Checkerboard Quilt Block Tutorial | A Twist on the Classic

In this video, Bob demonstrates how to make a beautiful checkerboard quilt block using a simple strip-piecing technique. Instead of sewing together individual 2½-inch squares, he shows an easier method by stitching fabric strips together, forming a fabric tube, and then cutting it into smaller sections. He explains how pressing seams in opposite directions helps the pieces nest perfectly when sewing them back together. Bob also walks viewers through deconstructing and reconstructing the strips to create the checkerboard pattern, sharing helpful tips for accuracy and efficiency. The project is beginner-friendly, fast, and produces impressive results with minimal effort.

I call this the Checkerboard, and I have to say, I love it. I didn’t expect to at first—it started as an experiment, but it turned out beautifully. You can make this quilt block entirely from 2½-inch fabric squares, but instead of piecing them together the traditional way, I used a different technique that I’ve really grown to enjoy.

I began by sewing together strips of fabric. I used ten different fabrics from the same collection, Among the Wildflowers II,  all cut into 2½-inch strips. After joining them, it’s very important to press each seam in alternating directions—one row to the left, the next to the right—because that will make everything fit together perfectly later on. My finished piece isn’t a perfect square, just a rectangle, because I didn’t bother with the math on my first try. But if you want a square, multiply 2½ inches by the number of squares you want across (for example, 10 squares wide equals 25 inches). Cut your fabric strips a little longer—about 26 inches—so you can trim and straighten the edges.

Once your strips are joined, the next step is to sew the top and bottom edges together to form a fabric tube. Trim the edges neatly, then cut the tube into 2½-inch strips. This might feel strange at first, but it’s simple once you try it. Next, you’ll deconstruct the tube by seam ripping one seam from each strip, staggering them so each one starts with a different fabric. It only takes a second per strip, and when you lay them out, you’ll see the checkerboard pattern start to appear.

At first, I thought joining all these seams again would be tedious, but it was actually the easiest part. Because the seams were pressed in opposite directions, everything nested together beautifully without bulk. Just line them up, sew your quarter-inch seams, and press them open at the end.

This checkerboard quilt block is simple, quick, and surprisingly fun. I really love how it turned out, and I hope you’ll give it a try. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy it—and as always, happy sewing