60+ Free Patterns for 10 Inch Quilt Blocks

Up your quilting skills a notch with these simple, step-by-step block patterns

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If you're a quilter, then your fabric stash shouldn't be left feeling neglected.

There are so many possibilities to create something unique with your stash, and this collection of 60+ free patterns for 10 inch quilt blocks is the perfect place to get started.

Remember to Pin It to enjoy later!

With easy-to-follow instructions, these creative designs range in skill level from beginner all the way up to intermediate.

Why not dig into your fabric stash, take something that’s been sitting around forever, and stitch them up into an amazing quilt?

You won't believe how simple it can be - let's create something beautiful today.

On this page, you'll find:

A review of the grids these 10-inch quilt block designs are built on

A collection of more than 40 10" quilt block patterns to make, all of which have instructions for more than one size

Tools to help you sew more accurate blocks

A table with how many blocks it'll take to make quilts to fit the following mattresses: Twin, Twin X-Long, Full/Double, Full/Double X-long, Queen, King, and California King.

And finally, links to even more quilt block patterns available on this site.

Learn about the grids found in 10" quilt blocks

REMEMBER:

Grid sizes are finished measurements, just as Quilts are designed with finished sizes. After completing the design, we chose the technique to make each unit.

The technique determines how to cut your patches.

Identify the grid your quilt block design is drawn on. I look for the smallest shape and work from there.

The reasons for determining the grid dimension is twofold:

To help you identify quilt blocks that naturally go together for alternating block quilt designs. Alternating block designs can add visual interest with the unexpected secondary patterns that form at the corners.

To calculate the dimensions of the patches to cut.

Looking at the 2×2, the 4×4, and the 8×8 grid, you can see that the grid lines align with each other. For quilters, this means that those seams will nest together, which makes matching the seam allowances easy.

There's a much better chance that pairing blocks from these groups together will provide visually pleasing results.

NOTE: The size of each grid square for our 10" finished block is below each of the five different grids.

2x2 grid
5"

4x4 grid
2½"

8x8 grid
1¼"

The 5×5 and 10×10 grids are similarly related.

5x5 grid
2"

10x10 grid
1"

Notice that only the center lines of the 10×10 line up with only the center lines of 2×2, 4×4, and 8×8 grids. This means there are fewer, logical opportunities to use these types of blocks together.

Once you know the grid the block is drawn on and choose the Finished Size you want to make, finding the dimensions of a grid square is simple. Simply divide the finished block by the number of squares in a row or column,

Again, the measurement of each square is below the grid dimensions.

OK. I hear you asking...'but, Julie, could there be a 15x15 block?'

Of course, there could be, but there's a problem.

The calculation for a square is:

10" ÷ 15 = 0.6666 inches

Try as I might, I can't find a .666 mark on my ruler, so rotary cutting is out, unless I want to use templates. There are too many quilts in my head begging to be stitched to mess with that.

That leaves paper piecing...if the block can be reliably paper pieced. Maybe it'll work. Perhaps it won't. It really depends on the block design and how badly I would like to make it.

The quilt block patterns

Just like all the other quilt block patterns on this website, if any templates or paper piecing patterns are used to assemble the design, they are available as a free download to be printed with your home computer.

Have fun and get creative with these easy-to-stitch designs. Quilting should be a breeze.

The size of each grid square is in parentheses.

As you can see, there are tons of different 10 inch quilt blocks to choose from, whether you're a beginner or an experienced quilter.

So pick some fabrics from your stash, start stitching and show us what you make by tagging us on Instagram at #GenerationsQuiltPatterns. I can't wait to see what you create!

Happy Quilting!

Tools to make quilt block construction easy

Accurately cut patches make for accurate blocks.

If you're a gadget girl, consider adding these quilting rulers to your stash.

The first one, a 10½" square by Creative Grids, is just the right size to square up your finished blocks.

Creative Grids 10½" Square quilting ruler is available from Fat Quarter Shop

With its grippy dots on the backside, you won't need to worry about your ruler slipping as you trim.

These smaller sizes may be helpful for cutting the individual patches within the block design or double-checking the accuracy of your units as you stitch them.

Creative Grids 5½" Square quilting ruler

Creative Grids 2½" Square quilting ruler

Does the idea of cutting all those patches make you queasy?

Then consider the Go! Cube Mix & Match 10" quilt block set of fabric cutting dies from Accuquilt. (You must have either the GO! or GO! Big fabric cutter to use these dies.)

Seam allowances and dog-eared corners take all the guesswork out of piecing, making it easier than ever to assemble quilts or other projects precisely.

With this set, you can make more than 72 quilt blocks.

Go! 10" Qube collection of fabric cutting dies from Accuquilt

If 10" blocks are your forte, there are two companion die sets to expand the number of different blocks you can make. [Learn more about these companion dies sets here.]

How many 10 inch blocks do I need to make for a Queen sized quilt...

...and other sizes.

I've created a simple chart to help you calculate how many 10 inch quilt blocks you'll need for a variety of different mattress sizes.

These blocks are in a straight set layout with no sashing, cornerstones, or binding.

The size you see in the 'Mfr Standard Size' column is the dimensions of a store-bought quilt. Each calculation gives you a quilt AT LEAST as big as this Mfr Standard size.

The finished quilt has a drop of 16" on the left and right sides and foot of the bed, as well as a pillow tuck.

Example: Queen sized quilt

Using the chart below, your Queen mattress requires at least a 92" x 106" quilt. You'll make 110 blocks in a straight set layout of 11 rows of 10 blocks each.

The finished dimensions of this quilt are 100" x 110". Don't forget to add twice the width of your finished binding for the final dimensions.

For the calculations for comforters (13" drop/no pillow tuck) and Bedspreads (21" drop/With pillow tuck), visit our page, "How Many Quilt Blocks?". The free downloads for the charts at the bottom of that page.

US Mattress Type	Standard Mattress Sizes	Mfr Standard Sizes	Columns x Rows	# of blocks	Finishes At (excludes binding)
Twin/Single	39" x 75"	71" x 101"	8 x 11	88	80" x 110"
Twin, X-Long	39" x 80"	71" x 106"	8 x 11	88	80" x 110"
Double/Full	54" x 75"	86" x 101	9 x 11	99	90" x 110"
Double, X-Long	54" x 80"	86" x 106"	9 x 11	99	90" x 110"
Queen	60" x 80"	92" x 106"	10 x 11	110	100" x 110"
King	78" x 80"	110" x 106"	11 x 11	121	110" x 110"
California King	72" x 84"	104" x 110"	11 x 11	121	110" x 110"
Add to mattress width		32"
Add to mattress length		16"