Free 12 inch quilt block patterns
18 quilt block guides, with free 12 inch quilt block patterns and the cut sizes on the page: every block here that divides cleanly at 12″ finished, chart included — plus the two that cannot make 12″, with their nearest working sizes.
See every block that works at 12 inches
Scroll sideways to see all 16 blocks.
Computed refusals
- Bear's Paw needs 1.714…″ units at 12″, so it has no place in the field above.
- Sister's Choice needs 2.4″ units at 12″, so it has no place in the field above.
Whatever first made 12″ the size patterns default to, the arithmetic behind its staying power is plain: twelve divides by two, three, four and six, so every grid that divides it lands on whole- or half-inch units at 12″. Grid families that divide cleanly into 12″: 2×2, 3×3, 4×1, 4×4, strip, 1×1. The 5-patch and 7-patch grids are the ones that do not — they are named below.
The cutting sizes
Broken Dishes
2×2Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric ACut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 6⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — BackgroundCut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 6⅞″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Card Trick
3×3Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Squares for half-square triangles — BackgroundCut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric ACut 1, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric BCut 1, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric CCut 1, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric DCut 1, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
| Squares for quarter-square triangles — BackgroundCut 1, cut on both diagonalsLeaves no unused triangles | 5¼″ |
| Squares for quarter-square triangles — Fabric BCut 1, cut on both diagonalsLeaves 2 unused triangles | 5¼″ |
| Squares for quarter-square triangles — Fabric ACut 1, cut on both diagonalsLeaves 2 unused triangles | 5¼″ |
| Squares for quarter-square triangles — Fabric DCut 1, cut on both diagonalsLeaves 2 unused triangles | 5¼″ |
| Squares for quarter-square triangles — Fabric CCut 1, cut on both diagonalsLeaves 2 unused triangles | 5¼″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Churn Dash
3×3Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Rectangles — Fabric ACut 4 | 4½ × 2½″ |
| Rectangles — BackgroundCut 4 | 4½ × 2½″ |
| Squares — BackgroundCut 1 | 4½″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric ACut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — BackgroundCut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Flying Geese
4×1Finishes 12 × 24″Width × height — this block is not square
Column headings are the FINISHED WIDTH — this block is not square, so 12″ across finishes as 12 × 24″. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
Construction method: direct-triangle. Cut the parent squares into loose triangles before piecing the flying-geese units.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Large squares for flying geese — Fabric ACut 1, cut on both diagonals | 13¼″ |
| Small squares for flying geese — BackgroundCut 4, cut once on the diagonal | 6⅞″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Friendship Star
3×3Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Squares — BackgroundCut 4 | 4½″ |
| Squares — Fabric ACut 1 | 4½″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric ACut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — BackgroundCut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Heart
4×4Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Squares — BackgroundCut 2 | 3½″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric ACut 3, cut once on the diagonal | 3⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — BackgroundCut 4, cut once on the diagonal | 3⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric DCut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 3⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric BCut 3, cut once on the diagonal | 3⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric CCut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 3⅞″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Jacob's Ladder
4×4Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Squares — Fabric ACut 4 | 3½″ |
| Squares — BackgroundCut 4 | 3½″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric ACut 4, cut once on the diagonal | 3⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — BackgroundCut 4, cut once on the diagonal | 3⅞″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Log Cabin
stripFinishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Strips — Fabric ACut 1 | 3½″ |
| Strips — BackgroundCut 1 | 3½ × 2″ |
| Strips — BackgroundCut 1 | 2 × 5″ |
| Strips — Fabric BCut 1 | 5 × 2″ |
| Strips — Fabric BCut 1 | 2 × 6½″ |
| Strips — BackgroundCut 1 | 6½ × 2″ |
| Strips — BackgroundCut 1 | 2 × 8″ |
