Hexagon Log Cabin Quilt Block Tutorial: Easy 2.5″ Strip Project

The Hexagon Log Cabin Quilt Block puts a fresh geometric twist on the traditional Log Cabin block by building fabric strips around a six-sided center instead of a square.

The original tutorial by Kristen Hubert of Scrap Fabric Love uses 2.5-inch fabric strips, making this an excellent project for jelly roll leftovers and fabric scraps.

Kristen's example begins with a hexagon measuring about 2 inches per side and grows into an approximately 18.5-inch square quilt block.

Even better, the construction requires no Y-seams or partial seams. You simply sew, press and trim strips around the center until the block is large enough to square up.

Hexagon Log Cabin Block at a Glance

Block	Hexagon Log Cabin
Original Tutorial	Kristen Hubert / Scrap Fabric Love
Featured Block Size	Approximately 18.5" square
Starting Hexagon	Approximately 2" sides in the featured example
Strip Width	2.5"
Seam Allowance	¼"
Best For	Jelly roll strips, scraps and large quilt blocks
Y-Seams Required?	No
Skill Level	Beginner-friendly
Source Format	Free online tutorial + video + printable cheat sheet

What Is a Hexagon Log Cabin Quilt Block?

Traditional Log Cabin blocks usually begin with a square and build outward with rectangular fabric strips.

This variation starts with a hexagon, giving you six sides to work around instead of four.

By sewing groups of light and dark strips around the center, you still get the familiar Log Cabin contrast while creating a much more unusual geometric effect.

Supplies You Need

• a hexagon template,
• 2.5" fabric strips,
• rotary cutter,
• cutting mat,
• straight quilting ruler,
• square quilting ruler if available,
• sewing machine,
• coordinating thread,
• and an iron or pressing surface.

Great for Jelly Roll Leftovers

Because the tutorial uses 2.5-inch strips, leftover jelly roll strips work beautifully. You can also cut 2.5-inch strips from scraps already in your fabric stash.

Step 1: Cut the Starting Hexagon

Begin with a small fabric hexagon.

Kristen uses a hexagon with approximately 2-inch sides for the featured 18.5-inch block.

You can cut yours with an acrylic template, cutting die or another reliable hexagon template.

The exact starting size is flexible, but a very large center will reduce the visual Log Cabin effect unless you also make a very large block.

Choose the Center Fabric

The starting hexagon can match:

• your light background fabrics,
• your darker accent fabrics,
• or a completely different focal color.

A strong contrasting center can make the block feel more like a traditional Log Cabin with its classic central focal patch.

Step 2: Sort the Strips into Light and Dark Groups

Divide your 2.5-inch fabric strips into two main value groups:

• light/background strips,
• and dark or colorful accent strips.

You do not need one exact fabric in each group.

Kristen's example mixes low-volume background fabrics with multiple rainbow accent fabrics, which makes this block especially useful for scraps.

Contrast Matters More Than Matching

The fabrics do not need to belong to the same collection.

What matters most is that the light and dark sides remain visually different enough for the Log Cabin structure to appear.

Try viewing your fabric selection in black and white on your phone. If the two groups still look different, the contrast should work well.

Step 3: Sew the First Accent Strip

Place one accent strip right sides together along one edge of the starting hexagon.

The first strip can be around 5 inches long, or simply long enough to extend beyond both ends of the hexagon side.

Sew using a consistent ¼-inch seam allowance.

Step 4: Press and Trim

Open the newly attached strip and press it flat.

Use your straight quilting ruler to continue the neighboring edges of the hexagon and trim away the excess fabric.

This sew-press-trim sequence is the heart of the entire technique.

Step 5: Add the Second Accent Strip

Move to the next side of the hexagon.

Sew another accent strip so it crosses the seam from the first strip.

Press and trim again.

Step 6: Complete Three Accent Sides

Continue around the center until you have added three accent strips.

These three neighboring sides form one dark or colorful half of the Log Cabin design.

