Corner Quilt Block Tutorial

The corner block is a very simple quilt block, but it is also very versatile and can be used in many quilt designs.

For ideas on how to use this block in a quilt, check out the Corner Block Quilt Inspiration Workbook. It has measurements for making the block in other sizes, sample quilt diagrams and colouring pages so you can design your own quilt.

This tutorial is for a block that will finish at 12″ in a quilt. See below for different size options.

Fabric Requirements

There are a lot of different colour options for this block, but each block uses three fabrics.

For this sample, I used dark pink, light pink and cream.

Fabric 1

• 4-1/2″ square

Fabric 2

• 4-1/2″ square
• 4-1/2″ x 8-1/2″

Fabric 3

• 4-1/2″ x 8-1/2″
• 4-1/2″ x 12-1/2″

Block Assembly

This block only has four seams, so you can make a whole bunch in no time.

Layout the pieces

Star with the fabric 1 square. Put the fabric 2 pieces beside it and the fabric 3 pieces around them.

You can already see how the block is going to look.

Join the squares

Join the fabric 1 and fabric 2 squares using a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Press this seam to one side.

The piece that they make should be 4-1/2″ x 8-1/2″. Taking a second to check this measurement will ensure that your seam allowance is accurate.

Add the fabric 2 rectangle

Next, add the fabric 2 rectangle.

Press this seam towards the rectangle, regardless of fabric colour. This will reduce bulk and make it flatter and easier to quilt.

Join fabric 3

Join the smaller fabric 3 piece on the side that has the seam.

Then join the large fabric 3 piece on the other side.

That’s all there is to make this block!

It should be 12-1/2″ square.

Colour options

There are no limits to the colour options for this block.

This block uses the same fabrics as the tutorial sample, but fabrics 1 and 3 are switched. These blocks can be used together for some fun designs.

This block can also be made scrappy. This block was used in a scrappy red and white quilt. Fabric were sorted by value.

Make the block any size

This block is easy to make any size. To keep the math simple, choose a size that is easily divisible by 3 (6, 7-1/2, 9, 10-1/2, 12, etc.)

Calculations

1. Decide what size you want the finished block to be.
2. Divide that by 3. That is the size of the squares and the width of all the pieces.
3. Multiply the square size by 2. That is the length of the small rectangles.
4. The large rectangle is the length of the block size.
5. Just add 1/2″ for the seam allowances.

Example

For example, if you want a 6″ block, the pieces you cut will be:

Using the Corner Block in Quilts

There are a lot of options for using this block in quilts.

Because the block doesn’t have vertical or horizontal symmetry, it can be rotated for different designs.

Same orientation

These blocks are just laid out in the same orientation.

Alternate rows

These blocks have one row rotated 90*.

Matching fabric 2

These blocks are laid so that the fabric 2 pieces are aligned.

Bow ties

These blocks are rotated so that fabric 1 squares meet, but not fabric 2. It reminds me of a bow tie.

Changing Colour

Once you add in the option of changing colours, adding plain blocks, or putting blocks on point, the sky is the limit.

Check out this post for corner block quilt variations.

Quilt Patterns

Corner block is part of the Dreams Come True quilt.

I hope you enjoy this easy and versatile quilt block.

Be sure to #epidastudio when you share your projects on social media!