There are an infinite number of quilt patterns. Some are more popular than others. Maybe it’s because they are easy, maybe they have been around for hundreds of years, maybe they create amazing visually interesting quilts. What we do know is that these are some of the popular quilt patterns.
Some of these can be considered traditional quilt patterns, but shift colors, size, or layout and they can be described as modern quilts. You’ll see a great selection of star patterns that make a visual impact when sewn together. And, a great collection of easy quilt blocks for quilters of all skill levels.
Here are some of the most popular quilt patterns in alphabetical order. Click on the links to access step-by-step instructions.
Attic Window Quilt Pattern
This is a fun pattern to use especially if you want to fussy cut a print so that it appears like you are looking out a window. See our directions for making an attic window quilt block.
Bargello Quilt Pattern
Strips of fabric are sewn together, cut apart and put back together to form a wave design. See our directions for making a Bargello Quilt.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.
Basket Quilt Pattern
There are hundreds of basket patterns some are pieced and some are appliquéd or a combination of both techniques. Basket patterns are great for holiday or seasonal quilts. We’ve got directions for a basket quilt that uses half square triangles (HSTs).
Courthouse Steps Quilt Pattern
The courthouse steps quilt block is similar to the log cabin in that strips of fabric are placed around a center square. The difference is that with.the courthouse steps you place the strips right and left, and then top and bottom of the center square. With a log cabin quilt block you sew the strips in a circular rotation around the center square. Read our directions on how to make the courthouse steps quilt block.
Crazy Quilt Pattern
Crazy quilts are made from a variety of fabrics and generally highly embellished with hand embroidery. Sometimes buttons, beads and sequins are also added to a crazy quilt. Fabrics include satins and rich velvets to create a posh look.
Check out all of the crazy quilts and read the interviews with the makers on Create Whimsy. Check out our step-by-step instructions for making both a traditional crazy quilt block and a modern design.
Disappearing Four Patch Quilt Pattern
Take a basic four patch block, cut it up, sew it back together and you’ve got a super simple quilt block that looks amazing! Read our directions for making the disappearing four patch quilt block.
Disappearing Nine Patch Quilt Pattern
You guessed it! Now start with a basic nine patch quilt block, cut it up and sew it back together to make a disappearing nine patch quilt! Read our directions for making the disappearing nine patch quilt block. This is my go-to quilt pattern for baby quilts!
Double Hourglass Quilt Pattern
The double hourglass quilt block features four half square triangles and five solid squares. It’s a great quilt block for beginner quilters. Read our directions for making the double hourglass quilt block.
Double Hourglass Quilt Block 2
Just like many quilt blocks, they have evolved over time. There are two popular quilt blocks that look different and both are referred to by quilters as the double hour glass. Here is the second version of the double hour glass quilt block we have directions for on Create Whimsy.
Drunkard’s Path Quilt Pattern
The Drunkard’s path quilt block has curved seams that scares some quilters. The traditional block features a quarter circle that is sewn into a square background. Practice a bit and it will open a world of new quilt designs that dance and move across your quilt top! Read our directions for making the Drunkard’s path quilt block. Looking for more freedom with your curves? Check out our directions for improvisational curve quilt blocks.
English Paper Piecing
English paper piecing is also referred to as EPP. Fabric is wrapped around a paper template. Templates can be hexagons, diamonds or squares. We have a simple pattern for making a mug rug as a way to try a hexagon quilt pattern.
Flying Geese Quilt Pattern
Flying geese quilt blocks are used in both traditional and modern quilts. The block features a larger triangle set between two smaller triangles. There are many ways to make this block. We’ve got a great how-to article on making no-waste Flying Geese.
Four Patch Quilt Pattern
The four patch quilt pattern is probably the most basic of all patchwork. It’s a perfect quilt block for beginners. Use up your fabric scraps to make a scrappy four patch quilt! See our beginner directions for making a four patch quilt block.
Friendship Star Quilt Pattern
The friendship star is the simplest star quilt block that uses four half square triangles and 5 solid color squares. Check out our directions for making a friendship star quilt block.
Half-Square Triangle Quilt Pattern
The half square triangle is also referred to as an HST. There are so many different ways to make this quilt block that is divided into two pieces on the diagonal. Read the seven ways to make half square triangles. If you need only a few, I prefer half square triangles two-at-a-time. If you need a bundle, try half square triangles eight-at-a time.
Log Cabin Quilt Pattern
The log cabin quilt block starts with a square and strips of fabric are sewn around the center. There are so many ways to make this basic quilt block look. Check out the amazing log cabins by Amy Pabst. She works in miniature. Read our directions for making a log cabin quilt block. There are so many great log cabin patterns and designs.
Nine Patch Quilt Pattern
The nine patch is a basic building block format for many other quilt blocks. Some quilt blocks that use the three-rows by three-column format are the ohio star quilt block, the churn dash quilt block and the monkey wrench quilt block. The nine patch is a perfect quilt block for beginners. Check out our directions for the basic nine patch quilt block.
Pineapple Quilt Block
The pineapple quilt block makes for a beautiful quilt. This is not for beginners. You might want to invest in a specialty ruler by Creative Grids if you want to try this traditional pattern. This classic quilt block creates intricate designs.
Pinwheel Quilt Pattern
The pinwheel quilt pattern is a four-patch format that uses four (4) half square triangles. Check out our directions for the basic pinwheel quilt block.
We had some fun and played with some pinwheel variations that make the pinwheels textural with the 3D pinwheel quilt pattern and the prairie point pinwheel quilt pattern.
Rail Fence Quilt Pattern
The rail fence quilt pattern is made from strips of fabric that are then placed in different directions creating movement with a zigzag or basket-type pattern. Read our directions for making a rail fence quilt block.
Sawtooth Star Quilt Pattern
The sawtooth star quilt block uses four (4) flying geese quilt blocks with a center square and smaller squares in each corner, which makes it a simple block and a popular choice for beginner quilters. It is considered a traditional quilt block.
Snowball Quilt Pattern
A snowball quilt block is a square with triangle corners in a different fabric creating an octagon shape. This quilt bloc is great for fussy cutting a design for the center. Read our directions for making a snow ball quilt block.
Spool Quilt Pattern
A spool quilt block is made from four (4) half square triangles and five (5) squares to form a spool shape. In a quilt design, they can stack one on another or shift 90-degrees to form a design. Read our directions for making a spool quilt pattern.
What are some ideas of working with these popular patterns?
- Try a new quilt block by making a small pieces, wall hanging or a baby quilt pattern. See if you like the pattern or design before committing to a larger project.
- Buy a collection of fat quarter bundles to try different color schemes.
- Visit your local quilt shop to get ideas. Most shops have a variety of quilt samples on display. You might even find quilt kits to make it easy to get started.
Want more? Browse through all of our free quilt patterns on Create Whiimsy.