Step 7: Add Three Background Strips

Switch to your light/background fabric group.

Add three strips in exactly the same sew, press and trim sequence.

After this stage, all six sides of the original hexagon have been expanded.

Continue Alternating Groups of Three

Return to the accent fabrics for another three sides, then switch back to the background fabrics.

Repeat:

3 accent strips → 3 background strips → repeat

As each round grows, the required fabric strips naturally become longer.

No Need to Pre-Cut Every Strip

One advantage of this method is that you do not need a complicated cutting chart.

Choose a strip slightly longer than the side you are sewing, attach it, then trim the excess afterward.

This makes the block particularly forgiving for irregular scrap lengths.

Save the Trimmed Fabric Pieces

Do not automatically throw away the small offcuts created while trimming.

Many of them are large enough for crumb quilting or another tiny scrap-based project.

Step 8: Check the Growing Block Size

Continue adding strips until the patchwork extends beyond your desired square block size.

A square quilting ruler makes this especially easy because you can place it over the block and immediately see which areas still need fabric.

Step 9: Fill the Corners

As the hexagonal patchwork grows, you eventually reach the point where only the four corners of the final square need additional fabric.

Instead of continuing full rounds, add shorter strips only where needed while maintaining the same light/dark sequence.

Do Not Trim to Square Too Early

Make sure every corner of your desired square block is covered with fabric before making the final trimming cuts.

Step 10: Square Up the Block

Once the patchwork is larger than the block size you want, place a square ruler over the top and trim the outside edges.

Kristen's sample was trimmed to approximately 18.5 inches square.

Centered or Improv?

You have two options when trimming.

Centered Hexagon

Carefully position the original center hexagon in the middle of the square ruler before trimming.

This creates a more symmetrical finished block.

Improv Placement

Simply make sure the entire ruler is covered with fabric and trim the block without centering the hexagon exactly.

This gives the block a more relaxed, improvisational look.

Why This Block Is Beginner-Friendly

Hexagons often make quilters think of Y-seams, English Paper Piecing or more complicated construction.

This block avoids those techniques completely.

Every new strip is attached with an ordinary straight seam, making the method approachable even if you have never pieced hexagons before.

Color Ideas for Hexagon Log Cabin Blocks

Rainbow + Low Volume

Use scrappy rainbow strips on one side and cream or low-volume prints on the other.

Blue and White

Combine several blue scraps with one family of pale backgrounds for a classic look.

Modern Black and White

Use black, charcoal and gray against crisp white for strong geometric contrast.

Christmas Version

Try reds and greens against low-volume holiday prints.

True Scrap-Basket Version

Sort whatever scraps you have into light and dark piles and let the individual fabrics vary from strip to strip.

What Can You Make with One Block?

A large 18.5-inch block can become much more than part of a bed quilt.

• quilted pillow cover,
• mini quilt,
• table mat,
• large potholder,
• wall hanging,
• tote bag panel,
• or the center of a larger medallion quilt.

Making a Full Hexagon Log Cabin Quilt

Make several square blocks, then experiment with rotation before joining them.

Because each block contains a strong light-dark division, rotating the blocks can create secondary zigzags, diamonds and larger geometric patterns.

Common Hexagon Log Cabin Mistakes

Using Fabrics with Too Little Contrast

Separate scraps into clear light and dark groups before sewing.

Cutting Strips Too Short

Make each strip longer than the side being covered so there is enough fabric for trimming.

Skipping Pressing

Press each strip before trimming and attaching the next one.

Stretching the Block While Pressing

Use a lifting motion with the iron rather than dragging it across the patchwork.

Squaring the Block Too Soon

Check that every corner of the final square is covered before trimming.

More Log Cabin and Scrap Quilting Ideas

If you enjoy the Log Cabin construction method, explore our Half Log Cabin Quilt Tutorial .

For another scrap-friendly project made from repeated strips, see our Scrap Fabric Mosaic Quilt Block Tutorial .

