Many quiltmakers like to make six inch quilt blocks in order to use a greater variety of blocks in a sampler style quilt. Another reason might be to test out the look of a block in a smaller size in order to save on the fabrics (just in case the block looks very different than in your imagination).

Whatever your reason for creating six inch blocks, the pieces are all just smaller versions of larger sized quilt blocks -- such as the most popular size, the 12" quilt block. This is what makes quiltmaking so exciting -- you are the designer and get to choose all the components.

Formal Frame

Free Quilt Block Pattern

The Formal Frame quilt block is a simple nine patch block comprised of only squares, rectangles and flying geese units. This would be a good choice for a new quilter to practice the flying geese patches as well as working on your precise quarter inch seam allowance, especially for the patches containing the rectangles.

This block reminded me of another "optical illustion" quilt block -- the Folded Corners block, where the pieces look like a corner of the fabric is folded down to show the underside.

Check out other "optical illusion" blocks:
~ Folded Corners
~ Garden Square
~ Interlocking Chain
~ Plaited Block
~ Ribbon Star
~ Twisted Ribbon

NEXT - Sample quilt layouts for FORMAL FRAME quilt block