Not sure which block to start with? The quilt block library groups the same blocks by the grid they’re drawn on, explains which sizes cut cleanly, and suggests a first block for each kind of quilt.
Blocks A to Z
Bear's paw quilt blockFour paws of 16 triangle claws around a sashing cross, cut for 7, 10½ and 14 inch blocks.
Bow tie quilt blockA four-patch with stitch-and-flip corners, cut for four sizes, and how to use neckties.
Card trick quilt blockFour "cards" that seem to overlap, from half and quarter triangles, cut for 6, 9 and 12 inch blocks.
Cathedral window quiltThe folded block step by step, with a size chart, the window math and a 17-inch pillow worked out.
Churn dash quilt blockHalf-square triangle corners and two-strip bars, cut for 6, 9 and 12 inch blocks.
Courthouse steps quilt blockThe log cabin variation with logs sewn in opposite pairs, with cut lists for 6, 8 and 12 inch blocks.
Double wedding ring quiltThe four pieces of the ring, why it's a challenge, free true-size templates for 10-inch rings, counts by quilt size and the assembly order.
Dresden plate quilt blockWedge-shaped blades with pointed or rounded tips, sewn into a ring and appliqued onto a background square.
Drunkard's path quilt blockOne quarter-circle unit, a curved seam sewn with pins, and eight layouts from the same pieces.
Dutchman's puzzle quilt blockEight flying geese in pairs turning around the center, cut for 6, 8, 12 and 16 inch blocks.
Economy quilt block (square in a square)A center square framed by two rounds of triangles, with cut sizes for 4, 6, 8 and 12 inch blocks.
Flying geese quilt blockStitch-and-flip and no-waste geese, cut charts for five sizes and how to keep the points.
Friendship star quilt blockA nine-patch star of four half-square triangles, with a plain center for signatures.
Hourglass quilt blockQuarter-square triangles two ways, with a cut chart from 2 to 6 inches finished.
How to make half-square trianglesThe 2-, 4- and 8-at-a-time methods, a cut-size chart for each and how to trim.
Jacob's ladder quilt blockFive four-patches and four triangle squares that link into diagonal ladders, cut for 6, 9 and 12 inch blocks.
LeMoyne star quilt blockEight 45-degree diamonds with set-in corners, sized by strip width, with every Y-seam step.
Ohio star quilt blockAn eight-point star from quarter-square triangles, cut for 6, 9 and 12 inch blocks.
Pinwheel quilt blockFour half-square triangles turned around the center, cut for 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 inch blocks.
Sawtooth star quilt blockA big center square and four flying geese points, cut for 6, 8, 12 and 16 inch blocks.
Shoofly quilt blockA nine-patch with half-square triangle corners, cut for 6, 9 and 12 inch blocks.
Single Irish chain quilt blockNine-patches alternating with plain squares so the dark squares link into diagonal chains.
Sister's choice quilt blockA five-patch with a nine-patch center and eight triangle points, cut for four sizes.
Snail's trail quilt blockA four-patch and four rounds of two-color triangles that spiral out, cut for 8, 12 and 16 inch blocks.
Storm at sea quilt blockThree straight-seamed units that make curving waves, cut for 8, 12 and 16 inch blocks.
Triple Irish chain quilt blockA 7 x 7 chain block and a background block that link into three-square-wide chains.