You may also enjoy our Log Cabin Quilt Block Guide for a more traditional square Log Cabin construction.

Hexagon Log Cabin Quilt Block FAQ

Who created the featured tutorial?

The original Hexagon Log Cabin tutorial is by Kristen Hubert of Scrap Fabric Love.

What width fabric strips are used?

The tutorial uses 2.5-inch-wide fabric strips.

Can I use jelly roll strips?

Yes. Standard 2.5-inch jelly roll strips are ideal for this block.

What size is the block?

You can make the block in different sizes. Kristen's featured example was trimmed to approximately 18.5 inches square.

How large is the starting hexagon?

The example uses a hexagon with approximately 2-inch sides.

Does this block require Y-seams?

No. The entire block is constructed using ordinary straight seams.

Is this project good for scraps?

Yes. It works especially well with leftover strips approximately 2.5 inches wide.

Is there a free tutorial?

Yes. Scrap Fabric Love provides the full tutorial online with step-by-step photos, a video demonstration and a printable cheat sheet.

View the Original Free Hexagon Log Cabin Tutorial

Kristen Hubert at Scrap Fabric Love provides the complete visual construction, trimming instructions and printable reference for this block.

View the Original Hexagon Log Cabin Tutorial →

Tutorial Source

The featured Hexagon Log Cabin Quilt Block tutorial is by Kristen Hubert of Scrap Fabric Love.

The Quilting Time does not reproduce the original photographs or printable reference. This guide adds fabric-planning ideas, layout suggestions, troubleshooting and related quilting resources while directing readers to the original free tutorial.

Source availability checked: October 2026.

Happy quilting!

Broken Star Quilt Block Tutorial: Easy 12½″ Star Block Guide

The Broken Star Quilt Block is a striking geometric star design built from squares and triangle units that create sharp, radiating points around a contrasting center.

This version is demonstrated by Sunrise Quilt Studio and is assembled in sections rather than by sewing the entire block together in simple horizontal rows.

The project is a good next step for quilters who already feel comfortable with accurate quarter-inch seams, triangle piecing and matching points.

Below you'll find an organized guide to the cutting pieces, construction sequence, fabric-planning ideas, bias-edge tips, troubleshooting and a direct link to the original Sunrise Quilt Studio video tutorial.

Broken Star Quilt Block at a Glance

Block	Broken Star
Tutorial Source	Sunrise Quilt Studio
Block Measurement	Approximately 12½" before final quilt assembly
Main Shapes	Squares and triangles
Main Techniques	Triangle piecing, star points, section assembly and bias-edge handling
Seam Allowance	¼"
Skill Level	Confident beginner to intermediate
Source Format	Free video tutorial
Source Checked	October 2026

What Is a Broken Star Quilt Block?

Broken Star is a geometric star block whose points are divided into contrasting sections rather than appearing as one uninterrupted star.

The combination of light and dark triangles creates movement around the center while the surrounding corner pieces complete the square block.

Because the design contains several diagonal edges, accurate cutting and gentle handling are important throughout construction.

Fabric Pieces Used in This Version

The existing Sunrise Quilt Studio-based project uses the following starting pieces:

• one 3½" center square,
• one 4¼" square divided into four triangles,
• four additional 4¼" squares divided into triangles,
• four 3½" squares,
• one 7¼" square divided into four triangles,
• and two 3⅞" squares divided into four triangles.

Keep the Original Video Open While Cutting

Several squares are divided diagonally to create different triangle shapes. Use the Sunrise Quilt Studio video as your visual reference for the exact fabric assignment and triangle orientation before cutting the complete block.

Choose Fabrics with Clear Contrast

Broken Star relies heavily on the relationship between neighboring triangles.

Strong contrast helps each point remain visible and gives the star more depth.

Try combinations such as:

• navy, medium blue and white,
• burgundy, pink and cream,
• teal, green and pale gray,
• black, white and one bright accent,
• or several coordinated scraps against one consistent background.

Use Small Prints Near the Star Points

Small geometric prints, tone-on-tone fabrics and solids work particularly well in the narrow triangle sections.

