Hand Sewing a Quilt Block – Tuesday Thread

Hand Sew a Quilt Block

Let’s do some hand piecing of a quilt block 

I hand piece or hand quilt EVERY Monday at my small group quilting group. Really…I’m just to lazy to get my sewing machine carried in and set up, plus then I couldn’t walk over. A new member arrived last Monday and she asked LOTS of questions about hand piecing.
So, I’m re-posting my basic hand piecing class

I feel all quilter’s should at some time do hand piecing, I know you think I’m nuts, but it brings me back to the tradition of what quilters are all about. I try to do one every year or so. Your piece need not be a huge project, but please, try it.

This is my travel quilt box, would you believe it’s an old Ethel M Chocolate box from Las Vegas about 35 years ago. It has everything but scissors, you just can’t travel with them anymore. I have gotten into the habit of keeping it all together. This box has been on many vacations, fishing trips and even at baseball/football games in many towns, when the boys still lived with us.

hand piece a quiltCut an assortment of fabric, 
For one block you will need
8 – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″
and
4 – 2 1/2″ x 1 1/2″
I just cut a pile of each and put the colors together as I piece.
marking lines to hand make a quilt
 
Mark a 1/4″ seam line on fabric back, I use a ruler and pencil.
 
hand stitch a quilt
 
Knot your thread and do a rocking stitch. After a bit you will not need the line, notice my thumb,
 I use it as my measurement guide, some add a mark on their nail, but I don’t like messing up my nails, aka manicure !
 
how to hand piece a quilt block
 
I use a thread about 18-20 inches long and string piece, knotting at the beginning and end of each block. Finger piece them open.
 
sewing a quilt by hand
Draw seam line if needed. Place good fabric to good, pin and sew.
how to hand piece a quilt
Open and finger press. Add 2 1/2″ x 1 1/2′ to side.
how to piece a quilt
Draw sewing line, Pin and sew on line,
hand piece a quilt
Finger press to the outside.
 
how to hand piece a quilt block
 Take 2 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ and draw sewing line on each end, sew to 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ Do 2 times.
how to hand piece a quilt block
Draw seam line if needed. Place good fabric to good, pin and sew.  
how to hand piece a quilt block
 This is the back of my hand pieced block. 
how to hand piece a quilt
 
Two finished blocks, each block has a finished size of 4″
 
Take some time, don’t take it all too serious, pick a comfy chair, good light and just have some HAND piecing fun.
Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book
SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy
 

The Book of Luke, Stitched into The Story with Quilt Blocks

Holiday Daily Readings

Stitched into the Story  
with 25 quilt block patterns

Stitched into The Story, The Book of Luke, From The Quilt Ladies
The 25 Quilt Block Patterns

“The Book of Luke Stitched into the Story”
25 quilt block patterns HERE

25 Days of Luke — Quilt Block Name
Luke 1 – Morning Star Quilt Block
Luke 2 – Dutchman’s Puzzle Quilt Block
Luke 3 – Rail Fence Quilt Block
Luke 4 – Broken Chain Quilt Block
Luke 5 – Crown of Thorns Quilt Block
Luke 6 – Hourglass Quilt Block
Luke 7 – Cross and Crown Quilt Block
Luke 8 – Shoo Fly Quilt Block
Luke 9 – Pinwheel Variation Quilt Block
Luke 10 – Snowflake Quilt Block
Luke 11 – Flying Geese Quilt Block
Luke 12 – Sawtooth Star Quilt Block
Luke 13 – Bear’s Paw Quilt Block
Luke 14 – Tumbling Block Variation
Luke 15 – Basket Weave Quilt Block
Luke 16 – Drunkard’s Path Variation Quilt Block
Luke 17– Forgiveness Quilt Block
Luke 18 – Steps to the Altar Quilt Block
Luke 19 – Ohio Star Variation Quilt Block
Luke 20 – Jacob’s Ladder with Rails Quilt Block
Luke 21 – Greek Cross Quilt Block
Luke 22 – Sunburst Quilt Block
Luke 23 – Broken Dish Quilt Block
Luke 24 – Resurrection Star Quilt Block
25th Reading and Large Resurrection Star Quilt Block

Read about why I wrote this book and these quilt block patterns??? HERE

Daily reflections to gently guide your heart
It’s a family-friendly, faith-filled way to create something beautiful — with your hands and your spirit. This is more than a devotional. It’s a story you stitch together. In Paperback and Hardcover     Available NOW and HERE

Stitched into the Story The book of Luke, from The Quilt Ladies
All 25 Quilt Blocks

Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book

The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop

My Books and Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns in Print and eBooks

September 2025 Quilt Pattern of the Month: Add a little sass!

