Checkerboard Quilt Block Pattern

Checkerboard quilt block pattern — a step-by-step quilting tutorial using alternating squares of two contrasting fabrics to create a classic grid design

Checkerboard quilt block pattern overview


Checkerboard quilt block — fabric layout and color arrangement

New to quilting? Check out our beginner quilting class covering all the basics.

How to Sew a Checkerboard Quilt Block

The Checkerboard quilt block is a timeless, beginner-friendly design made by piecing together alternating squares of two contrasting fabrics to create a bold grid pattern. It's endlessly versatile — try it in any two colors for a completely different look!

Materials Needed

  • Two contrasting fabrics
  • Rotary cutter or scissors
  • Cutting mat and quilting ruler
  • Sewing machine and thread
  • Iron and ironing board

Cutting Guide

The size of your squares depends on your desired finished block size. For a 12" finished block, cut 2½" squares (each finished square will measure 2").

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cut both fabrics into squares of the same size using a rotary cutter and quilting ruler.
  2. Arrange the squares into pairs, alternating between the two fabrics (e.g., red + white, red + white).
  3. Sew each pair together along one side with a ¼" seam allowance. Press the seam allowances open.
  4. Take two pairs and place them right sides together with fabrics opposite each other. Sew along one side with a ¼" seam allowance. Press open. You now have a four-square checkerboard unit.
  5. Repeat to make as many checkerboard units as needed.
  6. Sew the units together to create your quilt top, making sure seams line up neatly. Press seam allowances open.
  7. Trim the edges to your desired size, then add batting and backing to finish your quilt.

Nine Patch Technique

The secret to a perfect nine patch is pressing seams so they butt together neatly when joined.

  1. Cut 5 A squares and 4 B squares. Using chain piecing, join a B square to 3 of the A squares, right sides together, with a ¼" seam allowance.

Nine patch quilt block — first A/B units joined

  1. Join the remaining A and B squares to these units using chain piecing, right sides together, with a ¼" seam allowance.

Nine patch quilt block — adding remaining squares to units

Nine patch quilt block — three rows assembled

For the faster strip method, cut A and B strips, join into A/B/A and B/A/B units, and cut across the pre-joined strips to create the units needed:

Nine patch quilt block — cutting across pre-joined strips

Nine patch quilt block — completed strip-pieced units

Press all seams toward the dark fabric. Join the B/A/B units to your A/B/A units with butted seams, right sides together, with a ¼" seam allowance. As long as a block has an underlying 3×3 grid, this principle applies.

Examples of quilt blocks with 3x3 grids that use the nine patch technique

Nine patch pressing plan diagram — seam direction guide

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.

 

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