Very large prints may lose much of their motif after being cut into triangles.

Step 1: Cut the Squares Accurately

Square up each piece before making diagonal cuts.

A difference of only a small fraction of an inch can become noticeable after several triangle units meet at the same point.

Use a sharp rotary blade and keep the fabric flat against the cutting mat.

Step 2: Cut the Required Triangles

Some squares are divided once diagonally, while others are divided in both directions to produce four triangles.

Keep each triangle group labeled until you begin sewing.

This prevents similar-looking pieces from being used in the wrong part of the star.

Why Bias Edges Need Extra Care

Many of the triangle edges are cut across the bias grain.

Bias edges can stretch if they are pulled, aggressively pressed or repeatedly repositioned.

Lift the iron rather than sliding it and support the pieces while sewing.

Step 3: Build the Center Section

Begin with the 3½-inch center square.

Fold the neighboring triangle pieces gently to locate their centers, then align those centers with the edges of the square.

Pin if necessary before sewing with an accurate quarter-inch seam.

Match Centers Before Matching Corners

When attaching a triangle to a square, the triangle may extend beyond the square at its outside points.

Matching the midpoint first helps keep the piece balanced and prevents the star from shifting to one side.

Step 4: Sew the Triangle Sections

Continue adding the required triangles around the center according to the Sunrise Quilt Studio layout.

Press each seam before attaching the next section.

Avoid trimming any important star points until the complete unit has been checked.

Step 5: Make the Flying-Geese-Style Units

Four of the outer sections resemble Flying Geese units.

The Sunrise Quilt Studio method uses pre-cut triangles rather than a stitch-and-flip technique.

Align the triangle points carefully, sew the first side, press, then add the matching triangle to the opposite side.

Trim Dog Ears After Pressing

Small triangle tips can extend beyond the edges after pressing.

Trim these dog ears carefully so they do not add bulk when the larger sections are joined.

Step 6: Construct the Corner Units

The remaining corner sections combine squares and triangles to complete the outside shape of the block.

Position the triangles so their points face toward the center of the Broken Star.

If you are using directional fabric, check the print orientation before sewing.

Lay Out the Entire Block Before Final Assembly

Place the center, four star-point sections and corner units on a table or design board.

Check that every triangle points in the intended direction.

Broken Star is particularly easy to misassemble because many units look similar after they are rotated.

Photograph the Correct Layout

Once the block looks right, take a photo before moving pieces to the sewing machine. Use it as a reference throughout final assembly.

Step 7: Assemble the Block in Sections

One feature of the Sunrise Quilt Studio method is that the Broken Star is assembled in larger sections rather than simply being sewn into standard horizontal rows.

This helps the angled pieces meet more naturally and can make the star intersections easier to control.

Pin Important Star Points

Before joining two large sections, identify the intersections that will be most visible in the finished block.

Match those points first and pin on both sides of the intersection if necessary.

Step 8: Join the Final Sections

Sew the larger sections together one at a time.

Check each seam before continuing.

If an important star point is noticeably misaligned, correcting it now is much easier than after the complete block has been pressed.

Give the Block a Final Press

Once assembly is complete, press the block from the front and back using an up-and-down motion.

The existing project finishes at approximately 12½ inches before final quilt assembly.

Do Not Over-Trim the Star Points

Before squaring the block, check how much fabric remains beyond each visible star point.

You need enough seam allowance for the points to remain visible when the block is later sewn into a quilt.

Fabric Ideas for Broken Star

Traditional Red, White and Blue

Use navy and red for the star with white or cream as the background.

Modern Jewel Tones

Combine teal, sapphire, plum and burgundy against a pale neutral.

Low-Volume Background

Small cream or gray prints can add texture without competing with the star.

Scrappy Star

Use several fabrics within each value group while keeping the overall light-dark placement consistent.

