Strips and Squares Free Quilt Block Tutorial
Today let's sew together the Strips and Squares quilt block that Nancy Page first published. I think the pattern has been around a lot longer though due to the number of names it goes by - Hand Weave, Handcraft, Handwoven, Interwoven, Over and Under, to name a few. I can see why it's popular - it's easy and produces a nice interwoven design when blocks are sewn together. Let's get started!
Fabric Requirements for a 9" Finished Strips and Squares Quilt Block:
- Light/Ivory: 1 - 3.5" square, 4 - 1.5" x 3.5" rectangles, and 4 - 1.5" x 2.5" rectangles
- Medium/Green: 4 - 2.5" squares, and 4 - 1.5" x 3.5" rectangles
- Dark/Burgundy: 4 - 2.5" x 3.5" rectangles
Sewing Directions
Corner Units:
Step 1:
Match up a Medium/Green 2.5" square with a Light/Ivory 1.5" x 2.5" rectangle and sew together as shown in the picture below. You can also see that I've pressed the seam allowances toward the Light/Ivory fabric.
Step 2:
Now sew a Light/Ivory 1.5" x 3.5" rectangle to the Step 1 patch you just made and press the seam allowance toward the Light Ivory fabric as you can see in the picture below. This Corner unit should measure 3.5" square. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for a total of four Corner units.
Two Patch Unit:
Step 3:
Match up a Medium/Green 1.5" x 3.5" rectangle with a Dark/Burgundy 2.5" x 3.5" rectangle and sew together as shown. Press the seam allowance toward the Dark/Burgundy fabric. Repeat for a total of four Two Patch units.
Putting It All Together:
Step 4:
Lay out the Light/Ivory 3.5" square, the Corner units, and the Two Patch units as shown in the picture below.
Step 5:
From here, the Strips and Squares quilt block goes together like a typical Nine Patch block. Sew the units into three rows as shown below.
Step 6:
And press the seam allowances away from the Two Patch units as shown below.
Step 7:
Now you sew the three rows together to complete the block!
Step 8:
And press the seam allowances toward the center of the block as shown in the picture below.
Layout Ideas:
This is the basic 4 x 4 layout using colors similar to the tutorial.
And this is the same layout as above but with narrow (1") sashing and cornerstones added.
This is an alternating layout where every other block has a different color placement.
Here's another alternating design using a Snowball block for the alternate block.
This is an on-point design using black in place of the light fabric.
Here's an alternating on-point layout where the alternate block is a modification of the main block and extends into the setting triangles.
This is another on-point layout with narrow sashing, cornerstones, and setting triangles in a coordinating color.
Conclusion:
This Strips and Squares quilt block was so easy and quick to sew together! Totally enjoyed piecing an easy block today. It makes an interesting woven kind of design when multiple blocks are sewn together. Definitely going to have to put this on the list of quilts to make!
Whether you're an experienced or beginner quilting looking for an easy project, the Strips and Squares satisfies!
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Happy Quilting!
Elaine
P.S. Looking for more beginner-friendly blocks? Take a look at these tutorials: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/tagged/tutorials_beginning-blocks
P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406