Easy Peasy Piecing Method

I‘ve seen this easy method of piecing a quilt block in a number of places and I think it is a great way to piece a quilt in a short time or use as a beginner block for new quilters. It is a simple pattern that goes together quickly, partly because  it starts with pre-cut 10” squares and 5” squares so you don’t have to spend time cutting patchwork pieces. Of course, you can cut these from fabric if you choose. It’s still an easy way to piece a quilt. Because I have never heard or seen the name of this piecing method, I’m calling it the Easy Peasy Piecing method.  I did not come up with this technique and I’m not sure who did, but it is a great option for beginners or for quilters who want a fast and easy quilt. So, let’s get started – the tutorial below is for one block, 8 ½” unfinished, 8” finished.

Supplies:

• 10” square for quilting cotton – I used a cool blue light fabric that has value variations throughout. I love the way the warm colors of the center squares mix with the cool background fabric that gives a vibrant look to the quilt. Even though the patterns is simple, the fabric choices can give a lot of impact to the quilt.
• 5” square for quilting cotton – the center square is a great place to feature large scale prints like the Kaffe Fassett charm squares that I used.
• Quarter Inch Presser Foot

Pressing & Prep

Fold the 10” square in half vertically and press the fold to make a crease.  Unfold the square and refold the fabric to make a horizontal crease. Note: Press the horizontal fold without smoothing the vertical fold. Repeat with the 5” square. Unfold the 5” square and place it in the center of the 10” square, matching the creases. Another option is to use a marking pen instead of creasing the fabric.

Fold & Press

Fold the edges of the 10” square to meet in the middle of the block. Press the folds and use clips to keep them folded.

Stitching

Stitch along the folded edges, sewing a ¼” seam. I used a BERNINA Patchwork Foot and aligned the fold with the outside edge of the foot to get my ¼” seams. Unfold the fabric edges and press. I use a small pair of scissors to cut the folded edges and press my seams open to reduce the bulk, helping the block lay flat.

Remaining Two Seams

Repeat the previous seaming technique for the upper and lower seams. Fold the lower edge up and use clips to hold it in place as you stitch a 1/4″ seam. And finally, do  the same thing with the upper edge, folding the fabric down. Trim the block if needed to square it up.

Final Pressing

Press the block once more, again pressing the seams open. The block is now ready to be joined to more blocks to make a quilt top.

If you would rather watch a video showing this easy piecing method, click below.