Quickstep Two Four Six Eight Block
Hello dear Friends and Readers and welcome to today’s post. Today I would like to share with you a simple block which will use your scraps and is super easy to prepare for.
This block it’s called Courthouse Steps. It’s one of my favourites. I have seen gorgeous antique examples of this quilt block which are so inspiring. It. will use any scraps and you will be able to quickly incorporate them into a quilt or table or bed runner. Whatever is your choice, no matter what the scraps.
I have designed this block so that all of the cutting will be very simple and the only thing you will need decide, is whether your fabric is light or dark.
Alternatively, you could be choosing a more specific colour way or it can be super scrappy to use up things you already have. Scrappy is my goal on this occasion.
I have noticed over the years that sometimes with Log Cabin and Courthouse Steps there can be a lot of different sizes of lengths of fabric to measure and cut which means it can be quite confusing. However, this block is incorporating minimal and very definite lengths which are easy to cut and that’s why I have called it the Quickstep Two Four Six Eight Block, because, these are the simple measurements that you will require to make this block. and it is so easy to remember!
Let’s get to it!
Block size 8″ x 8″
Seam allowance one quarter inch 1/4″
Requirements for the Quickstep Two Four Six Eight Block
Centre squares 2″ x 2″
Cut All Strips to 1 1/2″ width.
Light strips – two each of 2″ 4″ and 6″ lengths
Dark strips – two each of 4″ 6″ and 8″ lengths
Making the Quickstep Two Four Six Eight Block
This is a good time to check your seam allowance.
If your strips are cut correctly and your seam allow is consistent at 1/4 inch your blocks will turn out very well. This saves needing to trim the blocks too much or even not at all!
To your 2″ Centre Square sew the 2″ x 1 1/2″ light strips to two opposite sides of the centre Square. This is a good opportunity to chain piece.
Finger or roller press the seam away from the Centre Square.
To the two other sides sew the two 4″ dark strips
Turn the block and sew the two 4″ light strips to the block.
The light strips should be stacked on each other and the dark strips should be stacked on each other..
Finger press as before, turn the block and now stitch the two 6″ dark strips to the dark side strips.
Turn the block and sew the 6″ light strips to the sides.
Finger press the seams and now add the two final 8″ darker strips to the dark side of the block. That’s it! Your block should be 8″ x 8″. Now a nice pressing with the iron and you’ll have a lovely block.
To put the blocks together, alternate the dark to light sides of the blocks as pictured here. Or you can stack them in the same direction which is what I think I will do.
Happy stitching!
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like these related posts.
Weekend Scrappy Half Log Cabin Quilt -Vintage Inspired
Log Cabin Variation – Scrappy Housetop Log Cabin Block Tutorial
© Susan Stuklis 2024
I’ve just come across your site and love the scrapiness of it. I’ve made a bunch of these 2,4,6,8 blocks and find them so much fun to sew, Thank you,
Great idea. But I have a lot of 2.5” strips. So adjusting the pattern to use them.
Another great pattern, I really need to get busy, there are so many patterns of yours that I want to try. Sitting down and getting started is such a problem for me, I feel overwhelmed trying to decide where to start. I have a picnic basket full of strips from the 1960’s that I want to use, but not many light fabrics in the bunch. I still might try this block with those fabrics.
Lovely idea Susie. With the alternate setting you don’t have side seams meeting. A great block to use up all those odd strips in your stash.
We finally have some sunshine in the UK – comes and goes with a sprinkle of rain in between – good for the plants though. Have a good weekend crafting 🙂