Fixer Upper Quilt Block Pattern – Free Tutorial

The Fixer Upper Block, designed by Vanessa Goertzen for Moda’s Block Heads 3 series, is a versatile and beginner-friendly quilt block that celebrates the beauty of building something piece by piece. Much like renovating a home, this block starts with a simple square foundation and grows outward with layers of fabric until it becomes a beautiful, finished design.

This block is available in multiple sizes – 4”, 6”, 8”, and 12” finished – making it perfect for samplers, modern layouts, or even an entire quilt made from repeating blocks. Its clean lines and simple construction allow quilters to play with fabric choices, from bold contrasts to soft blends, creating endless design possibilities.

One of the things that makes the Fixer Upper Block so enjoyable is its balance of simplicity and creativity. Starting with a small square and gradually building outward, each round of fabric feels like adding layers to a house under renovation. This makes the block symbolic as well as functional it represents growth, transformation, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful from simple beginnings. Whether you’re using bold prints, subtle solids, or scraps from your stash, this block adapts easily and gives you plenty of room to experiment with color and design.

Fixer Upper Quilt Block Pattern

Materials Needed

To make the Fixer Upper Block, you’ll need:

  • Fabric scraps or chosen prints (instructions provide measurements for all block sizes)

  • Rotary cutter and quilting ruler

  • Sewing machine with ¼” seam foot

  • Thread and pins

  • Block Sizes Available: 4”, 6”, 8”, or 12” finished


    Cutting Instructions

    Each block starts with a center square (A), framed with rectangles (B & C), and surrounded by corner units (D & E).

    • A: 1 square (size depends on block size chosen)

    • B: 2 rectangles (frame the center square)

    • C: 2 rectangles (add top and bottom borders)

    • D: 48 small squares with diagonal lines drawn (for stitch-and-flip corners)

    • E: 12 squares (paired with D to make stitch-and-flip units)

    (See full cutting chart in the PDF for exact sizes for each block.)

    Step-by-Step Assembly

    1. Center Square – Sew B rectangles to either side of square A. Press seams outward. Add C rectangles to the top and bottom, creating the block’s center.

    2. Stitch-and-Flip Units – Place one small D square on each corner of an E square. Sew along the diagonal line, trim ¼” from seam, and press outward. Repeat for all corners to make 12 units total.

    3. Arrange Units – Lay out the block as shown in the diagram, with the stitched units forming a frame around the center.

    4. Sew Rows – Join pieces into three horizontal rows. Press seams open to reduce bulk.

    5. Assemble Block – Sew rows together to complete the block. Trim to the correct unfinished size:

      • 4 ½” x 4 ½” (4” finished)

      • 6 ½” x 6 ½” (6” finished)

      • 8 ½” x 8 ½” (8” finished)

      • 12 ½” x 12 ½” (12” finished)

    At the end of this post, you’ll find the free PDF pattern with cutting charts, diagrams, and detailed instructions.

    👉 Download the Free Fixer Upper Quilt Block PDF Pattern Here

    The Fixer Upper Block is a wonderful choice for quilters of all levels. It’s simple enough for beginners to master, yet versatile enough to become a favorite building block in larger quilts. By experimenting with fabric choices, you can give this block a modern, scrappy, or traditional look.

    ✨ Whether used in samplers, wall hangings, or full quilts, the Fixer Upper Block is proof that small steps build into something beautiful.

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