Easy as Three-Six-Twelve!

An easy tutorial using large blocks!

Sometimes you need something that's quick, easy, and fun to make - this little quilt is all that, and can be pieced in a day.  In this pattern anything goes - large prints, small prints, geometrics, flowers - use those scraps!  Gather up your brightest scraps and let them shine!

The idea behind this quilt is to make blocks that finish at 12-1/2"; I've named it Three Six Twelve simply because of the size strips I used.  This pattern can be adapted to any size from wall hanging to baby quilt to full size - just increase the number of blocks!

To get started you'll need to cut strips in widths of  2-1/2, 3-1/2 and 6-1/2 inches ... if you normally cut your scraps into strips, and you already have 2-1/2" strips - you're that much farther ahead!  To make a 36 x 36 quilt (before borders), I cut my strips in these quantities:

2-1/2 x 6-1/2 (24 pieces)  and  6-1/2 x 6-1/2 (8 pieces)




3-1/2 x 12-1/2 (10 pieces)  and  6-1/2 x 12-1/2 (5 pieces)

Here's how to combine the individual "parts" that can be put together to make the finished blocks:

combine two 3-1/2  x  6-1/2" strips (should finish at 6-1/2 x 12-1/2) to pair with another 6-1/2 x 12-1/2" piece:

combine three 2-1/2  x  6-1/2" strips (should finish at 6-1/2 x 6-1/2) to combine with another 6-1/2 x 6-1/2 piece:

combine six 2-1/2  x  6-1/2" strips (should finish at 6-1/2 x 12-1/2) to pair with another 6-1/2 x 12-1/2" strip:

You can also join two 6-1/2" squares (not shown) to get a 6-1/2 x 12-1/2" piece, to pair with another of the same size.

These part combinations can be joined together in different ways to make a 12-1/2" finished block.  There are literally hundreds (dozens?) of ways to combine these pieces!  Feel free to use different combinations to get the result you want, two blocks are shown below.  Also, study my quilt above to see how I combined the blocks. 

When you have the blocks assembled, rotate them clockwise and/or counter-clockwise to get a pleasing layout...

and sew together in rows.  Add a border if desired - I used a 2" finished border on the sides and 4" finished at top and bottom.

Quilt as desired, bind, and you're done!  See how quick and easy that was??

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial!  If you need clarification on any of the steps, please email me or leave a comment.  Sometimes I'm guilty of thinking faster than I type - just call me Maxine Headroom!

Sew forth and sew on!

Linda