Ideas for Using One Broken Star Block

• make a quilted pillow,
• create a mini quilt,
• use it as a wall hanging,
• add borders for a table topper,
• include it in a sampler quilt,
• or repeat the block in several colors for a larger star quilt.

Common Broken Star Mistakes to Avoid

Stretching Triangle Edges

Handle bias-cut pieces gently while sewing and pressing.

Mixing Up Similar Triangles

Label each cutting group until it is used.

Rotating a Star Unit

Photograph the complete block layout before final assembly.

Using an Inconsistent Quarter-Inch Seam

Small differences can affect several points when the larger sections come together.

Trimming Too Close to the Star Tips

Preserve enough seam allowance beyond each visible point.

Skipping Pressing Between Sections

Flat units are easier to match and help reduce bulk at complex intersections.

Explore More Star Quilt Blocks

If you enjoy traditional star geometry, explore our Falling Star Quilt Block Tutorial .

For a large star project based heavily on Half-Square Triangles, see our Carpenter’s Wheel Quilt Free Pattern .

You may also enjoy our Easy Hunter’s Star Quilt Tutorial .

Broken Star Quilt Block FAQ

Who demonstrates this Broken Star block?

The featured video tutorial is from Sunrise Quilt Studio.

What size is the block?

The project information associated with this tutorial gives a block measurement of approximately 12½ inches before final quilt assembly.

Is this Broken Star tutorial free?

Yes. The Sunrise Quilt Studio video tutorial is free to watch on YouTube.

Is there a free PDF pattern?

We have not verified a separate downloadable free PDF for this exact Sunrise Quilt Studio version, so this page is best treated as a free video tutorial.

Is Broken Star beginner-friendly?

A confident beginner can try the project, but quilters who already have experience with triangle piecing, quarter-inch seams and matching points will find it easier.

Why is the block assembled in sections?

The method demonstrated by Sunrise Quilt Studio joins the angled components into sections before bringing the complete star together. This helps organize the many triangle pieces.

Can I make the block from scraps?

Yes. Use scraps with clear differences in value so the Broken Star remains easy to see.

Watch the Original Broken Star Video Tutorial

Sunrise Quilt Studio demonstrates the triangle construction, star-point sections and final block assembly in the original video.

Watch the Original Broken Star Quilt Block Tutorial →

Tutorial Source

The featured Broken Star construction is demonstrated by Sunrise Quilt Studio.

The Quilting Time does not reproduce the original video. This guide organizes the existing cutting information and adds fabric selection, bias-edge handling, layout, pressing, troubleshooting and related star-quilt resources.

Source availability checked: October 2026.

Happy quilting!  

Game Board Quilt Block Free Pattern: Easy 4½″ & 9″ Blocks

The Game Board Quilt Block is a playful geometric design featuring a strip-pieced checkerboard center surrounded by simple squares and rectangles.

Designed by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings, Game Board was released as Block #7 in Moda Blockheads 4.

The official free pattern includes instructions for both 4½-inch and 9-inch finished blocks, making it useful for sampler quilts, scrappy projects and modern patchwork layouts.

The design looks detailed, but the construction relies mainly on straight seams and an efficient strip-pieced checkerboard center.

Game Board Quilt Block at a Glance

Block	Game Board
Designer	Lisa Bongean / Primitive Gatherings
Series	Moda Blockheads 4 — Block #7
Finished Sizes	4½" and 9"
Main Technique	Strip-pieced checkerboard
Main Shapes	Squares and rectangles
Seam Allowance	Scant ¼"
Scrap Friendly	Yes
Pattern	Free official Moda PDF
Source Checked	October 2026

What Is the Game Board Quilt Block?

Game Board is inspired by the familiar checkerboard used in the game of checkers.

Lisa Bongean created a small checkerboard in the center of the block and surrounded it with larger geometric pieces.

The contrast between the tiny center squares and the larger outer pieces gives the block a distinctive modern look.

Two Block Sizes

The official Moda pattern includes two finished sizes:

• 4½" finished
• 9" finished

The smaller version is particularly useful for sampler quilts, mini quilts and small patchwork projects.

