Hello Ravelry friends and fellow quilters!  I chose the Rolling Stone quilt block for the sampler we are working on in the Quilters Knitting group on Ravelry. If you are just starting this project, find the details here.  The classic Rolling Stone block is a two color block, but you can add a third color accent, or get scrappy with each section.   

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links.  Read full Disclosure and Privacy policy here.

Ooooh, I just had the thought of making it in a color wheel variation, that might be fun!  But back to business…

Rolling Stone Quilt Block Tutorial

These measurements will make a 12″ finished block.  Notice that the Rolling Stone quilt block uses a 9-patch layout.  Generally, the measurements will work best for multiples of 3 – a 6″ or 9″ block will have “nicer” measurements than an 8″ or 10″ block!  The units that make up the Rolling Stone quilt block are square-in-square (corners), rectangle pairs (sides) and a center square.

Cutting Instructions for the Rolling Stone Quilt Block

For the Square-in-Square corners, cut 4 squares from the main color at 3-3/8″. Cut 8 squares from the background at 2-7/8″, then cut once on the diagonal so you have 16 HST.

Note: In the picture above, I used the third accent color, so I cut 6 squares from the background color and 2 from the accent color.

You can also use the Square-in-a-Square ruler for these units.

For the Center, cut one square at 4-1/2″ from the main color.

For the Rectangle sides, cut  4 from the main color at  4-1/2″ x 2-1/2″, and 4 of either the accent or background at    4-1/2″ x 2-1/2″

*trim all units to 4-1/2″

Assembling your Rolling Stone Quilt Block

Square-in-square units can be tricky.  Sew alternate corners, press, then add remaining corners.  I use a quick finger-press to find the center of both the square and the triangle, then I pin before sewing the seam.

Sew the rectangle pairs together, then lay out the units in a 9-patch arrangement and sew into rows.

Ta-Da!  You are on a roll!!

For more block tutorials, please refer to my post on the Jacob’s Ladder Block.

I also have useful tips for half square triangles and basic 4-patches.