Six Strips Quilt Block Pattern

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How to Sew a Six Strips Quilt Block

The Six Strips quilt block is one of the most beginner-friendly designs in quilting — simply sew six fabric strips together to create a bold, graphic block. Mix colors, prints, and textures for endless variations!

Materials Needed

• Six fabric strips in your chosen colors, patterns, or textures
• Sewing machine and thread
• Rotary cutter and cutting mat
• Ruler
• Iron

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose your fabrics. Select six strips in different colors, patterns, or textures based on your design preference.
2. Arrange the strips in the order you want them to appear in the block — a repeating pattern, a gradient, a random order, or any layout you like.
3. Sew the strips together using a ¼" seam allowance. Join the first two strips, then add the third to the second, continuing until all six strips are sewn together.
4. Press the seams open or to one side, depending on your preference.
5. Trim the edges of the block to create a square or rectangle, depending on the size and shape of your strips.
6. Repeat to make as many Six Strips blocks as needed for your quilt.

Once you have several blocks, sew them together to create your quilt top. Arrange the blocks in different orientations to create a variety of striking designs and patterns.

How to Resize Quilt Blocks

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on your finished block size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.

Note: When working from a pattern's cutting instructions, remove the seam allowance before scaling. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½″ squares, subtract the seam allowance (½″), double the finished size (3″ → 6″), then add the seam allowance back (½″) — giving you a 6½″ cut piece.

Resizing Square Blocks

Add ½″ to your finished block measurement. For a 4″ finished square, cut a 4½″ square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks

Add ½″ to both the length and width. To double a 3″ × 4″ block, cut a 6½″ × 8½″ rectangle.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks

Add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished HST block, cut 4⅞″ squares.

Resizing Quarter Square Triangle Blocks

Add 1¼″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished block, cut 5¼″ squares.