The 9-inch version gives fabrics more room to show and works beautifully as a repeated block in a larger quilt.

Use Lisa Bongean’s Official Pattern for Exact Cutting

The free Moda PDF contains the complete cutting measurements for both block sizes, the checkerboard strip-piecing diagram and the final block layout. Keep the original pattern open while sewing.

Why Strip Piecing Makes the Center Easier

The small checkerboard looks as though many tiny individual squares were sewn together one at a time.

Lisa’s construction is much more efficient.

Two contrasting strips are sewn together first and then cross-cut into smaller segments.

Those segments are rearranged and joined to form the checkerboard center.

Choose Fabrics with Strong Contrast

Contrast is especially important in the checkerboard section.

If the two center fabrics have nearly the same value, the individual squares may visually blend together.

Try pairing:

• white and navy,
• cream and burgundy,
• black and bright pink,
• light gray and teal,
• or two clearly different prints.

Scrappy Fabric Ideas

Game Board can also become an excellent scrap project.

Keep two contrasting fabrics in the checkerboard center, then use different prints for the larger outside sections.

Repeating one background fabric throughout several blocks can help unify a very scrappy quilt.

Directional Prints Need Extra Attention

Stripes, text prints and directional motifs may point in different directions after strip piecing and block rotation.

If fabric direction matters to you, lay out all pieces before sewing and decide which orientation should face upward.

Small non-directional prints are often the easiest choice for the checkerboard center.

Step 1: Prepare the Checkerboard Strips

Cut the center strips according to the official PDF for the block size you selected.

Place the contrasting strips right sides together and sew them using a consistent scant ¼-inch seam allowance.

What Is a Scant Quarter-Inch Seam?

A scant quarter-inch seam is just slightly narrower than a full ¼ inch.

The small adjustment compensates for the tiny amount of fabric taken up when the seam is pressed to one side.

Accurate seams are especially important in the small 4½-inch Game Board block because several narrow sections must fit together precisely.

Step 2: Press Toward the Darker Strip

The official pattern recommends pressing the strip-set seam toward the darker fabric.

Press rather than stretching the fabric with the iron.

A straight strip set will produce more accurate checkerboard segments.

Step 3: Cross-Cut the Strip Sets

Square one end of the strip set first.

Then cross-cut the required segments using the dimensions specified for your chosen block size in the official pattern.

Check your ruler placement before each cut because small inaccuracies can quickly accumulate in such a compact checkerboard.

Step 4: Arrange the Checkerboard

Rotate alternating strip-set segments so the light and dark squares alternate.

Lay out all four segments before sewing.

The result should look like a miniature game board.

Nest the Checkerboard Seams

If neighboring seam allowances are pressed in opposite directions, the intersections can nest together.

This helps the small squares meet cleanly at their corners.

Lisa’s pattern also allows seams to be pressed open if you prefer that approach.

Step 5: Build the Outer Sections

Once the center is complete, arrange the larger squares and rectangles around it according to the Moda diagram.

The outside pieces are much simpler than the checkerboard center and use straightforward straight seams.

Lay Out the Complete Block Before Sewing

Place every section on a table or design board before joining the rows.

Check:

• the checkerboard orientation,
• outer fabric placement,
• directional prints,
• and overall color balance.

Take a Quick Layout Photo

Once the pieces look correct, photograph the block before sewing. This simple step can prevent an outer rectangle or square from being rotated accidentally.

Step 6: Sew the Block into Rows

Join the arranged pieces into horizontal rows.

Press according to the pattern arrows or press seams open if that gives you flatter intersections.

Keep checking the scant quarter-inch seam allowance as you work.

Step 7: Join the Rows

Match the important seam intersections and sew the rows together.

Pinning around the checkerboard can help prevent shifting.

Give the completed block a final press.

Check the Unfinished Block Size

Before adding the block to a quilt, confirm that it measures approximately:

• 5" square for the 4½" finished block, or
• 9½" square for the 9" finished block.