| Strips — Fabric BCut 1 | 8 × 2″ |
| Strips — Fabric BCut 1 | 2 × 9½″ |
| Strips — BackgroundCut 1 | 9½ × 2″ |
| Strips — BackgroundCut 1 | 2 × 11″ |
| Strips — Fabric BCut 1 | 11 × 2″ |
| Strips — Fabric BCut 1 | 2 × 12½″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Maple Leaf
3×3Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Squares — BackgroundCut 1 | 4½″ |
| Squares — Fabric ACut 3 | 4½″ |
| Squares for stem units — Fabric ACut 1 | 4½″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric ACut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — BackgroundCut 3, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Nine Patch
3×3Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Squares — Fabric ACut 5 | 4½″ |
| Squares — BackgroundCut 4 | 4½″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Ohio Star
3×3Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Squares — BackgroundCut 4 | 4½″ |
| Squares — Fabric ACut 1 | 4½″ |
| Squares for quarter-square triangles — Fabric ACut 2, cut on both diagonals | 5¼″ |
| Squares for quarter-square triangles — BackgroundCut 2, cut on both diagonals | 5¼″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Pinwheel
2×2Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric ACut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 6⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — BackgroundCut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 6⅞″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Rail Fence
4×4Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Strips — Fabric ACut 1 | 12½ × 3½″ |
| Strips — Fabric BCut 1 | 12½ × 3½″ |
| Strips — Fabric CCut 1 | 12½ × 3½″ |
| Strips — BackgroundCut 1 | 12½ × 3½″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Sawtooth Star
4×4Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
Construction method: direct-triangle. Cut the parent squares into loose triangles before piecing the flying-geese units.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Squares — BackgroundCut 4 | 3½″ |
| Large squares for flying geese — Fabric ACut 1, cut on both diagonals | 7¼″ |
| Small squares for flying geese — BackgroundCut 4, cut once on the diagonal | 3⅞″ |
| Squares — Fabric ACut 1 | 6½″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Shoofly
3×3Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Squares — BackgroundCut 4 | 4½″ |
| Squares — Fabric ACut 1 | 4½″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — Fabric ACut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
| Squares for half-square triangles — BackgroundCut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 4⅞″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
Square in a Square
1×1Finishes 12″
Column headings are the FINISHED block size — the size it will be once it is sewn. Every number in the table is the size to CUT, which includes ¼″ of seam allowance on each edge. Rows that are subcut on a diagonal are cut larger still, so the allowance survives the extra cuts.
| Patch | 12″ |
|---|---|
| Centre squares — Fabric ACut 1 | 9″ |
| Corner squares — BackgroundCut 2, cut once on the diagonal | 6⅞″ |
Scroll sideways to see every size.
The blocks that cannot make 12 inches
- Bear's Paw7×7 · 12″ ÷ 7 = 1.714…″ per unit — not a mark on any rulerTry 10½″ or 14″ instead: the Bear's Paw chart has both.
- Sister's Choice5×5 · 12″ ÷ 5 = 2.4″ per unit — not a mark on any rulerTry 10″ or 12½″ instead: the Sister's Choice chart has both.
More from Quilt Block Atlas
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- Half square triangle blocks Browse every HST-bearing block and its terminology.
- Quilt top size calculator Lay out blocks, sashing, and borders.
Common questions
Why is 12 inches the standard quilt block size?
This page does not establish who first made 12 inches a common choice. It vouches for the arithmetic: twelve divides by two, three, four and six, which puts whole- or half-inch units on every grid that divides it. A size that suits that many grids at once is a natural default, whoever set it first — though the 5-patch and 7-patch families sit outside it, as the section above shows.
Which grids divide cleanly into 12 inches?
2×2, 3×3, 4×1, 4×4, strip, 1×1 — every one lands its units on ruler-friendly sizes at 12″. The 5-patch and 7-patch grids do not, which is why Bear's Paw and Sister's Choice sit in the section above rather than in the chart list.
Why can't I make a 5-patch block at 12 inches?
Because a fifth of twelve is 2.4″ — and that lands between the marks on your ruler, so no cut size exists for it. Make it at 10″ or 12½″ instead; both put the units back on clean marks, and the Sister's Choice chart carries both sizes.
What are the cut sizes for a 12 inch nine patch?
For a 12″ finished Nine Patch: cut 5 squares at 4½″ from Fabric A, and cut 4 squares at 4½″ from Background. The same numbers are in the Nine Patch chart above, beside every other size it divides into cleanly.