Put on Some Red Lipstick and Let’s Quilt this Quilt

 Let’s talk quilts, and let’s talk about my red and white quilt pattern for September!
So “Put on Some RED Lipstick and Let’s Quilt” this Quilt !
Or any color with a white background.

Put on Some RED Lipstick and Let's Quilt

For September 2025, I’m bringing back a  pattern that’s as fun to say as it is to sew: “Put on Some Red Lipstick and Let’s Quilt.”

This design celebrates the bold beauty of red and white—a combo that never goes out of style. It’s classic, crisp, and oh-so-versatile. Start with a fresh white base, layer in striking red accents, and you’ve got a quilt that’s both timeless and eye-catching. And if red’s not your thing? No problem! This pattern works with any color combo, so let your creativity shine.

Why You’ll Love It:
Finished quilt size: 54” x 74”
Easy-to-follow piecing instructions
Confident beginner-friendly
Works in fabric colors with white background
Big impact with simple construction

Feeling a little stuck in your sewing space? Trust me, a swipe of red lipstick might be just what you need. It’s amazing what a bold lip and a fresh pattern can do! And because we all love a little instant joy, your digital download will be ready in minutes. No waiting, just quilting.

Get your pattern now at my Etsy Shop HERE

Here’s to bold colors, fearless creativity, and the kind of confidence only quilting (and red lipstick) can bring.
September quilt pattern 2025 The Quilt Ladies
Red Lipstick, Let’s QUILT

New to Quilting for just need a refresher my Tuesday Thread How to Quilt is here for you

The Quilt Ladies Beth Ann
Beth Ann is The Quilt Ladies

Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

How to Quilt – Basic Need to Knows

Tuesday Thread – Quilt Information

Here is a bit of info that will make starting to quilt a little easier.  Quilt sizes, fabric sizes and if you missed it how to sew a basic square and triangle quilt block. 

Beth Ann of The Quilt Ladies
Standard Cut Sizes of Fabric
Fat Quarter – 18” x 22”
Fat Eighth – 9” x 22”
Fat Sixteenth – 4 ½” x 22”
1 Yards is 36” x 44-45 ”(width may be different per
fabric company)
Standard Mattress Sizes
Crib – 23’ x 46’ or 28” x 52”
Twin Single – 39” x 75”
Double/Full – 54” x 75”
Queen – 60” x 80”
King – 76” x 80” or 78” x 80”
Standard Batting Sizes
Crib Size – 45’ x 60”
Twin – 72” x 90”
Double/Full – 81” x 96”
Queen – 90” x 108”
King 120” x 120”

IF you missed it here are the TWO basic Quilt blocks again ! 

There are MANY ways to piece quilt blocks,
I’m sharing the way I like to do it.
Squares 
Cut 2 – 2 ½” x 2 ½” squares the same size (finished size of square plus 1/2 inch)
Good to good Fabric
¼ inch seam allowance, sew
Trim threads
Open and Press to the dark  – My How to do this
how to quilt with The Quilt Ladies
Triangles
Cut 2- 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” Squares
(finished size
plus 7/8”)
Good to good fabric, with a pencil draw a line corner to
corner, this is
The line you measure your ¼” seam allowance from
Sew from edge to edge use a ¼” seam
Cut in half on the pencil line, trim threads
Open and press to the dark fabric,
There will be 2 blocks – My How to do this
Cutting Chart for Half-Square Triangles
Learn how to quilt with The Quilt Ladies

#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

Weekly Quilt Block of Grandma’s Quilt Pin Wheel

Let’s Make Grandma’s Quilt Block

This weeks Quilt Block is from my Great-Great Grandmother Quilt.
Here is how to make the Pin Wheel Quilt Block from Grandma’s Quilt

Free Pinwheel quilt pattern

Finished block will be 6″ x 6″
Cutting for ONE Block
 
Cut 2 Green – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
cut each block from corner to corner
(shown as gray)
 
