105+ Free 12 Inch Quilt Block Patterns to Make

A grid is pretty much the graph paper on which we draft our designs.

Grid size is the value we assign to each square (i.e., 1", 1-1/2", 2", etc.).

Grid units are the squares in each row and column.

Finished size is the product of grid units x size, i.e., 6 units x 2" equals a block that finishes at 12" square'. (Remember that when we talk about a 12" finished block, after you do the stitching you  have 12 1/2 inch quilt blocks. That's the unfinished size. The extra 1/2" is taken up by the seam allowances.)

There are no rectangular blocks in this collection.

All but one are pieced on a sewing machine with all rotary cutter friendly measurements (1/8’s, 1/4’s, 1/2’s and whole numbers).

All the blocks' unfinished size—from cut edge to cut edge—is 12-1/2" square.

12 inch block patterns sorted by grid units

The patchwork designs below are sorted first by grid units per side and then alphabetically.

But there's always an exception, isn't there?

Out of all the 12-inch quilt block patterns shared here, the Carolina Lily is the only one whose patches are cut completely with templates (which are free and downloadable, of course). 

It's probably a better candidate for hand piecing than machine piecing. 

It is also the only one without a tutorial.

Furthermore, it was created as the result of a reader request for templates. It simply hasn't come to the top of the list to write a tutorial for yet. Hand piecing isn't really my thing.

The rest are all rotary cutter friendly.

With more than seventy 12 inch finished patterns to choose from, it's time to cut up and sew from our library of classic quilt patterns!

2x2 (6")

If you like big blocks…and you cannot lie… :)

In the plans for this year is a page for free 16 inch quilt block patterns and larger. 

Once this content is live on the site, you'll find it on the NAV Bar at the top under 'Quilt Patterns'.

Rulers to improve your accuracy while making 12 inch quilt block patterns

If you gravitate towards 12 inch finished blocks, consider adding a 12-1/2 inch square ruler to your collection. 

The Fat Quarter Shop frequently has them discounted by a bit depending on the day.

They carry BlocLoc Rulers engineered for:

• Half Square Triangles—the 4-1/2" version meets just about all my piecing needs and is pictured above

• Flying Geese

• Half Rectangles—these rulers come in mirror-imaged sets of two because your seam can go up to the right or up to the left. Unlike the symmetrical HST, you can't just flip the unit to get the angle going in the right direction.

The right tool for the job makes for more accurate cutting and speeds up the process.

There's no good reason for something to take longer than it should. :)

Printing Assistance

On each tutorial, look for the pink box under General instructions for printing help.

You can print the unfinished 12 1/2 inch quilt block patterns free block tutorials. Simply click that box for instructions using the PrintFriendly.com website. It allows you the freedom to choose which parts of the tutorial you need to have and which you can omit.

It's your ink and your paper.

It's not for me to choose how you spend it…and these are complete,  step-by-step, illustrated tutorials. They can be very long to print and suck up a bunch of ink.

If the tutorial includes paper piecing or the use of templates, those downloads are free for your own personal use. You are welcome to print as many as you like.

Just be sure to check that your printer is set up to print at the correct size ('100%' or 'Actual Size' usually does it in the Print Menu.)

There are printing instructions specific to each tutorial on each page.