Beginner
Main Fabric 5" precut squares / charm squares
Sample Quilt Size Approximately 36" × 49.5"
Squares Used in Sample 93 precut 5" squares
Main Technique Straight piecing with staggered rows

Why the Brick Quilt Is Great for Beginners

Many beginner quilts use a traditional grid, which means several seams need to meet perfectly where blocks come together.

The Brick Quilt changes that arrangement by offsetting every other row. Because the vertical seams are staggered, you do not have a long series of intersections to match.

That makes this design a useful first quilt for practicing:

  • A consistent quarter-inch seam allowance
  • Chain piecing
  • Sewing long patchwork rows
  • Pressing seams
  • Keeping a quilt top flat and square
  • Basic quilting and binding

What Is a Brick Quilt?

A brick quilt gets its name from the way the fabric pieces are arranged. Instead of placing every seam directly above the seam in the previous row, alternating rows are offset.

The result resembles traditional brickwork.

It is a simple layout, but changing the fabrics can completely change the look of the finished quilt. Bright prints create a playful scrap quilt, while a limited palette can produce a much more modern design.

Why 5-Inch Charm Squares Work So Well

Charm squares are precut fabric squares that commonly measure 5" × 5". Because most of the cutting has already been done, they can dramatically reduce preparation time.

They are particularly useful for a Brick Quilt because you can combine many different prints without having to cut dozens of individual squares yourself.

You can use:

  • A large charm pack
  • Several coordinating charm packs
  • 5-inch squares cut from your own scraps
  • Leftover precuts from previous projects

Choose Precuts of the Same Size

Not every manufacturer's precut square is exactly identical in size. If you mix several packs, place a few squares on top of one another before you begin sewing.

If there are noticeable differences, trim them to one consistent measurement. Uniform pieces will make your rows easier to assemble and help the quilt top lie flat.

Planning a Scrappy Brick Quilt

One of the nicest things about this design is that you do not need a complicated color plan.

For a relaxed scrappy quilt, mix the prints before you begin and distribute strong colors throughout the quilt rather than concentrating them in one area.

A Simple Fabric Rule

Try not to place two identical prints immediately beside one another. Beyond that, you can allow the colors to fall quite naturally.

This makes the Brick Quilt especially useful when you want to sew quickly instead of spending hours rearranging individual pieces.

Basic Construction of the Easy Brick Quilt

The design alternates between two types of rows:

  • Full rows made from complete 5-inch squares
  • Staggered rows shifted sideways to create the brick effect

Leah Day’s sample uses six full rows and five staggered rows. The staggered rows receive partial pieces at the ends so that the sides of the quilt remain relatively even.

Step 1: Mix Your Fabric Squares

Separate and shuffle your precut squares so that fabrics from the original collection are not still grouped in their factory order.

This is especially helpful when a charm pack contains several prints in multiple colorways.

Step 2: Chain Piece the Squares

Pair the squares and sew them together with a consistent ¼" seam allowance.

Instead of stopping and cutting the thread after every pair, feed one pair after another through the sewing machine.

This technique, known as chain piecing, is one of the fastest ways to construct a quilt made from many repeated pieces.

Step 3: Build Longer Rows

Join the paired squares into longer units and continue until you have complete rows.

The sample quilt uses rows eight squares wide for the full-width rows. You can change the number of squares if you want to make your quilt narrower or wider.

Step 4: Create the Staggered Rows

The alternating rows are shorter at their main center section and use partial pieces at both outer edges.

Those end pieces shift the vertical seams away from the seams in the neighboring rows, producing the classic brick-wall layout.

Follow Leah Day’s original tutorial for her exact cutting measurement and row configuration.

Step 5: Lay Out the Quilt Before Joining Rows

Arrange the full rows and staggered rows alternately on a design wall, floor, or large table.

Look at the quilt from a distance before sewing. Move any fabric that creates an unwanted concentration of one color or print.

Take a Quick Photo

Once you like the arrangement, photograph it. The image becomes an easy reference while rows are moved between your design area, sewing machine, and ironing board.

Step 6: Sew the Rows Together

Join one full row to one staggered row with a consistent quarter-inch seam. Because the seams are intentionally offset, you do not need to match every vertical seam.

