A quilter's favourite - the twelve inch quilt block. These are probably the most commonly used. The measurements divide easily and evenly for quick calculations. Whether the goal is a bed-sized quilt or a cuddle quilt in an afghan size, a 12" quilt block is your go-to choice.

Thrifty Block

Free Quilt Block Pattern

The Thrifty Block is a great starting block for beginner quilters. It is made entirely of squares but the directional arrangement of those squares is what creates the interesting designs when several quilt blocks are joined together. This nine patch block introduces you to four patches (the little "checkerboard" units) which are so commonly used in many quilts.

This quilt block can be colour coordinated using limited colours or, as in the examples shown, it is a great way to use up your scraps. Thrifty Block is often used as an alternate block in a quilt layout to create a secondary design.

NEXT - Sample quilt layouts for THRIFTY BLOCK quilt block