Cut 1 Pink 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″
cut corner to corner and then again, corner to corner
(shown as red )
Cut 1 White 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″
cut corner to corner and then again, corner to corner
(shown as white)
Piece 4 blocks together as shown 
Sew into rows
Sew rows together
My Great, Great Grandmother's Pin Wheel Quilt Block PatternPlease remember, 
there are other methods of piecing 
the quarter triangle, this is how I do it. My quilt tutorial how I do Triangles

My Great-Great Grandmother’s Quilt
This quilt was a gift to my mother from her Great Grandmother. And then a Gift to me from My Mother. Making it by, GREAT-GREAT Grandmother’s Gift to ME ! Well…That’s how I like to look at it.
I never met her and my mom only remembers helping with the peddle sewing machine.  I use this quilt and love sleeping under it. It goes in the washer and now living here in Florida and not having a clothes line it does go it the dryer….Yes… it bothers me too, but…. the colors are still very bright, but the Florida sun won on these photo’s.

Free Pinwheel quilt pattern Great Great Grandma's Quilt

The hand quilting on this quilt is WONDERFUL 

Beth Ann’s The Quilt Ladies

How to Make a Triangle Quilt Block

Triangle Tutorial

How to Make a Quilt Triangle

Just like the square if you are not ready to purchase a rotary cutter and mat. You will need to make a freezer paper pattern.  How to do Square’s HERE

Take the FINISHED size of the square you want and add 7/8 of an inch.
example:
for a finished size 2 inch square you will cut your fabric 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″
for a finished size 3 inch square you will cut your fabric 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
for a finished size 4 inch square you will cut your fabric 4 7/8″ x 4 7/8″

And so on, either make you freezer paper pattern or up with a rotary cutter and ruler.

Tutorial to make a quilt triangle



 

I’ve used a 3 inch FINISHED Square cut 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″A light and a dark.

How to make a quilt triangle
On the Wrong side of the light fabric draw a line from corner to corner.

This is the cutting line NOT sewing line

How to make a quilt triangle

On your sewing machine sew a straight seam, 1/4″ from the line. Pencil is on if you need, my sewing machine foot is 1/4″
How to make a quilt triangleTurn and do the same thing on the other side.(when I have many to sew, I do chain piecing, one right after another, not stopping the machine until all finished and then turn and do the other side)
If NEW do them one at a time.
Tutorial to make a quilt triangle
Cut on the drawn Cutting line.





You have 2 triangles







Open them up and 2 triangles
How to make a quilt triangle
Press your seam to the dark fabric and trim the end tail off.


How to make a quilt triangle
This is your finished triangle




GIVE IT A TRY…. IT’S NOT HARD.
I recently posted a quilt block on Facebook and there was a lot of take about points.
Here’s how I do it.
how to not cut off triangle points in quilting
Pieced together a triangle to a block
how to not cut off triangle points in quilting
Added this as a strip to another piece.  Pin as much as you need, check as you pin to make sure
you have the 1/4 seam allowance. how to not cut off triangle points in quilting
On this seam I had to move the needle in just 2 threads to make the point perfect.
Press the fabric 
how to not cut off triangle points in quiltingThe point. 
I can ONLY do this because you purchase my books and quilt pattern book, Thank you, Beth Ann
SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Stitched into The Story With Quilt Blocks

My New Book

The Biggest Lesson I Learned This Year

Read the daily readings of the Book of Luke and make a quilt block, or save for later, from The Quilt Ladeis.If someone had asked me a year ago what mattered most, I probably would have answered with something about getting things done, checking off my list, or finishing another project. Then life had other plans.

Watching my husband go through open heart surgery changed me in ways I never expected. Suddenly, the things that once seemed urgent weren’t important at all. A quiet morning, a walk together, laughing together, sharing a simple meal, or just sitting on the lanai without saying much are the moments I treasured most.

I put this book together for myself last year and added it to my store. But I opened it one VERY long night in February, day 4 of ICU and it helped. I read all the readings, I had made all the quilt blocks, I got out of bed and stood with them in my hands and cried !

That 3 am cry, made me slow it all done, try to worry less and I have read this book every day since. To me it’s about loving more, noticing more, and being thankful for the gift of another ordinary day.