Continue alternating rows until the quilt top is complete.

This forgiving assembly method is one of the biggest reasons the pattern works so well for new quilters.

Pressing Tips for a Flat Quilt Top

Whether you prefer pressing seams open or to one side, consistency is more important than the specific method you choose.

  • Press rather than aggressively dragging the iron.
  • Keep long rows straight while pressing.
  • Check that seams are fully opened or fully pressed to the chosen side.
  • Give the complete quilt top a final press before layering.

How Big Can You Make a Brick Quilt?

The layout is extremely flexible. Leah Day’s example measures approximately 36" × 49.5", but the same concept can be enlarged simply by adding more squares to each row and adding additional rows.

That means the same technique can be adapted for:

  • Baby quilts
  • Lap quilts
  • Kids' quilts
  • Throw quilts
  • Charity quilts
  • Larger bed quilts

Remember that enlarging the quilt also increases the amount of backing, batting, and binding required.

Optional Borders

A Brick Quilt does not require a border, but adding one can make the project larger or help frame a busy collection of prints.

For a highly scrappy quilt, a solid or low-volume border can provide a visual rest around the patchwork.

For a more coordinated quilt, choose one of the stronger colors from the charm pack and repeat it in the border and binding.

Easy Quilting Ideas for a Brick Quilt

The simple piecing gives you many choices for quilting the finished top. You do not need complicated free-motion quilting to make the design look good.

Straight-Line Quilting

Quilt parallel lines across the rows or follow the horizontal seams. This is one of the easiest choices for a beginner using a domestic sewing machine.

Diagonal Lines

Diagonal quilting creates extra movement against the strong horizontal brick layout.

Gentle Wavy Lines

Slightly wavy lines are forgiving because they do not need to remain perfectly straight. They work especially well on cheerful scrap quilts.

Common Brick Quilt Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing Different-Sized Precuts

Check your squares before sewing if they come from different manufacturers. A small difference repeated across eight or more pieces can affect an entire row.

Using an Inconsistent Seam Allowance

A changing seam allowance can cause neighboring rows to finish at different lengths. Test your quarter-inch seam before chain piecing the whole quilt.

Forcing Long Rows to Match

If one row is noticeably longer than another, investigate the seam allowances rather than stretching one row to fit. Stretching can make the completed quilt ripple.

Overthinking the Scrappy Layout

A Brick Quilt is supposed to feel relaxed. Focus on distributing the strongest colors rather than trying to make every square placement perfect.

View the Free Brick Quilt Tutorial

For Leah Day’s complete row construction, exact staggered-end measurements, photos, videos, quilting ideas, and finishing instructions, visit her original free tutorial.

View the Free Brick Quilt Pattern & Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Brick Quilt suitable for beginners?

Yes. It uses straight seams and precut squares, and the staggered arrangement means you do not need to match long rows of seam intersections.

What size squares are used?

The featured Leah Day version begins with 5-inch precut squares, commonly called charm squares.

How many charm squares do I need?

Leah Day’s finished sample used 93 five-inch squares. Starting with a larger precut collection gives you a few extra pieces for planning and adjusting the layout.

What size is the finished quilt?

The sample quilt measures approximately 36" × 49.5". You can make the design larger or smaller by changing the number of squares and rows.

Do I need to match seams?

The alternating rows are deliberately staggered, so the vertical seams between squares do not need to meet the seams in the neighboring row. That is one of the reasons this is such an approachable beginner quilt.

Can I use scraps instead of a charm pack?

Yes. Cut your scraps into consistent 5-inch squares and use them in exactly the same type of layout. This can be an excellent way to use leftover quilting cotton.

More Easy Quilt Ideas

Final Thoughts

The Easy Brick Quilt shows how effective a very simple layout can be. Five-inch squares, straight seams, and staggered rows are enough to create a colorful quilt without complicated cutting or difficult seam matching.

It is also an excellent pattern to keep in mind whenever charm packs or fabric scraps begin accumulating in your sewing room. Change the colors, number of rows, and overall dimensions, and the same basic idea can become anything from a small baby quilt to a generous throw.

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