Common Sizes for Quilt Pieces – A Way to Organize Your Scrap Fabrics
Quilts are made from various pieces, typically called “blocks” or “patches.” These pieces come in a range of shapes and sizes, often dictated by the quilt design. Here are some common quilt pieces, including their sizes and shapes:
Common Shapes for Quilt Pieces
Before cutting up your scraps to fit the shapes below, decide which shapes you use the most. If you aren’t going to make a quilt with circles, don’t cut them out. To be honest, I only sort my scrap fabrics by color. I do have some orphan blocks and units that I keep in one box. These blocks can be incorporated into a scrappy border or as a filler. When I look at my designs, I find that the quilt pieces I use most are squares, rectangles, HSTs, QSTs, and Flying Geese.
Squares:
- Finished Size: Common sizes range from 2″ x 2″ to 12″ x 12″, but can be larger or smaller depending on the quilt design.
- Look up Postage Stamp Quilts if you want to see something impressive. It’s a simple block, but the size as well as color options keep it a favorite for quilters to try at least once.
- Description: Square patches are the most basic shape. They are often used in traditional and modern quilts alike.
Rectangles:
- Finished Size: Rectangles typically range from 2″ x 4″ to 8″ x 12″ or larger. Also, think about sashing sizes such as 2″ x 12″.
- Description: Rectangular pieces sometimes add variety to a quilt’s design. They can create longer lines or borders within the quilt.
Triangles:
- Finished Size: Common triangle sizes are 3″, 4″, 6″, and 8″ per side, but they vary based on the quilt.
- Description: Triangles are often cut from squares and used in designs like the half-square triangle (HST) or equilateral triangles.
Half Square Triangles HSTs
- Finished Size: HSTs are typically cut as squares and sewn into triangles. A typical size for finished HST blocks is 4″ x 4″, though this varies. I have created some that are 2″ x 2″ and larger.
- Description: These are created by diagonally cutting a square in half and are frequently used in various quilt patterns.
- Alternative Methods: A quick search will provide numerous options for creating this block. There are multiple shortcuts for making this unit. Some of them require a special ruler, and others do not.
Flying Geese:
- Finished Size: Flying Geese units are typically 2″x4″ or 3″ x 6″, but you can create them any size as long as the width is double the height (not counting the seam allowance)
- Description: These are a type of triangle block used to create a “winged” shape, often used in borders or repeating patterns.
- Alternative Methods: A quick search will provide numerous options for creating this block.
Quarter Square Triangles QSTs
- Finished Size: These triangles are typically cut from half-square triangles and can range in size.
- Description: These create more intricate designs and add complexity to quilt blocks.
- Alternative Methods: A quick search will provide numerous options for creating this block.
Hexagons:
- Finished Size: A typical size for hexagons is 1″ to 3″ per side.
- Description: Hexagons are often used in traditional quilts like English Paper Piecing. They create a honeycomb effect when sewn together.
Circles:
- Finished Size: Circular pieces can vary from small 2″ to larger 12″ or more.
- Description: Though not as common as other shapes, circles can be used in applique quilts or modern designs.
Common Quilt Block Sizes – Just a guideline
- 6″ x 6″ (Small size block)
- 8″ x 8″ (Common medium size block)
- 9″ x 9″ (Very common)
- 10″ x 10″
- 12″ x 12″ (Standard block size)
- 16″ x 16″ (Large block size, used for fewer pieces in a quilt)
As I was thinking about common block sizes, I can tell you I would with all the sizes except 16″ x 16″. One of the reasons why I don’t have a ruler that big for squaring up the block and using two isn’t something I enjoy. There is too much chance for the rulers to slip.
Examples of Block Designs
Nine Patch: Uses 9 square pieces arranged in a 3×3 grid (often 9″ x 9″ or 12″ x 12″).
Log Cabin: Rectangular strips sewn around a central square.
Ohio Star: A classic block that combines squares and triangles (typically 12″ x 12″).
Bear Paw: Combines squares, triangles, and half-square triangles (often 12″ x 12″).
Maple Leaf: Combines squares, triangles, and half-square triangles (often 12″ x 12″)
I started with the blocks above when I first started quilting, and it blossomed from there. I’ve dipped my toe into the water for landscape quilts. I didn’t think I would like it or that I could be that artistic, but I love the freedom it provides, as well as the hunt for the perfect pieces of fabrics.
Additional Considerations
Blocks may be larger for certain quilt styles, like modern quilts, where sizes of 16″ x 16″ or 18″ x 18″ are standard. You can also enlarge one quilt block to create a quilt. There are so many options for us to try!
Let’s not forget the borders. Pieced borders add that finishing touch to the quilt.
You need to decide how you want to deal with your scrappy fabrics based on the quilt pieces you use. That is why I only sorted my scrap fabrics by color. I didn’t want to cut it up without knowing where it was going. A little inside peak at my control needs.
Finally…
If you are looking for a project, check out the Mystery Quilt 2025 that just started, or if you want ideas for using up your scrap fabrics, check out these pages: Quilt Block Library and Scrappy Quilt Patterns.
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Until next time.