 

If you’re looking for a quieter, more meaningful way to prepare your heart for Christmas, I’d love to share the little book that helped me through one of the hardest seasons of my life.

stitched into the story with quilt blocks, the book of luke from the quilt ladies

Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book

The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop

My Books and Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns in Print and eBooks

Stitched into the Story is Perfect for:
Those who haven’t opened a Bible in years
Anyone whose faith has frayed a little around the edges
Quilters who find peace in the rhythm of making, sewing and reading 24 days of Luke + 25 quilt block patterns

And it is ONLY availabe on Amazon, there is something about NEEDING to hold this book !

This book isn’t a task to complete,  it’s a rhythm to return to.  Available ONLY here

stitched into the story quilt block for the 24 days of the book of luke

 

Simple Square Weekly Quilt Block

Quilt Squares in a Quilt Block

This past Tuesday Thread was how to do quilt squares, HERE
And this is one of the best ways to learn to do square this quilt pattern is for you. This quilt pattern is easy and it’s ONLY a square. Making nine patch quilt block This is just the next step in a nine patch quilt block. Finished Quilt block is ten inches.

how to make a fun nine patch quilt block

how to make a fun nine patch quilt block

Cut 5 Purple 2 1/2” x  2 1/2”

Cut 4 Gray 2 1/2” x 2 1/2”

Cut 8 Blue 2 1/2” x 2 1/2”

Cut 8 White 2 1/2” x 2 1/2”

 

 

 

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

A Few Things about Learning to Quilt – How to Quilt

Tuesday Thread, Let’s start to Sew that Quilt Block

Always remember that quilting has been done for hundreds of years and all the new gadgets are great. You can still do things very simply and fill your sewing closet with new innovations as your talent grows. 
 No need to purchase a rotary cutter and mat your first time out. Take your time and enjoy the sewing process.
My Quilt Patterns on Etsy, and NOW on Amazon

Things needed to start a quilt project:
A sewing machine that sews a straight line, borrow one or purchase one at a large chain store. No need to spend hundreds/thousands on a machine to straight stitch. OR Hand piecing can be done too. Everything is the same as a machine, but you hand stitch using the same ¼” seam allowance. I will share how to soon. 

freezer paper to make quilt block patterns
1)Graph Paper
2)Freezer Paper – Plastic coated paper, like the butcher’s wrap meat in. You can purchase it at your local store or if you ask they may give you some at your butcher counter
3)Glue stick
4)Iron
5)Gray thread
6)Ruler
7)Pencil
8)Basic sewing supplies, Scissors, thimble, sew riper, etc.
9)Needles – for hand piecing Sharps size 7-12, for quilting Between needles size 10-12
10)Sewing Pins
11) Fabric and Batting
Cutting – Rotary cutter, mat and ruler can be used if you have them. If you are new to quilting and are not sure you want to buy all these supplies try Freezer paper. It may be purchased at any grocery store. You will notice that one side is shiny, one not.
Draw the pattern pieces on to graph paper, the finished
size, Add a ¼ inch seam allowance around the entire outside edge –the cutting line, the – – – line. The – – – – will be the sewing line


How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladies

(example – 2 inch finished size cut square 2 ½” x 2 ½”) Cut pattern out
With a glue stick. Paste the pieces to How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladiesthe NON-shiny side of the freezer paper.
Cut the pattern out.
You can now iron the pattern to your fabric, shiny side down.
This pattern can be used over and over. It will leave no film on your How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladiesfabric.




At this point in quilting classes, it’s time to make a quilt block! Use the method, ruler/cutter or freezer paper.
Here is how to make a quilt square – A 4-patch quilt block

Cut 2 squares the same size (finished size of square plus 1/2 inch) example cut 2 ½ x 2 1/2″ inch seam allowance, sew
Good side of fabric to good side of fabric
Trim threads
Open and Press to the dark


How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladies

 

1)sew seam with a 1/4 inch seam allowance,
you may need to mark your machine with this measurement.
2) You can chain piece a few at a time
Cut thread and open
 
make a quilt


How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladies





3)sew these together

How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladies

Watch your color placement, sew good side to good side.
 
 
 
4) A 4-patch quilt square
How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladies

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy


#bethanndoing   #thequiltladies
www.bethanndoing.com
www.thequiltladies.com