Odds and Ends Quilt Block Tutorial: Fast, Classic, and Full of Star Power
Looking for a fast, easy quilt block with classic charm? The Odds and Ends block is a traditional favorite with a clever twist—it has built-in sashing and creates a striking star design when multiple blocks are joined. It was first published by the Ladies Art Company.
This block is beginner-friendly and quick to piece, making it a perfect block to add to your collection of quick quilt ideas. In this tutorial, I’ll include cutting instructions for both 12" and 6" finished blocks, so you can choose the size that suits your project. Let’s dive in!

Fabric Requirements for the Odds and Ends Quilt Block:
12" Finished Size:
- Light/White: 1 - 5" square
- Medium/Blue: 1 - 5" square, and 2 - 4.5" squares
- Medium/Print: 2 - 2.5" x 8.5" rectangles, and 1 - 2.5" square
- Dark/Green: 2 - 2.5" x 10.5" rectangles, and 1 - 2.5" square
6" Finished Size:
- Light/White: 1 - 3" square
- Medium/Blue: 1 - 3" square, and 2 - 2.5" squares
- Medium/Print: 2 - 1.5" x 4.5" rectangles, and 1 - 1.5" square
- Dark/Green: 2 - 1.5" x 5.5" rectangles, and 1 - 1.5" square

Sewing Directions:
The following instructions are for the 12" finished size of block. I've included trim/square up sizes for the 6" block in paretheses.
Half Square Triangles:
Step 1:
- Using the Light/White 5" square and the Medium/Blue 5" square, sew together two Half Square Triangles like the ones in the picture below.
- Square up/trim the units to 4.5" square (2.5" square for the 6" block).
- You can find my tutorial for making HST units at https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-half-square-triangle-block

Four Patch Unit:
Step 2:

Step 3:

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Step 5:

Step 6:

Putting It All Together:
Step 7:

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Step 12:

Step 13:

Layout Ideas:






Conclusion:
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you like it and want to see more, just click HERE to sign up for my newsletter and receive a free PDF quilt pattern called "Chained Weathervane".
Happy Quilting!
Elaine
P.S. Looking for more scrap-busting blocks? Check out this roundup blog post: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/40-of-the-best-free-scrappy-quilt-block-tutorials
P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406