How to Make a Large Rolling Squares Quilt Block
Well folks, we are in the home stretch for the 2021 Stars of the Prairie mystery quilt. We have done a nice mix of blocks sizes, but if you have been quilting along this year, you will notice that the last few are large blocks. That pattern continues with this month as we learn how to make a large rolling squares quilt block.
This block may look tricky, and it is a bit trickier than most of the ones we’ve made, but it isn’t that bad. There are a number of steps, but they are fairly easy, and the end result is an interesting block. It is also a block that one does not see as often as some of the others in this mystery quilt. I find that it is always fun to mix it up a bit when designing a quilt with various blocks in it, and I like to use blocks that may not be quite as well-known.
If you are here for the block pattern, I have a downloadable pdf and a video tutorial to help you out. As a result, this block really should not give you any trouble. And if you are thinking about trying out the mystery quilt, there are links at the end of this blog post to all of the months that we have done so far. Give it a try!
For those of you who are participating in the mystery quilt, head down to the end of the post and you will see how many you need to make for this month.
*Download the Free Large Rolling Squares Quilt Block Pattern PDF Here*
Please read all instructions carefully before beginning. Use a scant 1/4″ seam allowance when sewing this block.
Supplies Needed
Along with the fabric, you will need some general quilting supplies.
Rotary Cutter
Sewing Supplies
You can find many of the items that I used to make this project in my Amazon Store.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to Make a Large Rolling Squares Quilt Block (18 1/2″)
Fabric Needed:
Background Fabric: ¼ yard, Fabric A: Fat quarter, Fabric B: Fat quarter, Fabric C: 6 ½ inch square
Cutting Instructions:
Background Fabric:
6 squares cut 3 7/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches (Cut in half on the diagonal)
4 rectangles cut 6 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches
Fabric A:
2 squares cut 3 7/8 inches by 3 7/8 inches (Cut in half on the diagonal)
8 squares cut 3 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches (Draw a diagonal line on the back of all of them.)
Fabric B:
4 squares cut 4 ¾ inches by 4 ¾ inches
4 rectangles cut 6 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches
Fabric C:
1 square cut 6 ½ inches by 6 ½ inches.
Video Tutorial
Block Assembly:
Make the corner squares first.
You will need the 4 ¾ inch squares of fabric B along with the triangles of the background fabric and fabric A.
First sew one triangle from the background fabric to one side of the square, making sure to center it. Then take another background fabric triangle and sew it to the opposite side. Press open.
Then take one triangle from the background fabric and sew it to one side. Lastly, Take one of the fabric A triangles and add it to the side opposite of where you just added the last triangle.
Trim if needed. These units should measure 6 1/2″ square. Repeat all steps until you have 4 of these units.
Assemble the Flying Geese for the Outside Center Squares.
You will need the rectangles from the background fabric as well as the eight 3 ½ inch squares from fabric A.
Line up one of the squares on one side of the rectangle with front (right) sides facing. The diagonal line drawn earlier will be your sewing line. I find it helps to sew just outside of the line (closer to the edge).
Sew on the drawn line or just outside of it.
Trim the excess away.
Press open, and repeat on the other side.
It should measure 6 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches. Trim if needed.
Repeat until you have four flying geese units.
Pair up one of the flying geese units with one of the fabric B rectangles. With right sides facing, line them up on top of each other and sew along the long side that has the flying geese point on it. Press open.
Repeat until you have 4 of these units. Now we are ready to assemble the block. Lay it out as shown. Begin by sewing the individual rows together. Then sew the rows together.
Finished block should measure 18 ½ inches.
If You Are Participating in the 2021 Stars of the Prairie Mystery Quilt:
You need to make 1 of these blocks this month.
Feel free to join in the mystery quilt fun. You can find all of the details in this article.
In addition, I have this FB group for people who are participating. It’s a fun place to see what other people are doing for their blocks.
What we’ve done so far:
Show off your progress on social media! Make sure to use the hashtag #createwithclaudiaqal if you post any pictures!
*This mystery quilt along is for entertainment purposes only. Therefore, there are no prizes or giveaways.* Best efforts have been made to ensure that the instructions are correct, however sometime errors occur. If you have any questions, please contact us *