Checking the block now makes final quilt assembly much easier.

Why Game Board Is Great for Sampler Quilts

The block introduces a noticeably different texture into a sampler.

Many traditional sampler blocks depend heavily on triangles and star points, while Game Board uses only squares and rectangles.

The small checkerboard therefore creates a useful visual contrast beside star, pinwheel and HST-based blocks.

Layout Idea 1: Repeat the Same Block

Make several Game Board blocks using the same two or three fabrics.

Repeating the design creates a clean modern geometric quilt.

Layout Idea 2: Scrappy Game Boards

Change the outer fabrics in every block while maintaining the same checkerboard colors.

This creates variety without losing the connection between blocks.

Layout Idea 3: Rotate Alternating Blocks

The outer rectangles and color placement change visually when a Game Board block is rotated.

Try alternating rotations before sewing a complete quilt layout.

Layout Idea 4: Mix Both Sizes

Moda Blockheads 4 was designed around both 4½-inch and 9-inch blocks.

Combining the two sizes can create an interesting sampler-style layout with varied scale.

Common Game Board Quilt Block Mistakes

Using a Full Quarter-Inch Seam Instead of a Scant Seam

Repeated small differences can make the checkerboard center finish smaller than expected.

Cutting the Strip Set Before Squaring the End

Straighten the first end before measuring each segment.

Rotating One Checkerboard Segment Incorrectly

Arrange all four segments before sewing them together.

Using Similar-Value Center Fabrics

Strong contrast makes the checkerboard pattern much easier to see.

Ignoring Directional Prints

Check the complete layout before sewing if stripes, text or directional motifs are important to the design.

More Classic Patchwork Blocks

If you enjoy strip-pieced small units, explore our Jacob’s Ladder Quilt Block Free Pattern . Jacob’s Ladder combines strip-pieced Four Patches with Half-Square Triangles and is available in five block sizes.

You may also enjoy our Arkansas Crossroads Quilt Block Tutorial for another geometric design built from repeated patchwork units.

For a completely different block transformation technique, see our Disappearing Nine Patch Quilt Tutorial .

Game Board Quilt Block FAQ

Who designed the Game Board Quilt Block?

Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings designed Game Board for the Moda Blockheads 4 quilt-along.

Which Moda Blockheads block is Game Board?

Game Board is Block #7 of Moda Blockheads 4.

Is the Game Board pattern free?

Yes. Moda Fabrics currently provides the original Game Board instructions as a free PDF.

What sizes are included?

The pattern includes 4½-inch and 9-inch finished blocks.

Does the block use Half-Square Triangles?

No. One of the appealing features of Game Board is that it is constructed from squares and rectangles rather than HSTs.

How is the checkerboard center made?

The official pattern uses strip piecing. Contrasting strips are sewn together, cross-cut into segments and rearranged to create the small checkerboard.

What seam allowance does the pattern use?

Lisa Bongean specifies a scant ¼-inch seam allowance unless otherwise noted.

Can I make Game Board from scraps?

Yes. The simple squares, rectangles and contrasting checkerboard make the block very adaptable to fabric scraps.

Get the Official Free Game Board Pattern

Moda Fabrics provides Lisa Bongean’s complete two-page pattern with cutting instructions for both sizes, strip-piecing diagrams and the final block assembly.

Download the Official Free Game Board Quilt Block Pattern →

Visit Lisa Bongean’s Original Game Board Post

Lisa explains the inspiration behind the checkerboard design and shares her original Moda Blockheads 4 Game Board project.

Visit Lisa Bongean’s Game Board Post →

Pattern Source

Game Board was designed by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings for Moda Blockheads 4.

The Quilting Time does not reproduce Moda’s complete cutting chart or original pattern diagrams. This guide adds fabric-planning ideas, strip-piecing advice, layout suggestions, troubleshooting and related quilting resources while directing readers to the official free pattern.

Source availability checked: October 2026.

Happy quilting!